AFSA NEWS 54 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi and State Vice President Tina Wong met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on November 21 and thanked him for his support of the Foreign Service and his leadership of the State Department. The meeting was the last of a regular series of meetings between AFSA and the Secretary to discuss issues of concern to Foreign Service members. AFSA looks forward to meeting with the incoming Secretary for the next administration in 2025. n AFSA Governing Board Meeting, October 15, 2024 The board accepted the resignation of USAGM representative Steve Herman, effective Oct. 31, 2024. The board agreed to appoint Gunter “Eric” Schwabe to serve as USAGM representative on the Governing Board, effective Nov. 1, 2024. The board agreed to appoint Steve Herman to serve on the Committee on Elections, effective Nov. 1, 2024. The board approved the list of 10 individuals to receive the 2024 Matilda W. Sinclaire Awards (see page 72). The board agreed to adopt a revised investment policy statement. The board agreed to include an increase in dues of 2.4 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2025, in the FY25 budget that was voted on (see page 72). The board agreed to a provisional 2.5 percent COLA-linked staff salary adjustment in the AFSA FY25 budget. n 2025 High School Essay Contest AFSA has launched its 2025 National High School Essay Contest, focusing on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. This annual competition challenges students to examine American diplomacy’s role in shaping international relations. The winner receives a full scholarship to a Semester at Sea and a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. officials at the State Department. “This contest is a unique opportunity for young Americans to become familiar with the vital work of the U.S. Foreign Service as they reflect on a pivotal moment in our diplomatic history,” said AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi. Open to all eligible U.S. high school students (excluding children of Foreign Service or AFSA employees), the contest represents AFSA’s commitment to fostering understanding of diplomatic service among the next generation. Full contest details can be found on AFSA’s website at https://afsa.org/essay-contest. n NEWS BRIEF (From left) AFSA State Vice President Tina Wong, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
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