AFSA/MARK PARKHOMENKO AFSA NEWS 66 MARCH-APRIL 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL War on Labor Unions Webinar On November 20, 2025, AFSA hosted a virtual event examining the accelerating “war on federal labor unions” and its implications for governance, professionalism, and democratic accountability. The discussion brought together labor historian Joseph McCartin, AFSA General Counsel Sharon Papp, and AFGE Deputy General Counsel Thomas Dargan. Together, they traced the evolution of federal labor relations to the present moment. Their discussion illustrated a deliberately bipartisan system designed to ensure stable institutional performance now under sustained pressure. Panelists stressed that federal unions were created not to obstruct management but to strengthen government by protecting professionalism and insulating public servants from politicization. Speakers also warned that the erosion of these protections carries consequences beyond the federal workforce. Weakening collective representation undermines institutional memory, discourages candid advice, and ultimately degrades the quality and continuity of public service on which democratic governance depends. A recording of the event is available at https://www. youtube.com/@AFSAtube. n A Tribute to Ambassador Ruth A. Davis A celebration honoring the late Ambassador Ruth A. Davis was held at AFSA headquarters on November 19, 2025, bringing together colleagues, friends, and foreign affairs community members to reflect on her contributions to U.S. diplomacy and steadfast commitment to strengthening the foreign affairs workforce. The Phoenix Rising Committee, a group dedicated to advancing Ambassador Davis’ vision, organized the event and will lead other initiatives inspired by her life and legacy. Speakers underscored Ambassador Davis’ dedication to investing in aspiring, emerging, and established leaders, while championing equitable access to opportunities, as essential to effective U.S. diplomacy. The committee launched the “Friends of Ambassador Ruth A. Davis” network, designed to attract, train, and mentor the next generation of foreign affairs professionals. It also announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship, providing tuition support for students majoring in international studies at Spelman College, her alma mater. In Spring 2026, the committee will support an inaugural Ambassador Ruth A. Davis Lecture Series. The committee reached its goal to endow the scholarship by late 2025 and will continue to fundraise to support more students. To donate to the fund, visit https://bit.ly/Davis-donation. n From left: Ambassador Pamela Spratlen, Stacy Williams, and Ambassador John Bass at the event on November 19. COURTESY OF PATRICIA SCROGGS AFSA Welcomes New FS Class AFSA hosted an orientation reception on January 28, welcoming nearly 80 new Foreign Service members for drinks, light hors d’oeuvres, and an introduction to the association. The class included generalists, specialists, and Diplomatic Security agents. AFSA President John Dinkelman and Director of Membership and Programs Christine Miele welcomed the group and highlighted AFSA’s role as both a professional association and advocate for the Foreign Service. AFSA Governing Board member Connor Ferry-Smith spoke candidly about earlycareer challenges: “You have the right to mentors and supervisors who will value and develop you, and where you don’t have that, AFSA can step in.” Former Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Greg Starr stressed the practical value of AFSA membership. “For a few dollars every pay period, you buy a hell of a lot of insurance for your career,” he said, urging attendees to view membership as essential professional protection. The evening concluded with an informal reception, allowing new officers to connect with AFSA leadership and one another as they begin their FS careers. AFSA welcomes all new FS members to the community; go to https://afsa.org/ membership to sign up for AFSA membership. n AFSA staff greet new FS members at the January 28, 2026, open house at AFSA HQ.
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