The Foreign Service Journal, March 2005

in the Mission Program Plan process. We can be sure that reporting is reflected in the MPP, in our tactics and in our position requests. For example, the Kiev economic growth goal paper includes this objective: “Provide reporting, analy- sis and recommendations to Wash- ington policy-makers that provide context for, and support the develop- ment of, effective U.S. economic policy advocacy and assistance. (EXEC, ECON, POL, FCS, FAS, AID)” By our own attitudes and actions, we can nurture a culture that values reporting. To make sure that our reporting is relevant, we should keep in close contact with our readers and respond to their needs. For the world to understand us, we need to understand the world. That is, after all, one reason that we are on the ground in over 200 posts around the world, large and small. We are developing that understand- ing, but it is most valuable when shared — and reporting is how we share. n Necia Quast, an FSO since 1985, has served in Georgetown, East Berlin, Lusaka, Bishkek, New Delhi and Washington, D.C. She is currently economic counselor in Kiev. 16 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / M A R C H 2 0 0 5 S P E A K I N G O U T u To make sure that our reporting is relevant, we should keep in close contact with our readers and respond to their needs. 2400 Virginia Ave., N.W Washington, D.C., 20037 Tel: (202) 293-2000 E-mail: leasingoffice@columbiaplaza.net Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 AM-5:30 PM Sat 10:00 AM-4:00 PM 24 Hour Front Desk Garage Parking Avaliable Controlled Access Potomac River Views Minutes to Fine Dining Newly Renovated Kitchens Directly across the street from Main State, minutes to Kennedy Center and Georgetown Beautiful and Spacious: Efficiency$1,100 - $1,250 1 Bedroom 1,400 - 1,700 2 Bedroom 2,100 - 2,700 Utilities Included Complimentary Voice Mail Courtyard Style Plaza Polished Hardwood Floors Private Balconies Huge Walk-in Closets Capital Living With Comfort and Convenience 24 Hour Fitness Center columbia plaza apartments