The Foreign Service Journal, March 2011

28 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 1 1 Speakers Program One of AFSA’s most effective outreach elements is our Speakers Program, which in 2010 arranged for Foreign Service speakers to explain the critical importance of U.S. diplomacy to more than 31,000 professional and academic attendees in 41 states and Washington, D.C. AFSA’s speaker corps comprises more than 480 retired Foreign Service officers, including 80 former ambassadors, most still actively involved in international affairs as teachers, authors, businesspeople and consultants. Drawing on their personal experiences and historical perspectives, they offer audiences an opportunity to ex- plore the complex international order that has replaced the Cold War, as well as to reflect on the evolving role of the Foreign Service in the face of chal- lenges like global terrorism. Audiences ranged from world affairs councils and universities to community-service organ- izations, town meetings, adult education and high school classes. Among the best programs was one given by retired FSO and China-expert Douglas Spelman, who lucidly explained the diverse challenges involved in doing business with China to an audience of academics and re- gional corporate representatives at the University of South Florida’s business school in Tampa. Spelman addressed some five faculties at USF as part of a pilot series aimed at reaching out to institutions in major U.S. cities that might consider partnerships with AFSA. Speakers addressed numerous other topics, highlight- ing the vital role the Foreign Service plays in advancing America’s security and economic interests around the globe. They also spotlighted AFSA’s book, Inside a U.S Embassy , and encouraged audience members to contact their congressional representatives to request increased funding for U.S. diplomatic readiness. Media AFSA also expanded its media push in 2010, preparing a record 44 press releases for major outlets nationwide. We also placed, either directly or through AFSA retirees, 34 letters to the editor, op-eds, fact sheets and articles ad- vocating increased public and congressional support for U.S. diplomacy in media entities including the Washington Post , Los Angeles Times , Government Executive , Federal Times , Associated Press, NPR and CNN. A highlight was arranging media coverage for AFSA’s annual Memorial Plaque Ceremony held at the State De- partment, which resulted in heavy network-TV coverage and in-depth treatment via some 20 outlets nationwide. AFSA officials also took part in frequent interviews re- garding core AFSA issues with the more than 35 diplo- matic correspondents attached to the State Department, as well as with writers and bureau chiefs of other national media based in Washington, D.C. Road Scholar AFSA’s longstanding collaboration with the national El- derhostel organization continued in 2010 under the new program name Road Scholar. Seven programs were of- fered in Washington, D.C., providing a look at foreign policy through the eyes of the Foreign Service. In addition, three programs took place in Chautauqua, N.Y.; two were held in St. Petersburg, Fla.; and one in Tucson, Ariz. The com- bined audience at these programs ex- ceeded 700. Retired FSO Bernie Alter is the administrator of these programs for AFSA. These outreach programs have promoted three impor- tant AFSA goals: broadening the Foreign Service con- stituency through outreach to the public, enhancing public awareness of global affairs and of the key role of the For- eign Service and diplomacy, and involving the AFSA re- tired constituency in significant programs which draw on their background and skills in telling our story to audiences nationwide. ANNUAL REPORT American Foreign Service Association 2010 The story of the Foreign Service reached more Americans in 2010 than ever before. Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., right, listens as Andrea Mitchell frames a question at AFSA HQ on June 15. Michael Laiacona