The Foreign Service Journal, March 2012

M A R C H 2 0 1 2 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 55 ANNUAL REPORT American Foreign Service Association 2011 A F S A N E W S Benefits of AFSA Membership Labor Management Relations: AFSA negotiates the regulations affecting employees’ careers. We work to make the Foreign Service a better place in which to work, live and raise a family. Our network of AFSA post repre- sentatives provides on-site assistance to overseas mem- bers. Legal Services: We offer free legal advice and rep- resentation on employment issues, including security and OIG investigations, discipline cases and security clearance proceedings. Congressional Advocacy: AFSA is your advocate before Congress on issues affecting the careers of active- duty members and the annuities of retired members. Ombudsman: We work to resolve member problems with pay, allowances, claims, annuities, health care and many other issues. Voice of the Foreign Service: As the professional association of the Foreign Service since 1924, AFSA works to strengthen our profession and is ever vigilant for threats to the career Foreign Service. Grievance Representation: AFSA’s legal staff pro- vides hands-on assistance with grievance proceedings when your rights are violated. Outreach: AFSA communicates the views of the For- eign Service on professional issues to the news media and directly to the general public. Foreign Service Journal: Our monthly magazine of- fers provocative articles that will keep you current on de- velopments in the foreign affairs profession. AFSA News: AFSA’s monthly newsletter, inside the Foreign Service Journal , highlights issues affecting your daily life. AFSA Web Site: Our online member area includes a member directory and member forums. AFSAnet: Regular e-mail updates keep you current on issues of importance to the Foreign Service community. Insurance Programs: You can choose among com- petitively priced insurance programs designed for the For- eign Service community, including professional liability, long-term care, accident, dental and personal property/ transit. AFSA Scholarships: Approximately 100 merit-based and financial-need scholarships are granted every year to Foreign Service family members. Since 1926, AFSA has awarded nearly $5,000,000 in scholarships. AFSA Awards: This unique program honors con- structive dissent and outstanding performance. AFSA Newsletter for Retirees and Members in Transition: A bimonthly newsletter for retirees and those considering retirement. Directory of Retired Members: This invaluable an- nual listing, by state, of contact information for retired members is provided to all retired AFSA members. Discounts: AFSA members are eligible for special discounts on subscriptions to major foreign affairs jour- nals. AFSA is also very pleased to have a new partnership with Zipcar, the world’s largest car-sharing and car club service. Members receive a significant reduction in an- nual fees and hourly rates. Esprit de Corps: We work to build a sense of com- mon cause and professional pride among all Foreign Serv- ice members: active-duty and retired; generalists and specialists; entry-level, mid-level and senior. AFSA Memorial Plaques: Established in 1933, and maintained by AFSA, these plaques in the Truman Build- ing lobby honor members of the Foreign Service who lost their lives overseas in the line of duty. DONNA AYERST AFSA Staff Attorney Andrew Large (2nd from left) dis- cusses benefits of AFSA membership with recently-hired Foreign Service Specialists at an AFSA luncheon in May. DONNA AYERST AFSA Member Services Director Janet Hedrick explains how to fill out the AFSA membership forms.