The Foreign Service Journal, March 2013

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2013 65 2012 AFSA ANNUAL REPORT AFSA NEWS Labor Management Relations : AFSA negotiates the regu- lations 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 reps provides on-site assistance to overseas members. Congressional Advocacy : AFSA is your advocate before Con- gress on issues affecting the careers of active 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 provides hands- on assistance with grievance proceedings when your rights are violated. Outreach : AFSA communicates the views of the Foreign Ser- vice on professional issues to the news media and directly to the general public. The Foreign Service Journal: Our recently redesigned monthly magazine offers provocative articles that will keep you current on developments in the foreign affairs profession. The AFSA News section highlights issues affecting your daily life. Legal Services : We offer free legal advice and representation on employment issues, including security and Office of the Inspector General investigations. Insurance programs : You can chose among competitively priced insurance programs designed for the Foreign Service community, including professional liability insurance, accident and personal property/transit. AFSA Scholarships : AFSA grants approximately 100 merit and financial need scholarships a year to Foreign Service fam- ily members. AFSA Awards : Our unique awards program honors construc- tive dissent and outstanding performance. AFSA Web Site : We provide online resources including a member directory and guidance on a range of useful topics for foreign affairs professionals. AFSA members are eligible for valuable discounts for: Zip- car, Ford’s Theater and Brooks Brothers, as well as subscrip- tions to major foreign affairs journals. Esprit de Corps : AFSA works to build a sense of common cause and professional pride between all Foreign Service members—active-duty and retired; officers and specialists; entry-level, mid-level and senior. n Benefits of AFSA Membership