The Foreign Service Journal, March 2016

80 MARCH 2016 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS AFSA President Ambas- sador Barbara Stephenson welcomed the Federal Postal Coalition to AFSA headquar- ters on Dec. 7 for the group’s annual end-of-year meeting. The gathering was part of the association’s ongo- ing efforts to leverage its resources and amplify its advocacy message by partnering with groups representing fellow federal employees. FPC is comprised of 31 national organizations that collectively represent five million middle-class federal and postal workers and retirees. Immediately prior to the gathering, Amb. Stephenson held a private meeting with representatives from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Associa- tion—also an FPC member. During this discussion, Ste- phenson’s first with NARFE President Richard Thissen since taking office, the two resolved to continue close collaboration on issues where there is common cause (e.g., paid parental leave and pensions and retirement benefits). NARFE excels at protect- ing the benefits available to all federal employees. By partnering with NARFE and other similar groups, AFSA is better able to focus its advocacy efforts on issues specific to the Foreign Ser- vice. n —Maria C. Livingston, Associate Editor AFSA/MARIAC.LIVINGSTON AFSA representatives presented NARFE President Richard Thissen with an AFSA coin in appreciation for his organization’s steadfast support of federal employees. From left: AFSA Director of Advocacy Javier Cuebas, AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, Thissen, NARFE Legislative Director Jessica Klement and AFSA Executive Director Ian Houston. Amb. Stephenson opened the Dec. 7 Federal-Postal Coalition meeting by welcoming the group to AFSA headquarters and expressing hope for further productive engagement and collective achievements in 2016. Stephenson and FPC Chairman Alan Lopatin enjoy a light moment during the meeting. Power in Numbers: Coalition Collaboration AFSA/MARIAC.LIVINGSTON