AFSA NEWS 64 MARCH 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Centennial Year in Review AFSA’s centennial year was an opportunity to highlight the histories of the Foreign Service and of AFSA; strengthen alliances; and elevate AFSA’s profile through a blend of events, targeted outreach, and advocacy. AFSA events, including the Centennial Gala at the State Department in May, drew strong attendance and helped us establish new high-profile connections. The AFSA Centennial Honorary Committee included influential figures such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and James Baker, and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, each of whom contributed to The Foreign Service Journal’s May edition and amplifying messages on social media. In April, Director General Marcia Bernicat was the featured guest on the centennial edition of our Inside Diplomacy webinar series, which drew more than 200 attendees, AFSA’s collaborations with the Reagan, Bush, and Nixon presidential libraries, all of which displayed exhibits about the Foreign Service, broadened our outreach. In the fall, AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi hosted a centennial event at the Nixon Library, further expanding centennial awareness of the important work of the Foreign Service. AFSA’s membership activities were designed to strengthen connections within our existing community while attracting new members. AFSA held numerous centennial-themed happy hours throughout the year, including one at the Watergate Hotel. Additionally, AFSA sent a centennialthemed “party-in-a-box” to 30 posts worldwide so they could join in the excitement. AFSA’s centennial content and creative initiatives amplified our message digitally and in the press. For example, The Foreign Service Journal featured a “100 Words for 100 Years” collection and received dozens of responses for its writing competition on the future of the Foreign Service. Additionally, AFSA’s op-ed initiative mobilized retired Foreign Service members to write about the Foreign Service’s critical work, securing placements in 15 publications, including The Hill, the Arizona Daily Star, and the Des Moines Register. In a May episode of the American Diplomat podcast, President Yazdgerdi further highlighted the Foreign Service’s contributions. AFSA also published a newly updated edition of the book The Voice of the Foreign Service: A History of the American Foreign Service Association at 100. AFSA engaged a consultant to lead a targeted social media campaign, including toolkits for congressional and diplomatic influencers. Results exceeded expectations: We achieved 467,000 total impressions (a 1,500 percent increase) and 29,000 total engagements (a 4,000 percent increase). Social media teams from the State Department and members of Congress joined our campaign. AFSA also produced a centennial video that debuted at the gala and developed a landing page with a historical photo gallery, events calendar, and social media toolkit to facilitate continued engagement. Additionally, for the first time ever, AFSA sold diplomacy-themed centennial merchandise like sweatshirts and hats, bringing in nearly $3,000 in funding to AFSA since March. In advocacy news, AFSA successfully supported a provision recognizing the centennial as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 State Department Authorization Act. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), co-chairs of the Foreign Service Caucus, introduced a Foreign Service Day resolution to recognize and honor FS personnel. This resolution passed the full Senate on May 8, 2024. Finally, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) recognized the centennial in a House floor speech on May 22, 2024. There were several other statements recognizing the centennial from members of Congress during committee proceedings in May. AFSA’s centennial year commemorated a historic milestone and set the foundation for future growth by deepening public understanding and support for the Foreign Service. We appreciate our members who shared our social media posts, wrote for the Journal, contacted their congresspeople, bought our merchandise, and more, all in support of our 100th anniversary celebration. n AFSA’s centennial year commemorated a historic milestone and set the foundation for future growth by deepening public understanding and support for the Foreign Service.
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