THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MAY-JUNE 2026 63 AFSA NEWS The findings are stark. An overwhelming majority of respondents reported that recent workplace changes had undermined their ability to advance U.S. diplomatic priorities. Nearly all reported poor morale. Almost one in three had considered leaving the Service altogether. The report quickly drew national media attention, from The New York Times, NPR, CNN, and others, and sparked conversations well beyond Washington, including an interview with former Ambassador George Kent on Iowa Public Radio. It gave voice to what many had been feeling privately and transformed that anxiety into a shared, evidence-based public narrative. On February 10, AFSA hosted another webinar, “Do Diplomacy and Development Have a PR Problem?” Panelists argued that a “culture of invisibility” surrounding diploAFSA Member Meetup Approximately 80 members gathered at AFSA headquarters on February 25 for an evening event offering colleagues an opportunity to connect and strengthen community ties. AFSA President John Dinkelman delivered brief remarks, reflecting on the importance of solidarity and engagement during a period of significant change for the Foreign Service. He thanked members for their continued support of AFSA’s advocacy efforts and encouraged ongoing participation in association programs and events. The event was generously sponsored by the State Department Federal Credit Union. AFSA extends its sincere appreciation for their partnership and commitment to the Foreign Service community. n macy and development has left many Americans unaware of the impact of U.S. engagement overseas. (See page 68 for more.) On February 27, hundreds of former USAID employees, contractors, alumni, and supporters gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., to mark one year since the agency’s dismantling and the dismissal of most of its workforce. Organized by a coalition of groups including AFGE Local 1534, AFSA, and the USAID Alumni Association, the rally honored the tens of thousands of development professionals whose careers were abruptly disrupted in early 2025. AFSA President John Dinkelman addressed the crowd, praising the resilience of the development community and reaffirming AFSA’s commitment to defending the Foreign Service community. (See photos from the rally on page 64.) “We have not and will not give in to the narrative that USAID is finished. I am inspired every day by the strength shown by this amazing group of people,” Dinkelman told the crowd. Beyond its events, reports, and public programs, the Service Disrupted campaign has also helped build networks of cooperation among unions, advocacy groups, legal partners, and civil society organizations working to defend federal service and protect the rulebound integrity of government institutions. AFSA’s work with other labor allies, alongside public-interest law organizations and outside counsel, has strengthened its legal posture and its ability to communicate these issues to a broader audience. The campaign’s digital presence and communications infrastructure continue to evolve. The dedicated Service Disrupted newsletter has become a source of timely updates for members and supporters. AFSA also plans to expand the campaign’s visibility through branded merchandise and additional outreach tools designed to reinforce solidarity and spark conversation. “The goal has never been simply to respond to disruption but to strengthen the community around the Foreign Service,” Gamer said. “By connecting people, sharing information, and documenting what’s happening, we’re helping ensure that the profession emerges from this period stronger and more visible than ever before.” All webinar recordings are available at https://www. youtube.com/@AFSAtube. n Read the Latest Press Releases As the Foreign Service navigates an unprecedented period of change, AFSA has been a consistent voice for its members. Recent statements from the AFSA press center have addressed conflicts abroad, sweeping State Department reforms, and the treatment of the Foreign Service workforce at home. From condemning attacks on former ambassadors to pushing back on policy changes, AFSA is tracking the issues that matter most to members. Read all official statements at https://afsa.org/ press. n NEWS BRIEF
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