The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2019

60 JULY-AUGUST 2019 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA Rolls Out Economic Diplomacy Animated Video As part of our ongoing Economic Diplomacy Works initia- tive, intended to connect the work of the U.S. Foreign Service with the economic concerns of Americans at home, AFSA recently released a promotional video, “Economic Diplomacy: What Diplomats Do and Why It Matters.” The short original anima- tion, which premiered May 2 during pre–Foreign Service Day activities at AFSA, is now posted on the AFSA website and accessible on our You- Tube channel, AFSAtube. The Una Chapman Cox Founda- tion provided funding for the video, which AFSA produced in collaboration with Next Day Animations. When most Americans think of our country’s global leadership role, they focus on military power. This video invites them to consider the wider presence of the U.S. Foreign Service in 277 embassies and consulates. With 95 percent of potential markets for American goods and services located outside our borders, the work U.S. diplomats do to help Ameri- can businesses succeed overseas promotes prosper- ity back home. By encapsulating aspects of Foreign Service work overseas, the video aims to increase general aware- ness of U.S. diplomacy. It emphasizes American public support for strong U.S. global leadership, noting that diplomats are valued by U.S. businesses for their work to promote prosperity and by military leaders as partners in protecting security. AFSA invites you to show the video during engage- ments with local audiences. It could help launch a discus- sion of Foreign Service economic work with local business groups, or serve as a scene-setter for a speaker’s personal narrative with stu- dent groups. AFSA has developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions and other materi- als—available at www.afsa. org/outreach-resources- speakers—to help speakers incorporate this video into their presentations. n Still shot from AFSA’s “Economic Diplomacy” video. AFSA NEWS MOV I NG? AAFSW NEEDS YOUR BOOKS AND OTHER DONAT I ONS NEWS BRIEF AAFSW is collecting used books, international art, crafts, textiles, jewelry, stamps and coins now through August in preparation for the Art & Book Fair in October. Proceeds from the association’s book store and from the Art & Book Fair go to a number of worthy causes in the foreign affairs community, including scholarships for Foreign Service students and contributions to the Foreign Service Youth Foundation. Donations are tax deductible. To schedule a pick-up or drop-off, call (202) 223-5796 or email bookroom@aafsw.org. Find out more about the Book Fair at www.aafsw.org/activities/art-book-fair. n