AFSA NEWS AFSA NEWSTHE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2025 59 New AFSA Governing Board Takes Office The 2025–2027 AFSA Governing Board convened for its first meeting on July 16 at AFSA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The incoming board is led by newly elected AFSA President John Dinkelman, a retired Foreign Service officer with nearly four decades of service. Continued on page 76 Reductions in Force at State Current and former State Department employees, colleagues, and supporters gather outside the Harry S Truman Building on July 11 for a solidarity “clap out” honoring those affected by sweeping layoffs. AFSA/HANNAH HARARI On Friday, July 11, the State Department carried out sweeping layoffs as part of a controversial reorganization plan, terminating 1,353 employees—1,107 Civil Service and 246 Foreign Service—through a reduction in force (RIF). The move is part of the Trump administration’s effort to shrink the department’s domestic workforce by roughly 15 percent and restructure or close dozens of offices, including many focused on refugees, human rights, and foreign assistance. AFSA has opposed the move since the department first floated the idea on the grounds that the rules for properly carrying out a RIF were changed in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) without consultation. CALENDAR Please check afsa.org/events for the most up-to-date information. September 17 12-1:30 p.m. AFSA Governing Board Meeting September 26 6:45-9:45 p.m. Foreign Service Night at Nationals Park October 1 4-6 p.m. AFSA Awards Ceremony October 13 Indigenous Peoples’ Day AFSA Offices Closed October 15 12-1:30 p.m. AFSA Governing Board Meeting A “clap out” ceremony was held in front of the State Department building on July 11 to honor the service of those departing. RIFed employees were notified by email, and given only a few hours to clear out as well as turn in their badges and equipment. AFSA stood in solidarity with affected colleagues. That same day, AFSA hosted an all-day open house, with staff on hand to provide support, answer questions, and offer individual counseling to employees affected by the RIF. In a public statement released July 11, AFSA condemned the layoffs. “Losing more diplomatic The 2025-2027 Governing Board met for the first time on July 16 at AFSA HQ. AFSA/MARK PARKHOMENKO Continued on page 61
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