The Foreign Service Journal, September 2019

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2019 55 FCS VP VOICE | BY JAY CARREIRO AFSA NEWS Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA USAID VP. Contact: jay.carreiro@trade.gov Navigating the Challenges Ahead I want to thank outgoing FCS Vice President Dan Crocker for representing our interests at AFSA since 2017 and for organizing a smooth suc- cession. I am both honored and excited to be your next representative on the AFSA Governing Board, and I intend to continue the excel- lent work Dan has done these past two years. As you all know, we face some significant headwinds as an organization. The next two years promise to be challenging, and funding will be tight. My top priorities will be transparency with respect to spending and resource allocation at all levels within the Commerce Department, vigorous congressional out- reach, and ensuring that our organization works to provide the support you and your families need. The continuing stream of proposals we’ve seen to close significant numbers of overseas posts and domestic field offices is at odds with the administration’s desire to enforce trade obligations and, above all, create jobs in the United States. The Commercial Service has a unique global and domestic footprint and an unrivaled culture of client- based, outcome-oriented assistance. We help tens of thousands of U.S. companies each year compete success- fully in foreign markets, and we’ve got the metrics to prove it. We need to do a better job, however, of letting members of Congress know what we do for their constituents so we can rally their support for much-needed resources. Our work contributes $193 to the U.S. economy for every dollar of taxpayer money spent. In very basic terms, our work has a real impact. Finally, while we have some of the most challeng- ing and rewarding jobs in government, the sacrifices we often have to make to live and work overseas on behalf of our country are frequently overlooked. From security to medical clearances, reas- signments to home leave, proper expectations should be established. And those expectations should be met. AFSA can, and should, play a role in ensuring that the mechanics of life in the Foreign Service work for everyone. Your feedback will guide much of what I do, and I will do my part to advance your interests and ensure that our organization pro- vides the support we need to perform at our best. I look forward to hear- ing from you. When you’re in Washington, please don’t hesitate to stop by. n Our work contributes $193 to the U.S. economy for every dollar of taxpayer money spent. AFSA Supports Diplomacy at USGLC Event Outgoing AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Ste- phenson represented AFSA at the U.S. Global Leader- ship Coalition State Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., June 17-18. The conference featured foreign policy briefings and meetings with members of Congress. More than 600 USGLC state leaders attended the conference to make the case about the dangers of the United States pulling back from the world. “Abraham Lincoln dreamt of a time and place when America would again be seen as the last best hope of Earth,” Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) told conference-goers. “The only way we make that dream a reality is mak- ing your voices heard about why diplomacy matters, about why our engagement in the rest of the world mat- ters. If we do that, I believe our world will be a safer, bet- ter, more peaceful place.” n Then AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson (right) speaks at the 2019 USGLC State Leaders Summit. To her right is USGLC President Liz Schrayer. SCREENCAPTURE