AFSA NEWS 82 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Service Disrupted Webinar Disorganized Diplomacy AFSA’s “Service Disrupted” webinar series returned in September with a State Department–focused discussion on the scale and consequences of recent workforce cuts. Hosted by AFSA Communications and Outreach Director Nikki Gamer, the program featured AFSA President John “Dink” Dinkelman and AFSA State VP Rohit “Ro” Nepal. Dinkelman and Nepal reviewed agency closures and department layoffs from earlier in the year, pointing out the human impact (e.g., abrupt separations, loss of institutional knowledge and language skills), operational effects (e.g., disrupted handovers and “brain drain” in core functions), and the morale challenge for colleagues who remained. Both speakers raised concerns about perceived politicization and cautioned that fear of reprisal may chill frank reporting. The speakers also contrasted what Congress was told about a reorganization with the breadth of positions ultimately affected, including functions far beyond the announced focus areas. Looking ahead, panelists warned of risks to consular readiness, crisis response, and regional expertise if attrition continues. AFSA leaders outlined ongoing actions: litigation related to workforce rights, individual member representation, continued Hill engagement, and public education through AFSA’s AFSA President Speaks at FARNOVA At the September 18 Foreign Affairs Retirees of Northern Virginia (FARNOVA) luncheon in Fairfax, Va., AFSA President John “Dink” Dinkelman thanked members for their support during a time of extraordinary upheaval across foreign affairs agencies. Since March, he noted, USAID has been dismantled, USAGM gutted, and on July 11 the State Department carried out its largest-ever single-day layoff, abruptly dismissing roughly 1,300 employees. “The department targeted entire offices and officers … no matter their tenure, performance, [or] whether they had an onward assignment,” Dinkelman recalled. Dinkelman also told the audience about AFSA’s ongoing fight against a March executive order ending official union activity at State and USAID. With dues deductions halted, AFSA has been working to shift members to direct payment. “Even if you are retired, you can make a difference in the profession to which we all dedicated our lives,” Dinkelman concluded. “AFSA needs you now to show that the Foreign Service is still worth fighting for.” To rejoin AFSA, go to https://afsa.org/stay-with-afsa. n Service Disrupted campaign. The program closed with a call to service and civic engagement. Dinkelman and Nepal encouraged members to share their stories, brief visiting congressional delegations, and help the public understand what diplomats do and why it matters. A recording of the discussion is available on AFSA’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ AFSAtube. n Protecting Members’ Rights On October 10, AFSA’s Office of the General Counsel released information about protecting yourself from overly zealous disciplinary actions by the State Department. To read this guidance, visit https://afsa.org/ recent-afsa-messages. n NEWS BRIEF
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