AFSA NEWS 70 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL to physical confrontations, harassment, inappropriate comments, and impaired driving (24 State 47470). Be moderate in your alcohol use, especially overseas, especially in public. Never drive when you’ve been drinking. This is true even if the country to which you’re assigned has lax laws or enforcement about drinking and driving. Pay attention to whether and how you’re using alcohol to deal with life stressors. If alcohol is affecting your judgment, health, relationships, or work, seek help before an incident occurs. Social Media and Electronic Communications: Social media is a part of our daily lives. But as a Foreign Service member, keep in mind that any form of communication is governed by social norms and etiquette, and requires good judgment and common sense (21 State 33406, 5 FAM 790 ). Anyone who has ever said something they wish they hadn’t, tried to recall an e-mail sent in haste, or deleted a comment on Facebook understands the impact that the spoken and written word can have in our personal and professional lives. Electronic media, particularly anything put on the internet, presents its own unique perils and challenges. As the saying goes, “What happens on the internet, stays on the internet.” The less you put on social media, or in an email, text, or group chat, the better. Other Issues: Make sure to understand when and when not to use a government credit card. Likewise, be careful when using a government vehicle. We frequently see problems arising with incidental trips, e.g., someone legitimately takes a GOV home but stops along the way to pick up their child. Ensure that before you take sick or annual leave, that leave has actually been approved. Contact OGC Early OGC does not judge members for seeking assistance. Our role is to protect members’ rights, help them understand the process, ensure that they receive due process, and provide the strongest guidance and representation available under the circumstances. Do not avoid contacting us because an allegation is embarrassing or because you regret what occurred. Do not wait until after an interview, a written statement, or a proposed disciplinary action to seek advice. The earlier we become involved, the more effectively we may be able to assist. Members facing an investigation, proposed discipline, a final disciplinary action, or a related security-clearance matter are encouraged to contact OGC at https://bit.ly/ OGCcontact. n —Heather Townsend, AFSA senior grievance counselor Office of the General Counsel Continued from page 69 At its July meeting, the board conducted a review of AFSA’s summer events and discussed new business. At its August meeting, Gross Mendelsohn, AFSA’s auditing partner, presented its annual financial review in place of an audit. See page 72 for more. n 2027 AFSA Governing Board Elections Are Coming Every two years, AFSA members choose who will represent them, and this is your chance to shape the next chapter. The call for nominations for the 2027–2029 AFSA Governing Board is on the horizon, with positions open across every constituency. Serving on the Governing Board means helping steer a multimillion-dollar organization with real influence in Washington, D.C., to secure congressional funding for the Foreign Service, advocate for fair treatment of members, and tell the story of U.S. diplomacy to the public. AFSA does not recruit candidates directly; it depends on members stepping forward. The Committee on Elections encourages nominees from all backgrounds and constituencies, because a diverse board is a stronger board. Full nomination procedures, position descriptions, and key deadlines will be detailed in the January-February Foreign Service Journal and via an upcoming AFSAnet. In the meantime, start thinking about whether this is your moment to lead. Questions can be directed to election@afsa.org. n NEWS BRIEF AFSA Governing Board Meetings, July 15 and August 19, 2026
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