The Foreign Service Journal, December 2005

H appy holidays! As we all take stock of this year and look forward to 2006, I’d like to issue my periodic invitation to avail yourselves of the many opportunities to contribute to the Journal . In that regard, let me thank those of you who responded to AFSA’s recent online survey of active-duty State members, which contained a number of ques- tions referencing the Journal (some indirectly). Approximately 2,000 members, nearly a quarter of the State contingent, responded to the survey, a remarkably high response rate. Of those, about 400 respon- dents offered written comments and suggestions about the magazine’s cov- erage, readability, etc. While they varied considerably in subject matter, level of detail and tone, one theme was dominant: a real hunger for “news you can use” — e.g., information about how to advance your career; tips on dealing effectively with the bureaucracy at State and the other foreign affairs agencies, especially when you are trying to resolve a problem; and updates on how AFSA is working to improve working and living condi- tions for Foreign Service employees and their families. Much of that cov- erage is found, of course, within the pages of AFSA News. But another place to look is in our relatively new FS Know-How department, which ran four times this year — three of them by AFSA members sharing the hard-won benefits of their own expe- riences. We welcome contributions on topics ranging from managing one’s career and cutting red tape to parlaying one’s professional skills in retirement, as well as financial infor- mation and guidance for Foreign Service personnel. There are many other ways you can contribute to our pages, of course. The Speaking Out depart- ment is your forum to advocate poli- cy, regulatory or statutory changes to the Foreign Service. These columns (approximately 1,500 words long) can be based on personal experience with an injustice or offer your insights into a foreign affairs-related issue. Focus Topics Each issue of the Journal features a focus section examining various facets of an issue related to the Foreign Service or international rela- tions. We commission most of the articles for these sections from dif- ferent sources, but warmly welcome contributions (2,000-3,000 words is the usual range, though shorter sub- missions are also accepted) from FS personnel who are familiar with these issues. On the facing page you will find a list of the focus topics our Editorial Board has identified for the coming year (subject, of course, to revision). As you can see, most of these themes relate directly to Foreign Service professional and lifestyle issues, so I hope many of you will consider sharing your insights and expertise with your colleagues. Please note that because of our lead time for publication, and the require- ment for Editorial Board approval, we need to receive submissions at least two months (and preferably longer) prior to the issue’s release date. Thus, we have already lined up authors for the January and February issues, but there is still time to sub- mit manuscripts for later months. If those choices don’t grab you, or if you feel we have not devoted enough space to a professional con- cern or functional issue, please con- sider writing a feature article (gen- erally 2,000-3,000 words long) about it for us. While we are continuing our annual fiction contest (now begin- ning its second decade, by the way), based on your input, we have decid- ed not to devote a summer issue to it this year. Instead, we will publish the 10 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5 L ETTER FROM THE E DITOR B Y S TEVEN A LAN H ONLEY There are many ways you can share your insights in our pages. Let us hear from you. w