The Foreign Service Journal, December 2016

68 DECEMBER 2016 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS On Oct. 20, AFSA hosted an Autumn Happy Hour at its headquarters. The festive event brought together new AFSAmembers and old-tim- ers, active-duty and retired, as well as Foreign Service colleagues considering joining the association. In welcoming attendees, AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson encour- aged long-serving members of the Foreign Service to share their experiences and advice with new members. She also talked about AFSA’s 50-state outreach initiative, which aims to “tell the story of the Foreign Service,” encour- aging members to join in this effort. When you speak to schools, colleges or social and busi- ness groups, Amb. Stephenson said, help Americans understand how to answer the ques- tion: “Why does the Foreign Service matter to me?” Amb. Stephenson and several board members joined AFSA staff and approximately 80 members and potential members for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Members of the Foreign Service who have not yet joined AFSA were invited to ask questions about the asso- ciation and its work. Locally Employed staff, members of the larger foreign affairs com- munity and those considering a career in the Foreign Service are most welcome and encouraged to join AFSA as associate members. Write to member@afsa.org for details. Amb. Stephenson asked for a show of hands from attendees about whether people would attend more regular happy hour events at AFSA. The response was a resounding “Yes!” Another happy hour took place on Nov. 17. Watch AFSAnet for details of future events. n —Katherine Perroots Editorial Intern AFSA Hosts Autumn Happy Hour AFSA/GEMMADVORAK AFSA/GEMMADVORAK Attendees at the AFSAAutumn Happy Hour responding to a question fromAFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson. From left: FSJ Editor in Chief Shawn Dorman, FSO Cameron Thomas-Shah, Natasha Pinol and Member Services Director Janet Hedrick at the AFSA Autumn Happy Hour.