“’Don't be a free rider.’ That's what one of my Foreign Service colleagues told me when I was a young FSO, wondering whether I could save a few bucks by canceling my membership. He reminded me of all the important ways that AFSA supports, represents, and defends our community collectively—and many of us individually.

About thirty years later, during the first impeachment hearings, I was one of those individuals. It turns out that my monthly dues were among the best investments I've ever made. That's a dramatic example and I hope nothing like that ever happens to you. It probably won't. But whether it's reading the AFSA Media Digest (a must-read for me), getting personnel advice (I've sought AFSA counsel as both boss and subordinate), or — right now — getting up-to-date info on the latest personnel changes, as well as networking, interviewing, and career advice, AFSA earns your monthly dues. Not to mention the multiple court cases AFSA is prosecuting and winning on our behalf.

Just as AFSA is always there for us, we need to be there for AFSA during this critical time. Act now. Move your AFSA membership dues to direct payments, today.”

“From the very beginning of USAID's dismantling, AFSA has been standing up for all of us. Above and beyond defending our rights and pushing back against what would have been a completely chaotic global recall of FSOs and PSCs, AFSA has had to defend their own right to exist... and has done so in a way that has clearly articulated the details of our dismantling to the public at a time when so much of the Agency's communications and outreach has been taken off line.

Our VP, Randy Chester, has also played a critical role in telling our story to the world when few others have been able or have dared to do so. And the union has also tirelessly engaged USAID and State leadership to fight for our benefits and rights.

AFSA has also played a critical role in keeping its members informed. The weekly town halls have been an invaluable source of information at a time when we were otherwise not getting updates from leadership for weeks at a time. Randy and Chris Saenger's willingness to hold weekly check-ins with all of us, share updates and answer questions has been one of the few predictable places of normalcy at a time of chaos and dysfunction.

I've been an AFSA member for 18 years. I've never been prouder or more grateful for this union than I am right now.”

“As members of the U.S. Foreign Service, we are committed to upholding the principles of our Constitution—including the essential concept of checks and balances. AFSA is the embodiment of that principle within our profession. At a time when the Foreign Service is facing unprecedented challenges, AFSA is the institutional safeguard—our collective check against overreach, injustice, and indifference.”

“Make no mistake: This administration's intent is to kill AFSA and federal unions in general. And frankly to kill the career Foreign Service along with other federal career services. We cannot let this happen. Not on our watch. AFSA is in a solid financial position if its members respond to this campaign. In unity, there is strength. Please act today.”

“I urge all members to do what I did: Switch your AFSA dues to direct payments. Now more than ever, we need to show our support in action. They’ve been there for us for over 100 years. Let’s be there for them.“

“Over the past few months, AFSA has provided critical information and support - including through the AFSA Legal Fund. I'm particularly grateful for our USAID reps' ongoing advocacy, outreach, and encouragement in these tough times. Switching my membership to direct payment was an easy decision - AFSA is doing good work and I want to be part of continuing to make it possible.”