Foreign Service Community Support Offices, Groups, and Organizations

AAFSW's Evacuee Support Network

NEW TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE? START HERE.

• Foreign Service Acronyms and Abbreviations

• Foreign Service Social Media Groups

• TalesMag – Created by expats for expats, Talesmag is your first stop for honest, unbiased insights on your next international relocation.

• Resources for Unexpected Repatriation to the United States
• Diplomats’ Hometowns
• The First Line of Defense – How Diplomats Protect American Security (4-minute video) – A few examples of how diplomats impact the daily lives of Americans. Don’t hesitate to share with your family and friends!
• GCLO – Family Member Employment Overview – A 12-minute video explaining acronyms and options and options for EFMs in and outside the mission.
• Publications and Online Resources – United States Department of State

• Celebrating the 100 years of the Foreign Service, in just four minutes: Youtube video

• Test your knowledge about diplomacy: https://stories.state.gov/diplomacy-terms/

  
  

Podcasts

• FSClips: AAFSW’s Oral History project. Learn more here.
• Partners in Diplomacy: The Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST) and the Una Chapman Cox Foundation bring you “Partners in Diplomacy,” a podcast series exploring the service, sacrifice, and adventure of life as a Foreign Service family member.” Listen to the podcast.
• Available Worldwide: Accompanying spouses and partners of the US Foreign Service share how they have discovered superpowers they never knew they had and found success in unlikely places. Listen to the podcast.

OFFICIAL SUPPORT RESOURCES

• Transition Center (TC), Foreign Service Institute
• Overseas Briefing Center (OBC)
• Office of Overseas Schools (OOS)
• Office of Allowances - Supplementary Instruction: The purpose of Supplementary Instruction is to provide dependent children the opportunity to take courses not offered at the school at post but customarily offered in U.S. public schools.
• OBC Guide: “Foreign Service Assignment Notebook: What Do I Do Now?”
• Medical Services (MED)
• Global Community Liaison Office
• Foreign Service Acronyms and Abbreviations: Helpful acronyms and abbreviations to help you navigate life at post.

INDEPENDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES

GENERAL NON -PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE FOREIGN SERVICE

• American Foreign Service Association (AFSA): The professional association for Foreign Service employees.

• American Academy of Diplomacy (AAD) - AAD is an independent, non-profit association of former senior U.S. ambassadors and high-level government officials whose mission is to strengthen American diplomacy.
•  American Diplomacy - An online publication with articles about international issues and in support of the American Foreign Service.
• Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW): Volunteer community association for all members of the Foreign Affairs community, including spouses/partners, employees (FS and CS), retirees, divorced/widowed employees or spouses.
• Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST): ADST is a non-profit organization that encourages the study of American diplomacy to enhance the knowledge of U.S. diplomats. In addition to their Foreign Affairs Oral History program and podcasts, ADST assists with research activities, educational material, exhibits, workshops, and publications relevant to U.S. foreign relations and the conduct of diplomacy. It has physical offices at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington (FSI).
• DACOR: An Association of Foreign Affairs Professionals, formerly stood for Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired; provides speaker events, lunches, networking, scholarships; operates DACOR Bacon House.
•  Federal Employee Emergency Assistance Fund (FEEA) - Nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial assistance loans and scholarships to federal employees and their families.
• Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF)
• Military OneSource from the Defense Department is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources, and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive. Call anytime at 800-342-9647.
• National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) - Museum and education center dedicated to U.S. diplomacy. Attached to the Harry S Truman Department of State building.

• Tales from a Small Planet - Talesmag is your first stop for honest, unbiased insights on your next international relocation. With reports from 350+ cities worldwide, our community shares first-hand experiences about their current city or school — helping you choose or settle in with confidence.

• The Una Chapman Cox Foundation - An organization that supports recruitment, professional development, and public awareness concerning the U.S. Foreign Service.

SPECIALIZED ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFINITY GROUPS

• Diplomatic Security Foundation (DSF)
• Diplomatic Security Special Agents Association (DSSAA)
• GLIFAA: Formerly stood for Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, serves LGBT+ and allies.
• International Career Advancement Program

Other Affinity Groups: Networks formed around a shared interest or background.

• Senior Living Foundation: Support for elderly Foreign Service community members in need.
• The Council for Career Entry Professionals (CCEP)
• Thursday Luncheon Group (TLG): Aimed at increasing the involvement of African Americans and other minorities in foreign policy.
• USAID Alumni Group

For more affinity groups see our social media page.

PODCASTS

• FSClips: AAFSW’s Oral History project. Learn more here.
• Partners in Diplomacy: The Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST) and the Una Chapman Cox Foundation bring you “Partners in Diplomacy,” a podcast series exploring the service, sacrifice, and adventure of life as a Foreign Service family member”. Listen to the podcast.
• Available Worldwide: Accompanying spouses and partners of the US Foreign Service share how they have discovered superpowers they never knew they had and found success in unlikely places. Listen to the podcast.