I am pleased to share Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent, Ambassador Bernicat’s remarks with our members, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and attendees at the opening of the 2024 Art and BookFair on October 11, 2024. We were thrilled to see such a successful and well-attended event.
AAFSW’s Art and BookFair volunteers are all grateful for Ambassador Bernicat's staunch support and dedication to this event. Her unwavering commitment has been instrumental in making this fair a remarkable success.
Thank you for having taken the time to come and support the 2024 Art and BookFair!
Celine Ford, AAFSW President
Read on for Director Bernicat's remarks:
Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today! It is a highlight of my week to stand before such a dedicated group of individuals.
Before we go any further, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable group of volunteers supporting the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide – affectionately known as the AAFSW. The Art & BookFair we see today is not just a singular event. This is simply another example of countless hours of hard work, commitment, and a strong belief in the important work that this amazing group of volunteers does.
And a very special thank you to Deborah Schneider, Steven Polson, and Tina Parisi for leading on this effort.
To all of you who contribute your time – whether it is at the BookFair, accepting donations, sorting, counting, organizing, logistics, helping patrons, and beyond – thank you, thank you, thank you. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.
It is also essential to recognize the important work that AAFSW does for the State Department – for the people of the State Department – for you and me. Since 1960, this group of volunteers has been steadfast in their dedication to supporting U.S. Foreign Affairs, Civil Service employees, and their families.
We are all likely familiar that the landscape of the foreign service is unique, filled with countless rewards, but also, at times, challenges. Your dedication and volunteerism plays a role in assisting many members through the good times, and also in navigating the more difficult times and helps to shape our experiences as individuals, and as a community.
This brings me to an equally important aspect of our community – our families. They are the backbone of the Foreign Service, providing the support and stability that allow us to carry out our duties effectively.
Families face unique hurdles, adjusting to new places and new faces, relocations, and dealing with the emotional aspects of being away from home.
AAFSW understands these challenges and works to support families through a variety of programs and initiatives throughout the whole year.
For those in the audience who might not yet be completely aware, I’mI am going to tell you about a few of the things they do – but I urge you to go to their website and talk to their members to learn the breadth of what they do.
AAFSW’s advocacy was instrumental in the creation of the Family Liaison Office which is now the Global Community Liaison Office. Now, as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent Management at the State Department – GCLO is near and dear to my heart. But, as a career member of the foreign service, they have played a role in every single post I have ever had the honor of serving in my over 40 years of diplomatic service. GCLO ensures that we, as a community, feel connected and valued.
In addition, AAFSW also started a Family Crisis Fund. And anytime we are dealing with delicate matters such as family separation and divorce, there are challenges.
The crisis fund provides financial support to foreign affairs spouses during these difficult times by providing a safety net that helps families focus on recovery during challenging transitions. Knowing that there is support makes a huge impact in decision making and can make all the difference in the world to those who need it.
In 2016, FSHub was created and launched as a searchable gateway to Foreign Service resources. This innovative tool connects employees and families with critical information with easy access. We live in a world where information comes at us a million miles a minute and can often be overwhelming. Knowing there is a dedicated platform like the FSHub allows informative decision making, which can, in turn, assist in transitions.
AAFSW, in their commitment to youth, provides merit scholarships for foreign affairs youth AND contributes to AFSA’s financial aid awards for college education. Investing in the next generation is not just important – it is essential. And I know that by enabling our youth to pursue their dreams and aspirations, some may very well walk right back through the doors of the Harry S. Truman building and embark in their own careers as foreign or civil servants.
I have touched on a variety of topics and endeavors of AAFSW – and with each example, it is clear that AAFSW is dedicated in serving the needs of Foreign Service and Civil Service employees, spouses, partners, and retired members. This is a community.
I’llI end where I began: Thank you all for being here, for your commitment to our community, to AAFSW for a wonderful event, and to you for your continued support of AAFSW.
And now, welcome everyone to the 64th annual Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide Art & BookFair!
- Ambassador Bernicat, Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent, AAFSW Art & Bookfair, Friday, October 11, 2024, National Museum of American Diplomacy.
