Aafsw
Information Services in Arlington

Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW), a private, non-profit organization advocating for U.S. Foreign Service family members. AAFSW Membership information, contact information, board and committee profiles, events, activities, record of achievement. Information for State Department spouses regarding life overseas, living in Washington, spouse employment, DC. Guide to State Department resources available to family members.

AAFSW is a primary advocate and support network for family members of Foreign Service employees. AAFSW advocacy was responsible for the creation of the Family Liaison Office, Overseas Briefing Center, and the Foreign Service Youth Foundation. Furthermore, AAFSW is unique in expressly serving all segments of the Foreign Service community: employees; spouses, partners and other members of household; children of Foreign Service employees; divorced or widowed spouses; as well as retired officers and their partners. AAFSW is very active in social media, beginning with the Yahoo! Group Livelines in 1998, which now has over 4,700 members and continues to serve as a key forum for the Foreign Service community. The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide is a non-profit organization that has been representing Foreign Service spouses, employees and retirees since AAFSW is an independent advocate for its membership, giving members a stronger voice when working on common concerns and a chance to enjoy shared interests. The annual SOSA award recognizes the outstanding volunteer activities of U.S. Government employees, spouses, family members over the age of 18, EFM domestic partners, and members of household who are living and working overseas. AAFSW sponsors three awards for adult members of the Foreign Service community. The Lesley Dorman Award recognizes an AAFSW member who has performed outstanding service in all aspects of the organization. The Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award honors the memory of AAFSW member Eleanor Dodson Tragen and recognizes a member of the Foreign Service Community who has effectively advocated for and enhanced the global rights and benefits provided to the Foreign Service community. AAFSW offers support to Foreign Service employees and family members evacuated from posts overseas through a dedicated network of volunteers in the Washington, DC area. Over 150 interviews with Foreign Service spouses document their changing role over the history of the U.S. Foreign Service. Since 1990 AAFSW has sponsored and administered this prestigious awards program. All active American USG direct-hire employees, their spouses and family members, their domestic partners and members of household are eligible. In the past 20 years, over 400 nominees have been recognized for their outstanding volunteer service in over 130 countries around the globe. The publication provides the history and background of the SOSA award, as well as compelling profiles and highlights from each of the six geographic bureaus within the Department of State. Through their selfless actions, these SOSA winners and nominees have changed lives and saved lives and have inspired others to volunteer as well. The SOSA award was created in 1990 with the direct encouragement and support of then-Secretary of State James A. Baker and his wife Susan. Evaluation factors considered in the selection process include scope and reach of activities, sustainability, ingenuity, and leadership.