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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

On Tuesday, May 5, the State Department separated more than 200 Foreign Service members under the reduction in force first announced last July, even as it continues to recruit and onboard new officers. Read our statement: afsa.org/afsa-statement-state-depar…

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

The new State Department reform plan raises more questions than answers. Our statement: afsa.org/state-depart...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

AFSA condemns efforts to discredit former U.S. ambassadors over evacuation concerns Read the statement: afsa.org/afsa-condemn...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

This crisis exposes real gaps in America’s diplomatic readiness. For months, AFSA has warned that the State Department’s capacity has been weakened as the result of layoffs and forced departures. Read AFSA's statement: afsa.org/afsa-statement-middle-east…

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

This morning, many FS staff discovered that their 2024 performance evaluations were no longer in their personnel files. Maybe this is an error, maybe not. AFSA is asking the Department of State to explain the removal of these evaluations and to restore transparency to the process.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Since 1/1/25, career diplomats have been increasingly passed over for political appointees in key roles, at rates we haven’t seen before. Others pay attention to who represents the U.S., and credibility suffers when expertise is diminished. In a time of global complexity, experience matters.

Black background with orange and white text: Just 6 out of 7 people tapped to serve as U.S. ambassadors are career Foreign Service members.

That’s 91% with zero Foreign Service experience.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Since January, executive orders have rolled back collective bargaining rights across the government—a serious blow to unions and workers. Watch our discussion “The War on Federal Labor Unions” for what this means for federal employees, organized labor, and democracy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=la_x...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

The treatment of feds, including attacks on their unions, is unprecedented. AFSA’s Sharon Papp shares what she’s seeing & why it’s so concerning. Learn about what's happening to federal employee unions on Nov. 20 at 1 pm ET with AFSA, AFGE & Georgetown University experts. afsa.org/war-federal-...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

We applaud Congress for ending the shutdown and getting federal employees back to work. But the damage is real. Political dysfunction can’t be allowed to weaken America’s diplomats. AFSA will keep fighting for stability, respect, and support for those on the front lines. Read more: bit.ly/49SFVWR

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

It's a month of feds being used as political pawns. The longer the shutdown, the weaker we become economically, diplomatically, and morally. We're ceding ground to competitors, compromising safety, and undermining those who defend our interests. Read our full statement: bit.ly/47AlLhJ

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

As we await news of a possible government shutdown, we've temporarily lifted the paywall on our checklist of essential documents. Check it out: afsa.org/virtual-go-bag

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

We call on the Office of Personnel Management to immediately issue detailed information to agencies and employees about the potential layoffs, so Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel alike can prepare for what may come. afsa.org/afsa-stateme...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩! We’re planning a relaunch of our merch store. Share your opinion of these slogans & any new ideas! 1. You don’t have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy 2. Loyal to the Constitution 3. Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars 4. USA Needs USAID! 5. Strong diplomacy = Strong USA

a woman wearing a shirt that says: Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

From the data we've collected from fired State employees, here's what was lost on 7/11: —20 Chinese speakers —17 Russian/Ukrainian speakers —14 Arabic speakers —4 Farsi speakers —4 Korean speakers And that’s only a partial list. At a time of shifting alliances, we've traded expertise for chaos.

Taxpayers spent millions to train diplomats in critical skills and key languages like Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

Then the State Department fired
250 of them.

How's that for "strategic?"

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

The 2025 Foreign Service promotion lists reveal a stunning contradiction: according to our estimates, at least 10 of those promoted were also among the 264 FS laid off on July 11. Further proof that the cuts were not based on merit, despite official claims. Our statement: afsa.org/statement-20...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

On Aug. 15, every fired USAID career diplomat serving overseas will return home with their families. This marks another chapter in the dismantling of the agency. Explore a few firsthand accounts members shared with us: servicedisrupted.org/stories

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

With the dismantling of USAID and weakening of our diplomatic corps, adversaries like China are taking the opportunity to flex their soft power. See what's at stake and how you can help: www.servicedisrupted.org

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Why invest in global health? Nidhi Bouri, a former USAID official, led response efforts to some of the deadliest outbreaks, including Ebola & mpox. She’s seen how international efforts to prevent the spread of diseases help protect our health and safety at home. Read: afsa.org/putting-amer...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

America is growing more protectionist, and our adversaries are taking notice.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

We are exploring every avenue available to appeal. Read the decision here: afsa.org/sites/defaul...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Even as China doubles down on exerting global influence, recklessness weakens the Foreign Service. Our soft power has experienced a profound loss with unlawful cuts at USAID and USAGM. Now, State Department layoffs deal another blow, leaving us exposed in an complex world.

Image of American and Chinese flags with text overlay

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

We're pleased to announce Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the winner of AFSA’s 2025 Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award. We honor her leadership, mentorship, & dedication to the Foreign Service community. Read about her distinguished career: bit.ly/3GZEolX

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

1,353 public servants are no longer at the State Department. They were RIFed while preventing fraud, supporting U.S. citizens, and advancing diplomacy. Now, some are speaking out anonymously about the work that’s been disrupted and what’s at stake for America.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

AFSA welcomes John “Dink” Dinkelman as our new president. A member of the Senior Foreign Service, Dinkelman takes on this role after receiving a RIF notice from the State Department. He now leads AFSA in representing 16,700+ members across six foreign affairs agencies. More: afsa.org/press

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

“You are true patriots." Even as the U.S. is gutting its diplomatic workforce, we want to underscore to our RIF'd friends & colleagues: your work matters, your service has been indispensable, you’ll be missed. Professor Reich joins us to share a message of support in the face of these reckless cuts

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Today's purging of State Dept. employees is a blow to our global influence. The impact will echo for years. AFSA stands with the workforce & Americans who know that professional, non-partisan diplomacy is not expendable. We won't stop fighting to defend it. Read our statement: afsa.org/press

Image with this text:
This decision sends the wrong signal to allies and adversaries alike: that the United States is pulling back from the world stage.

As allies look to the U.S. for reassurance and rivals test for weakness, the administration has chosen to sideline the very professionals best equipped to navigate this moment.

and link to afsa.org/press

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

We are deeply grateful to Hui Jun Tina Wong for her service on the AFSA Board of Directors. She's helped lead the organization during an incredibly difficult time, and we thank her for her unwavering support of the Foreign Service community. Read the full article: afsa.org/foreign-serv...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

By forcing these unvetted standards onto the workforce without meaningful consultation, the department is eroding the very foundation of an apolitical Foreign Service that serves the American people—not any single administration.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

"We're shooting ourselves in the foot," Voice of America's Steve Herman (@newsguy.bsky.social) on what's at stake when diplomacy is dismantled. Watch the full recording from our Service Disrupted roundtable discussion here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_STb...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

"I saw how you saved lives." As we mourn the dismantling of USAID it is important to remember the contributions, immense talent, and unwavering dedication of our development colleagues. Dr. @agawande.bsky.social witnessed that work firsthand.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

On this difficult day, we honor the service and celebrate the countless contributions by our USAID colleagues. We'll continue this fight in court and beyond for an America that stands up for its apolitical public servants. Our statement: afsa.org/afsa-stands-...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

With the dismantling of USAID, VOA, and tomorrow's anticipated RIFs at the State Dept. Ambassador William Burns' warning that "the future of our diplomatic service is uncertain" could not be any more urgent or timely. We must continue to #StandUpForService. Learn how at ServiceDisrupted.org

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Be prepared for the unexpected. In this time of heightened uncertainty for Foreign Service members, it’s essential to have critical paperwork ready in case of a sudden workplace separation. Here’s our comprehensive checklist of what you’ll want to have on hand: afsa.org/virtual-go-bag

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

We urgently call on the Department of State to comply with a federal court order that prohibits federal agencies from executing mass layoffs while litigation is ongoing. Read our statement: afsa.org/afsa-urges-s...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Diplomacy and development are under threat. We’re tracking the chaos and pushing for change in our new Service Disrupted newsletter. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Sign up now: bit.ly/3FVppcl

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Deep gratitude to our Foreign Service members serving under dangerous conditions, like those at posts across the Middle East, where the State Department has issued “Do Not Travel” advisories "due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region."

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

As the world burns, sidelining diplomacy is a losing strategy. The State Dept plans to cut 15% of staff on top of talent already lost. Reckless policies threaten America’s global leadership. We must speak up before it’s too late: ServiceDisrupted.org

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Advocacy. Legal support. Resources. Just a few of the benefits your AFSA membership provides. Agencies still aren’t processing dues—convert to direct pay to ensure your membership remains active. Start by visiting afsa.org. Questions? Email us at member@afsa.org

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

AFSA's State VP Hui Jun Tina Wong knows what it’s like to fear speaking out. After fleeing a communist regime, she became a U.S. diplomat & defender of democracy. In the June issue of the "Foreign Service Journal," she shares what’s at stake if we stay silent. Read it: afsa.org/speaking-abo...

quote text: “Amidst this angst and uncertainty, colleagues...are increasingly silent, tired, and tuned out.”

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Join us 6/26 at 1pm EDT to kick off “Service Disrupted,” a timely virtual series on the real-world consequences of dismantling USAID & USAGM. @newsguy.bsky.social Steve Herman, from VOA, & AFSA's USAID VP Randy Chester will lead the discussion. Register now: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Amid all the news and developments, just want to take a quick pulse check. How’s everyone feeling?

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

There are some things money can buy; for everything else, there's AFSA. Don’t forget to convert your dues to direct payment. Given the current legal and administrative uncertainties, this is the only way to ensure that your membership remains intact. If you run into issues, email member@afsa.org

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Jumping on the trend here .. you will never get us to believe any of this rhetoric. What Foreign Service propaganda are you NOT falling for? Let us know!

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

AFSA's USAID VP Randy Chester shares his anger and frustration over the reckless dismantling of the Agency in his June 2025 editorial in "The Foreign Service Journal." afsa.org/foreign-serv...

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

MEMBERS | We’re here for you, as we have been for 100+ years. As we continue to fight against the "union-busting" Executive Order in court, more twists & turns are likely. Keep your membership active, regardless of legal & administrative uncertainty by switching your dues to direct pay at afsa.org.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

The Foreign Service is intentionally apolitical. Its members swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the foreign policy of any sitting president—showing the world that America is a steady, reliable partner. More fast facts: ServiceDisrupted.org

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office
on which I am about to enter. So help me God. - Foreign Service Oath of Office. ServiceDisrupted.org

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

The reckless and shortsighted dismantling of critical agencies isn't bringing down costs. In fact, even as the USGAM and USAID workforce is slashed by more than 99%, the recent budget proposal calls for $350 billion in new spending. Sources: NYT & WaPo

So, just to recap:

13,000 public service jobs gone across the U.S.

150,000+ more on the chopping block.

Now every state is feeling the sting, essential services are slashed, and our standing on the global stage is diminished.
This isn’t streamlining;
it’s self-sabotage.

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

Today, we honor the brave members of the U.S. armed forces who gave their lives in service to our nation.

photo with American flags overlaid with text
"AFSA commemorates Memorial Day May 26, 2025"

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American Foreign Service Association @afsaorg.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

This past year has been unlike any other. In the face of layoffs, budget cuts, and uncertainty, our community has stood firm—challenging reckless policies that threaten to undermine the Foreign Service and diminish America’s global leadership.

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