AFSA Is the Voice of
the Foreign Service—Louder Than Ever
Dear Colleagues,
The work of the diplomat has always been best performed behind the scenes. Diplomats operate quietly, reasoning with, persuading, and convincing counterparts to take a desired course of action. Ideally, the counterparts come to the realization that such actions are in their own best interests.
Established during the Coolidge administration by and for America’s diplomats as their professional association, AFSA has applied these same behind-the-scenes methods to its interactions with leadership. Since the Nixon administration, AFSA also served as the exclusive representative for the U.S. Foreign Service. In both roles, AFSA has been a reliable partner, openly supporting leadership when implementing sound policies, and quietly advising when policies presented challenges to the workforce and its ability to effectively carry out its work.
Unfortunately, the ground has now shifted beneath our feet, and the game, as we knew it, has completely changed.
The Trump administration’s termination of AFSA’s collective bargaining status and its efforts to marginalize AFSA’s role as a professional association have forced AFSA to turn to public forums to advocate for the Foreign Service. As the defenders of a nonpartisan Foreign Service, AFSA does not speak for a political party but rather for those who serve every administration and execute U.S. policy regardless of political affiliation or domestic politics.
The events of the year indicate that AFSA can no longer rely on the long-established playbook of constructive dialogue as those doors have been closed. AFSA has therefore had to respond publicly and forcefully to the mistreatment of the Foreign Service workforce and to speak out against the demonization of those who have devoted their professional lives to public service. In 2026, AFSA will continue to engage in ways it has not before.
AFSA will continue to call out executive overreach, judicial failures, and legislative inaction when they threaten the safety of Foreign Service families, undermine working conditions, or compromise our ability to serve the national interest. When appropriate, AFSA will also build partnerships with all like-minded organizations that share its vision and will look forward to the day when it can resume its roles as both professional association and collective bargaining unit. Until then, AFSA will continue doing what it has always done in standing up for the Foreign Service and ensuring its members can serve the American people effectively and safely.
With a hard year behind us and an uncertain one ahead, AFSA will continue to advocate for our members, defend our profession, and make your voices heard.
Rest assured that AFSA is not going anywhere.
I wish you and your families a peaceful holiday season and a steadier year to come.
