Embracing Constructive Dissent

Embracing Constructive Dissent:

A Vital Aspect of Our Foreign Service Community

Dear AFSA Members,

AFSA is keenly aware that the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza has struck a deep chord in our Foreign Service community. Our members have friends, family, and colleagues in the region, and their well-being is a constant concern. We recognize that these challenging times cause many to seek avenues to exercise their First Amendment rights, and to contribute their voices and insights to the ongoing discourse.

AFSA highly respects the culture of constructive dissent within the Foreign Service and believe strongly in its benefits to global security and prosperity. Support for dissent is an integral part of AFSA's legacy, dating back to the creation of the Rivkin Award for Dissent in 1968. Our organization has a rich history of advocating for our members' rights and well-being and fostering a workplace environment that values your voices.

Dissent in the Foreign Service: A Pillar of Constructive Engagement

Dissent has a unique place within the Foreign Service. Since its creation in 1971 the Dissent Channel has been a crucial platform for Foreign Service members to articulate alternative views on substantive policy issues. AFSA recognizes and honors Foreign Service members who bravely challenge prevailing policies, both related to foreign policy and institutional policies affecting personnel. We are proud of this support and see it as an integral component of our community and our profession.

When used wisely, the Dissent Channel ensures senior policymakers are exposed to diverse perspectives and appropriately conduct serious, high-level review and response. The Dissent Channel enriches the quality of our foreign policy decisions.

It is important to remember that the Dissent Channel per 2 FAM 071.2 is intended for internal policy dissent, and AFSA remains committed to ensuring its contents remain within confidential channels of the executive branch. Preserving the internal nature of the Dissent Chanel safeguards the integrity of the policy formation process and allows diplomats to freely address policy disagreements without public exposure. Please take a moment to explore the resources below. They provide guidance on the use of the Dissent Channel, the rich history of dissent within the Foreign Service, and AFSA's vital role in preserving this tradition.

FAM Guidance on the Dissent Channel (2 FAM 070)
The FSJ Special Collection on Dissent

Social Media and Your Role as U.S. Government Representatives

In today's digital age, social media platforms provide a unique space for communication and engagement. However, as representatives of the U.S. Government during our work hours, we must navigate this landscape with responsibility and good judgment.

To guide you in your use of social media and digital communications, AFSA has assembled a set of resources:

Rules on Political Activities by Federal Employees: This memorandum offers comprehensive guidance on political activities for career USG employees, both Civil Service and all Foreign Service personnel.
AFSA’s Guidance on Personal Use of Social Media and Social Media Do’s and Don’ts: These documents outline best practices for maintaining a professional and responsible online presence.
State Department Policies Related to Employees' Use of Personal Social Media and Digital Communication Platforms: Familiarize yourself with the official guidelines governing the use of personal social media and digital communication platforms.
USAID Foreign Service Officers should also refer to ADS 109 Ethics and Standards of Conduct for additional guidance. For more information and any questions FSOs may email ethics@usaid.gov.

Your Voice Matters

In these challenging times, when international events can deeply resonate within our community, it is vital to remember that you are not alone. Your friends, family, and colleagues offer support, and you can also rely on resources provided by the State Department and other foreign affairs agencies to express your thoughts and concerns. Please refer to the recent AFSA communication “Support and Resources in Response to Recent Events in Israel and Gaza” for more details on these resources.

Whether you choose to express your insights through the Dissent Channel, the Policy Ideas Channel, the Open Forum, or on social media, we encourage respectful and responsible communication. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at member@afsa.org. Your dedication and professionalism during these challenging times are deeply appreciated, and AFSA is here to support you in any way we can.