American Foreign Service Association

@afsaorg.bsky.social

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Championing America's diplomats since 1924

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.
a woman wearing a shirt that says: Smart diplomacy prevents dumb wars
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?"
Image of American and Chinese flags with text overlay
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
quote text: “Amidst this angst and uncertainty, colleagues...are increasingly silent, tired, and tuned out.”
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
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.
photo with American flags overlaid with text "AFSA commemorates Memorial Day May 26, 2025"
Traveling & lost your passport? Normally, a Foreign Service member helps replace it so you can keep traveling … or go home. If the consulate is closed or staff reduced – you may be out of luck. Go to ServiceDisrupted.org
“When the broadcasts were abruptly shut off, people in Africa heard our programming replaced by music and were trying to get a hold of some of our correspondents in Africa to ask if there had been a coup in the United States.” Steve Herman, VOA chief national correspondent
photo of people protesting and text on image: You don't have to be a diplomat to stand with diplomacy and development. Take Action. ServiceDisrupted.org
"From day one, I understood that USAID is not a charity—it is an investment in American security."
Text on image of a large airplane "To guard against even the appearance of corruption and undue influence, Foreign Service members can’t take gifts from foreign governments valued over $480. Violations can result in demotion, removal from office, or civil penalties."
Over half of all U.S. embassies lack confirmed ambassadors. That's a failing grade. With national security on the line, leadership matters.