Message from the Secretary
The U.S. Department of State is focused on accomplishing America's mission of diplomacy at home and around the world. Our belief in democracy, liberty, the dignity of every life, and the rights of every individual unites Americans of all backgrounds, all faiths, and all colors. And one of our greatest strengths is our diversity. The signal sent to the rest of the world when America is represented abroad by people of all cultures, races, and religions is a clear statement about who we are and what our values mean in practice. Diversity is a great advantage to each and every one of us, and an important affirmation throughout the world that multi-ethnic democracy can work.
- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Affinity Groups
The U.S. Department of State encourages individualism in its workforce and offers several employee organizations to help strengthen and support our diversity.
U.S. Department of State - Employee Organizations
(The organizations listed below are in alphabetical order.)Asian American Foreign Affairs Association (AAFAA)
Blacks in Government, Foreign Affairs Chapters
Foggy Bottom Society
Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies
Hispanic Employees Council of Foreign Affairs
Thursday Luncheon Group
Young Professionals Society (YPro)
Asian American Foreign Affairs Association (AAFAA)
The Asian American Foreign Affairs Association (AAFAA) is an association of foreign service, civil service and presidential management fellow employees of the State Department with the mission of active involvement in United States foreign affairs. The association seeks to represent, promote and highlight the interests of East, Southeast and South Asians and Pacific Islander employees within the State Department. AAFAA was originally known as the Asian Pacific American Foreign Affairs Council (APAFFAC), founded in 1981 to support the EEO mission of the foreign affairs agencies, particularly in improving recruitment, outreach, and professional development of Asian Pacific American officers. It has sponsored annual career fairs and other professional development programs.
If you have any questions regarding the AAFAA, please contact Benjamin Chiang at chiangbx@state.gov.
Blacks in Government, Foreign Affairs Chapters
The Department of State Foreign Affairs Chapter of Blacks In Government (FACBIG) is one of 200+ chapters nation wide, chartered by the National organization of Blacks In Government (BIG). Blacks In Government was organized in 1975 and is incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. BIG functions as an employee advocacy group, professional development organization, and community resource and networking vehicle. This volunteer organization is comprised of federal, state and local public servants in eleven (11) regions. The Department of State Foreign Affairs Chapter (FACBIG) is in Region 11 (RXI), chartered in 1989 and recognized by Secretary of State George Shultz on April 24, 1989. The chapter holds monthly meetings the third Wednesday of each month 12noon-1:00pm in Room 1408 of HST building.
Please visit FACBIG on the internet: www.bignet.org
Foggy Bottom Society
Foggy Bottom Society: The Foggy Bottom Society is a Department- recognized independent organization for Civil Service Foreign Affairs Professionals. The Foggy Bottom Society's principal missions are to enhance the effectiveness of the foreign affairs professionals in the civil service at the State Department, to protect the professional interests of its members, to ensure the maintenance of high professional standards, and to promote understanding of the critical role of the civil service foreign affairs professionals in promoting America's national security and economic prosperity.
www.foggybottomsociety.org
John Conlon
Chair, Public Outreach and Recognition Committee
Foggy Bottom Society
Phone: (202) 647-6746
Fax: (202) 647-6039
E-Mail: ConlonJ@state.gov
Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies
GLIFAA (Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies) is the officially-recognized organization representing the concerns of gay and lesbian personnel and their families in the US Department of State, US Agency for International Development (USAID), Foreign Commercial Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, and other foreign affairs agencies and offices in the US Government. GLIFAA seeks to challenge the continued barriers that gay and lesbian foreign service, civil service, and contract employees — and their families — encounter as a result of prejudice, misunderstanding, or apathy within U.S. federal foreign service-related institutions. Our diverse membership includes both gay and straight members, and GLIFAA welcomes the participation of all who believe in equal rights for sexual minorities.
Please visit GLIFAA on the internet: www.glifaa.org, or email us at glifaa@yahoo.com.
Hispanic Employees Council of Foreign Affairs
The mission of the Hispanic Employee Council of Foreign Affairs Agencies (HECFAA) is to enhance awareness of the contributions of Hispanic employees to U.S. foreign affairs agencies; to assist in the recruitment, retention and promotion of Hispanics; and to develop the leadership abilities of Hispanics at U.S. foreign affairs agencies. HECFAA welcomes the participation and support of all U.S. foreign affairs agency employees.
James Vigil, Jr., Interim President
vigilj@state.gov
Thursday Luncheon Group
The Thursday Luncheon Group (TLG) was founded in 1973 to increase the participation of African Americans and other minorities in the formulation, articulation and implementation of United States foreign policy. TLG is celebrating its 34th anniversary and emphasizes the mentoring of Foreign Service personnel. Public programs offer members the opportunity to interact with leaders in the foreign affairs community and prepare them for service in a rapidly changing world.
Dennise Mathieu
mathieugd@state.gov
Young Professionals Society (YPro)
YPro is an innovative networking organization for early career and mid-level employees at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Our objectives are to facilitate the sharing of information about the work and activities of American diplomacy, provide a cohesive and representative voice on issues that concern our members, and link with other organizations both inside and outside the agency. Operating at the highest level of initiative, YPro is a self-directed peer network for connecting the dots, navigating unwritten rules, and growing leaders for public service. Launched in 2003, YPro receives no funding; membership is free and open to all direct hire employees of State and USAID, regardless of age, occupation or career track.
Contact: YPro@state.gov
