Repost from American Foreign Service Association 🎉 We are thrilled for rising junior Sarah Hutchison as the runner-up in AFSA’s 2024 National High School Essay Contest! 🏆 She’s earned a $1,250 award and a full scholarship to the International Diplomacy summer program in Washington, D.C., courtesy of @nslcleaders! Please join us in celebrating Sarah’s incredible achievement! We are excited to see all the remarkable things she will accomplish in the future. ⭐️ | Pulaski Academy

This year’s unprecedented attacks on the Foreign Service have made one thing clear: our community is under strain, but we continue to support each other. AFSA’s Legal Defense Fund helps members who need guidance beyond the expertise of our internal team, including those hit by RIFs who are now facing unexpected legal fees. Demand for this aid is increasing, creating an urgent need to strengthen the safety net our colleagues rely on. This #GivingTuesday, your donation to our work is critical. Eve

Did somebody say massages? Each member covered under the Foreign Service Benefit Plan can enjoy 50 massages per year. We'll cover up to $75 per visit when you see a licensed massage therapist. Learn more about us at www.afspa.org/fsbp. | American Foreign Service Protective Association

The longest shutdown in history is destructive for all Americans. It's past time to get these feds paid and back to work. Foreign Service members are writing in about what's NOT being done because of the shutdown and it's a sobering reminder of the personal toll this political game is taking on citizens everywhere. Read more of their stories: https://bit.ly/47smcMd | American Foreign Service Association