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.

1. Asian Pacific American Federal Foreign Affairs Council
   The Asian Pacific American Federal Foreign Affairs Council is an interagency association of employees of Federal departments and agencies with the mission of active involvement in United States foreign affairs. Agencies represented are Department of State, Department of Defense, Agency for International Development, National Security Agency, Peace Corps, U.S. Information Agency, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Department of Energy. APAFFAC was 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.
   
   Corazon S. Foley, Chairperson
   INR/EC, Room 2256, Tel: 202-647-9264
   
   



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2. 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/regional/foreign.affairs
   
   



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3. Disability in Foreign Affairs Agencies
   Disabled in Foreign Affairs Agencies (DIFAA) is an organization that promotes, acknowledges and assists the needs of the disabled in the workplace and the work environment. DIFAA also provides information and guidance to resources available at the Department of State.
   
   Carole Dolezal, Chairperson
   dolezalCA@state.gov
   
   



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4. 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. We seek to break down the continued barriers that gay and lesbian foreign service, civil service, and contract employees -- and their partners and children -- encounter as a result of prejudice, misunderstanding, and apathy within our institutions. We have a diverse membership, including both gay and straight members, and welcome the participation of all who seek to end continued inequality based on sexual orientation.
   
   Please visit GLIFAA on the internet: www.glifaa.org
   
   Bob Post, President
   GLIFAA@hotmail.com
   
   



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5. 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
   
   



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6. Thursday Luncheon Group
   
   The purpose of the Thursday Luncheon Group is the effective formulation and implementation of foreign policy through the development and participation of all interested and qualified individuals consonant with the Department's Diplomatic Readiness Initiative. TLG is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is emphasizing the mentoring of young officers and policy makers through public programs offering the opportunity to benefit from Foreign Affairs agency leaders and to prepare them for service in a rapidly changing world.
   
   June Perry perryjc@state.gov
   
   



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7. Young Professionals Society (YPro)
   
   The Young Professionals Society (YPro) is an innovative professional and social networking organization specifically targeting "Young Professionals" at the U.S. Department of State. The organization was established to form a sense of continuity in a dynamic State Department workforce by establishing a long-term network of tomorrow's foreign affairs leaders. Our objectives are to facilitate the sharing of information about the work and activities of the Department, provide a cohesive and representative voice to the administration on issues that concern its members, and link its members with other organizations both inside and outside of the Department. Membership is open to all employees, regardless of their age, occupation, or career track.
   
   Stephanie L. Hallett Co-Chair, Young Professionals Society
   ypro@state.gov
   
   
   Elisabeth Ash Co-Chair, Young Professionals Society
   ypro@state.gov
   
   



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