American Foreign Service Association

“The association shall have regular, associate and honorary members. Regular members: regular membership is limited to current or former members of the foreign service. Individuals eligible for regular membership may be so admitted upon application and payment of dues, and shall be permitted to maintain their membership as long as they remain eligible and maintain current dues payments. Only regular members may vote, hold office, or exercise other rights regarding the conduct of the affairs of the association. Associate members: individuals or organizations closely associated with or interested in the foreign affairs of the u.s. But not eligible for regular membership may become associate members upon the acceptance of their application by the board and the payment of dues, and shall be permitted to maintain membership so long as they maintain current dues payments. Honorary members: the board may invite to become honorary members such individuals as it deems proper. Honorary members shall be exempt from the payment of dues.”

“The governing board is elected by the regular membership biennially for two-year terms as officers or representatives. The president, secretary, and treasurer shall be elected by the regular membership at the same time as other members of the board. The constituency vice presidents and representatives shall be elected from constituencies composed of the regular members belonging to the foreign service in each of the departments or agencies to which chapter 10 of the foreign service act of 1980 applies, pursuant to sec. 1003(a), and a single retired constituency for all former members of the service from all such departments and agencies.”

“The membership may, by majority vote in a referendum, determine the association's policy on any matter within the scope of the association's purposes and objectives.”

“The finance, management and audit committee reviews draft 990 and reports to the governing board upon filing. A copy of the return is distributed to the entire board prior to filing.”

“The president and the board members are responsible for regularly and consistently monitoring and enforcing the conflict of interest policy. They are required to sign the coi policy stating their understanding of the policy and will report promptly an potential conflict of interest. The following explanation describes what happens when a conflict is suspected or reported: any possible conflict of interest shall be disclosed to the president of the association, or to another officer or to the board, as circumstances require, by the interested person or any other knowledgeable member of the board or staff member of american foreign service association. Where any such conflict of interest is relevant to a matter requiring action by the board, the potential conflict of interest shall be disclosed to the board prior to any vote on the matter. The interested person shall not vote on such matter, participate in deliberations concerning it, or use personal influence in any way in the matter. The interested person, however, shall provide the board with any and all relevant information when requested by the board. In addition, the interested person shall not count toward the quorum for any vote on the matter. The minutes of the meeting shall reflect that the conflict of interest was disclosed and that the interested person was not present during the final discussions or vote and did not vote.”

“A special committee was formed to determine who to hire as executive director (e.d.) and compensation. Compensation was based on surveys, past salary history, and past afsa e.d. Salaries. A firm was hired to do a comprehensive salary survey. Executive committee of the board reviews data from hiring firm to guide decision making.”

“The bylaws are posted on the organization's website and the conflict of interest policy is available for viewing at the organization's office or upon request.”

“There have been no changes to the organization's oversight or selection process during the year.”