Secretary of State's Award for Volunteerism Abroad

The Secretary of State's Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA)

The annual AAFSW/Secretary of State's Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) recognizes the outstanding volunteer activities of U.S. Government employees and family members over the age of 18 serving overseas.

Each year, a winner is chosen from each of the4 State Department's six geographical bureaus. Each winner receives:

A cash award of $2,500. A trip to the award presentation at the Department of State. A pin. A certificate signed by the Secretary of State.

This generous prize is made possible in part by new funding provided by the Green Family Foundation, which was created by Ambassador Steven J. Green and his wife, Dorothea, in 1991 to support groups and individuals working for social change. AAFSW is proud the Green Family Foundation wishes to encourage volunteerism abroad as former Secretary of State and Mrs. James A. Baker and other SOSA donors have done since 1990.

Nominations are accepted from posts worldwide and cover volunteer activities in one or more of the following categories:

Exceptional service to the USG community at post. Outstanding activities directed toward the host country. Exceptional service in emergencies at post.

Posts and individuals may submit as many nominations as they wish. The narrative should discuss the actions and qualities that qualify the nominee for the award with specific examples of accomplishments that fulfill the criteria.

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