Parenting During Times of Separation 

Don’t forget to join the “Parenting During Times of Separation” interactive workshop offer by MHN and FLO-Unaccompanied Tours on Wednesday October 30, 2013 @ 0930-1030 EST. 

Primarily offered to assist families and friends of those on evacuation status and employees preparing for or currently on long-term TDY and PCS (permanent change of station ) assignments to unaccompanied posts, others are also encouraged to participate. Community Liaison Office (CLO) Coordinators, supervisors/colleagues with employees who have children, and interested individuals are encouraged to attend. Topics will include issues families face during evacuations and unaccompanied tours.

It is not necessary to RSVP.

There are two ways to attend:   In-person or from the comfort of your home or office via conference call. Everyone will be able to ask questions and interact with the group. If attending virtually, dial toll-free 1-800-531-3250 on a US-based phone line, enter Conference Code: 9690198 when prompted. To access the slides and download the handbook go to MHN’s internet site https://members.mhn.com/. Use 'unaccompaniedtour' (lower case, one word) as the company code. Under the "Work & Life" tab at the top, select "Unaccompanied Tours" and scroll down to "Training Seminar Materials." You can follow along by downloading and/or printing the PowerPoint slides and/or handbook.

Any questions contact FLOAskUT@state.gov

Things to do...

We want to hear from you! 

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About town...

                                                All dressed up and somewhere to go….

AAFSW Art & Book Fair

10/19 and 10/20  

Location: Department of State

Time:       10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Open to the public!  Must have valid driver's license or other offical photo ID. Admission is free

  Shop for great used books, artwork, handicrafts, stamps, coins, postcards and other collectibles from around the world. Books are half price on the last day, Sunday, October 20! For more information http://www.aafsw.org/2013/art-bookfair-2013-opens-today-friday-october-11-department-state/

October 26
Halloween Party
The Foreign-Born Spouses group invites all AAFSW members to a Halloween party on Saturday, October 26 at 7 p.m. The party will be held at the home of Se-Young Thomas in Falls Church; contact the office for the address (office@aafsw.org or 703-820-5420). Prizes will be given for the best costumes! 

October 27
The Foreign Service Youth Foundation invites everyone for a  Teen Game Night:

    Sunday, Oct 27th, 11am to 4pm
    Oakwood Falls Church
    Click here for flyer

 Virtual Events

October 30

MHN and FLO will host a telephone conference session Parenting during times of Separation.  If you are interested in attending please contact FLOaskUT@state.gov no RSVP required and people may attend in person or by phone. 

upcoming course

Maintaining Long Distance Relationships (MQ801)

When:                  October 30, 2013, 6-8:30 p.m.

Where:                 Foreign Service Institute

How to enroll:    call 703-302-7268, or E-mail: FSITCTraining@state.gov

Examine the role and expectations of relationships. Identify and rank current life priorities. Identify pitfalls of an often-apart or long-distance relationship. Learn best practices that promote successful long-distance relationships.

Alternative work ideas...

Consider Home-Based Business Options                                                                                                                

October 1, 2013

Want to make your own hours, get paid and work at every post?  Many family members are able to do this through home-based businesses or freelance work. The Family Liaison Office (FLO) Home-Based Business Guide (www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21620.htm) makes it easy for you to get started.  Inside are the relevant State Department regulations, advice for planning your business, consulting guidelines, resources, and success stories.  
Reminder:  Always make sure you get permission from post before launching your business.

If you are not sure what kind of work you could do, check with FLO for a list of the types of home-based businesses managed by family members around the world. Included are film producers, Japanese tutors, IT consultants, CPAs, jewelry designers, speech therapist, caterers, and authors and many, many more. You are sure to find yourself on this list. Please send an email to FLOAskEmployment@state.gov for a copy.