Do you crave connection with like-minded EFMs/MOHs who are creating their own professional identities as they move from post to post? Join our supportive community of FS accompanying partners!
The Available Worldwide Network (AWN) is a community-led platform providing professional development, personal connection, and social support for the partners of the US Foreign Service and other agencies serving at US Embassies, Consulates and Centers abroad.*
Join the AWN for:
- Monthly Professional Development Workshops
- Interest Groups (New EFMs, Solopreneurs, Telework Tips, etc.)
- A Growing Resource Library
- Supportive Chats and Useful Threads for crowdsourcing wisdom on EFM identity and life
- Networking Match-ups
- Book Clubs
- Advocacy Working Groups
- And workshops and events similar to the Symposium you may have attended in Nov 2023
Are you ready to get in on the action?
*The Available Worldwide Network is not affiliated with the US government or any other societies or associations. It is privately held by a general partnership of the hosts of the Available Worldwide podcast.
FAQs about the Available Worldwide Network:
Who will you find in the AWN?
EFM solopreneurs and small business owners, job seekers, teleworkers for private companies and USG DETOs, EFMs re-entering the workplace, people trying to figure out new (portable) careers or creative ways to grow in their current field, folks seeking better work or health habits and greater connection to others who understand our challenges, people looking for help with taxes and business logistics…
Who can Join?
We invite you to join if you’re an EFM or MOH of a US Foreign Affairs agency. We don’t keep a list of agencies, but if you’ve been under Chief of Mission authority, then you’re ‘eligible’ enough for us.
Former EFMs: We believe ‘once an EFM, always an EFM.’ If you’ve been an accompanying partner in the past and feel you have valuable insight to share, then you’re welcome to join us.
Future EFMs: If your spouse/partner/family is in the process of joining the Foreign Service, we ask that you wait to join until you have an official invite.
What is included?
Like memberships to a professional association, your membership fee will cover the cost of hosting the network on the Heartbeat platform and future events that may be of interest to the members. The Network is exclusive to EFMs and MOHs, your people!
In addition to the benefits above, members will have access to a growing list of retail and industry discounts and personal and professional development courses (both hosted by EFMs and outside providers). We’ve also designed a member logo to include in your LinkedIn profile or professional correspondence.
What will membership cost?
Monthly: $5
Annual: $48
What will your membership do?
We can’t host this community without your social and financial support. Membership fees fund the development of a robust community for EFMs and MOHs looking to advance their personal and professional identities, including partners at all stages of their careers: from entry level through life after the Foreign Service.
An annual membership will ensure we can plan long-term, to host events that require coordination among many people, and invite guest presenters and experts in things like resume development, strategic volunteering, global nomad finances and taxes, etc. An annual membership is a commitment to all EFMs who are experiencing the same things as you and who need the Available Worldwide Network to be THE place they can go to for support as they recreate themselves post-by-post, year-by-year.
What is the Heartbeat App?
Heartbeat is a platform for private social networks like the Available Worldwide Network. Unlike Facebook, there are no private profile pages or connections to people outside our Network. Everyone you encounter on the AW Network will also be a member of the Network, just as committed to their own career journeys as you are.
Here’s a sneak peek of how it works:
Once you join, you’ll be invited to a live onboarding session to help you find your way around some of the resources and meet other members of AWN, but you can also just dive in and get started.
What are the goals of this NEW Community?
Networking, Peer Support, Mentoring, Promoting EFMs Professional Identity, Personal and Professional Growth, Shared Resource Development, Promoting Access to Employment Opportunities.
The Available Worldwide Network will help EFMs to feel connected, valued and empowered; to celebrate success and share challenges; and to find solutions through solidarity.
Why have we created a new Community?
Available Worldwide values the experience and expertise of all EFMs. Like the podcast, the new Network will focus on the realities of EFM and MOH life, rather than the broader experiences of the Foreign Service or global expat community. This will be a safe place to talk to others who share your challenges, to tell your stories, and to find colleagues who will help you achieve your personal dreams.