April 30, 2015
It is with great pleasure we inform you that this month the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York - after 90 years as an unincorporated association - became an incorporated 501 (c) (7) not-for-profit organization in the State of New York.
Going forward, the SOFC will be known as The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, Inc. To reflect this new status and name we have launched a new email address – [email protected] and have opened a new bank account with the Bank of America and a new Post Office box
(P.O. Box 3161, New York, NY 10163). Our website remains the same at www.ConsulsNewYork.com
This has now given us a clear mandate to pursue social and business get-togethers of mutual interest which can benefit the consular corps in NYC as a whole. We hope to arrange – with your assistance – an International Food Fair to showcase the cuisines and cultures of the world, as well as other events and activities.
In order to stage these events and maintain the SOFC, we need your support. If you have not yet paid your 2015 dues – or you wish to pay 2016 membership fee in advance of the July 1 due date, kindly fill in this membership form 2015-16 and send it as soon as possible. We strongly urge all members to support our membership drive.
If you can assist the Executive Committee by offering a venue for our events, volunteers or suggestions, kindly let us know at [email protected]
We will continue to posting news and events on the SOFC’s website and informing our members via email of any important developments.
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March 6, 2015
Celebrating International Women’s Day: The Society of Foreign Consuls Annual Award Ceremony on March 6.
Women from many different countries will be recognized by the SOFC for their outstanding achievements and contribution to community empowerment in the USA at this year’s event, hosted by the Consulate General of Slovakia.
Initiated in 2011 by the Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Raushan Yesbulatova, the awards have grown each year and established as an annual celebration. Participating countries this year will include Barbados, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uruguay. See here for more details and the Mayoral-letter for click here for photos.
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DON’T FORGET - THIS WEEKEND!
The SOFC is delighted to encourage participation and attendance by our members and colleagues for the Annual 92Y International StreetFest on Sunday, September 14 from 12noon-5:00pm.
Our non-profit partner 92Y hosts the StreetFest which is a wonderful opportunity to visit the cultural and artistic offerings as well as cuisine and languages of more than a dozen nations. For more information, please contact Alison Gardy on 212.415.5473 or [email protected].
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MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE NOW DUE!
The financial year starts each year on July 1.
Membership dues are $125 for Consuls General/Heads of Post or Mission and $85 for other Consular staff.
As well as supporting the Society and receiving invitations to events and activities, SOFC members are eligible for discounts at the venerable New York institution 92Y, and members also receive FREE Gold Club car rental membership (a $60+ value) with Hertz as well as preferred rates and special offers.
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SAVE-THE-DATE & RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW
The SOFC is delighted to encourage participation and attendance by our members and colleagues for the Annual 92Y International StreetFest on Sunday, September 14 from 12noon-5:00pm.
Our non-profit partner 92Y is delighted to announce that the StreetFest will take place again this year, so look out for your invitation from 92Y’s Director of International Relations, Alison Gardy (via email).
92Y hopes to see an even bigger International Way in 2014!
This is a wonderful opportunity to display your country’s culture, music, arts and crafts, languages, food and beverages.
Expressions of interest and for more information, please contact Alison Gardy on 212.415.5473 or [email protected].
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OFFICE OF FOREIGN MISSIONS TO HOST JUNE BREAKFAST & BRIEFING
The US Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions (NY office) invites Consuls General to attend a breakfast gathering on June 18 at the State Department building.
Look out for your invitation.
On June 19 from 9am-12:30pm, the OFM will host a briefing for the New York consular corps on emergency preparedness, OFM programs, and consular notification and access. Representatives from the Federal Emergency management Agency, the OFM, the Bureau of Consular Affairs, and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s New York Field Office will be on hand to discuss these topics and to answer questions. Details will be sent directly to all NYC-based Consulates.
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