Statement of Purpose

The Ben Franklin Fellowship (BFF) is a community of current and past State Department employees and foreign affairs practitioners who support traditional, Constitutional American values in international affairs.

The BFF fills a need that is not addressed by any other existing academic or professional association, or by any specialized “affinity groups,” at the State Department or any of the U.S. foreign affairs agencies.

The BFF provides a forum for foreign policy discussions from perspectives that promote the national interest, secure borders, U.S. leadership, and American sovereignty. 

Through networking, events, and regular meetings, the BFF fosters these values, connects like-minded foreign policy professionals, and examines other related international topics.

The Ben Franklin Fellowship is non-partisan and not affiliated with any political party. We may take positions on particular government policies, but we will not endorse any candidate in any election.

The BFF espouses equal opportunity and merit in federal government personnel matters and rejects artificially engineered outcomes in hiring, promotion, and duty assignments.

The Ben Franklin Fellowship imposes no litmus tests or orthodoxy on its members and supporters, but we generally adhere to the BFF Statement of Principles that guide our approach to America's role in international affairs. 

The Ben Franklin Fellowship is applying for recognition as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.