The Community Liaison Office (CLO) program provides morale-enhancing support to U.S. government employees and family members of all agencies who are assigned to U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. The CLO is ICASS-funded, and is managed by the Global Community Liaison Office. Programs are client-driven and administered across eight areas of responsibility:
Employment
CLO advocates for family member employment opportunities both inside and outside the mission. As a member of the Post Employment Committee, the CLO promotes family member preference and a formalized post hiring policy. CLO organizes workshops and presentations on employment resources. CLOs also prepare the semi-annual Family Member Employment Report, outlining opportunities for EFMs at post.
Education
CLO maintains contact with schools used by post families and provides information on educational options. The CLO provides information on overseas schools, Washington area schools, boarding schools, education allowances, special needs resources, home schooling, distance learning, adult education opportunities, and child care. CLO also prepares an annual School Summary and Child Care Report.
Welcoming, Orientation & Departures
Often, CLO is the first contact — and best source of information — for newcomers prior to arriving at post. CLOs organize and maintain a sponsorship program and newcomer orientations to help new arrivals adjust.
Community
CLO establishes relationships with local organizations and contacts to benefit the post community. As a member of the Country Team, the Housing Board, the Emergency Action Committee, and the Employee Association, CLO is the voice of the community.
Events
To boost morale, CLO develops programs on traditions of the U.S. and host country, and organizes a wide variety of social, educational, and recreational activities to meet the needs of all segments of the community. The CLO encourages volunteerism and community outreach, and coordinates events organized by other groups or individuals at post.
Crisis Management
CLO plays a key role in a crisis, relaying critical information between post management and the community. With RSO, CLO organizes security briefings, personal preparedness seminars, and meetings to ensure emergency preparedness. In case of an evacuation, the CLO provides departure and safe haven information to GCLO and, after a crisis, works with post management to rebuild the community.
Guidance and Referral
The CLO provides confidential support to community members, including in instances such as divorce, spouse or child abuse, adoption, death, and mental health concerns. CLOs refer clients to professional caregivers and other resources when needed. The CLO also represents community concerns to post management and helps formulate solutions.
Communication
The CLO communicates with their community through social media and/or a newsletter, and maintains a community resource center. The CLO prepares the bi-annual CLO Activity Report, which informs GCLO and other key figures in Washington about the situation at post. To support bidders, CLO submits post information to the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC).