The Thursday Luncheon Group, a 5013 c organization, was founded in 1973 to increase the participation of African Americans and other underrepresented groups in the formulation, articulation, and implementation of United States foreign policy. Our 500 members monitor recruitment, assignments, employment practices, promotion patterns, training, and other personnel matters of vital interest to minorities in the principal foreign affairs agencies: the Department of State and the Agency for International Development. Our programs offer members the opportunity to interact with leaders in the foreign affairs community and prepare them for service in a rapidly changing world. Membership is open to all employees at the U.S. Department of State and the Agency for International Development.