What is the British Embassy Support Association?

The British Embassy Support Association, BESA, is a voluntary organisation set up to support members throughout all stages of their posting to the USA, providing them with up to date information and advice, and social activities. Whilst many of our members are posted to the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) region we welcome those assigned to locations all over the USA to join up as we do a lot of our networking via our Facebook groups, and the topics and discussions there are often helpful no matter which part of the USA you will be living in.
We hold lots of events throughout the year so there are plenty of opportunities to get to know other members. These include sociable get-togethers to meet new people, sightseeing opportunities in the local area, fundraising events in support of our chosen charitable organisations, and official Embassy events. We particularly invite all new members to attend our bi-annual ‘Welcome to the USA’ coffee mornings, usually held in the spring and in autumn. Keep an eye out for emails from your representatives and on the Facebook page for details of all events. We also have a number of interest groups including stitches, tots groups, and book clubs which hold regular meetings, just indicate any interests you may have on the sign up form and we’ll put you in touch with the relevant organisers.

Join the association

There is no cost to join BESA and membership is open to all of the following personnel posted to the USA: British Embassy staff, British government personnel and British Armed Forces personnel, along with their spouses or partners, and dependents. The Embassy does not share any personal information with us so if you wish to join please visit our website or contact the Chair on besa.chair@gmail.com. You may to wish to consider becoming a member of the committee when you are settled, as it is a great way to get to meet people. The meetings are informal and are held in members’ homes.