Chair and Treasurer Training, New Orleans
From AFSWiki
By Jane Howard, Mass Bay Team
New Orleans was the place The Marriott was the space Chairs and Treasurers we did face Top speed was the pace
From January 22-24, close to 200 Team Chairs and Treasurers from across the US, plus representatives from Germany, Italy, Malaysia and Brazil, gathered for the first national training of these groups in a number of years. It was two days of non-stop, top speed training sessions packed with information for all.
From the perspective of one of the treasurer trainers, the timing of this training was essential. The National Council had voted several new procedures into place, and this was the perfect opportunity to explain these to a large group of volunteers. Included were: 1) the change in timing of the distribution of the 2010 co-support payments 2) the ability to roll over funds from year to year and 3) the need to bank with the Bank of America or Wells Fargo (where practical) 2010 Field Finance Changes.
The Treasurers also learned about the big picture of AFS finance from the Finance staff, and all the trainers stressed the importance of filing accurate and timely reports. Additionally, participants were reminded that co-support payments and all funds raised in the name of AFS-USA belong to AFS-USA; Teams and Chapters are the stewards of these funds. The final session covered the importance of each Team and Chapter creating an annual budget. Although not required in 2010, it is recommended that budgets be prepared and submitted to Field Finance, particularly taking into consideration the 2010 distribution schedule of co-support payments and how this will impact the timing of each Team’s and Chapter’s expense needs. However, New Orleans was the place, and most of the participants took advantage of being in the “Big Easy” and enjoyed the local color…..the fabulous food, the wonderful music, and the excitement of the New Orleans Saints playing in the NFC play-offs that weekend…a fact that nobody could miss! AFSers of all ages know well how to combine business and pleasure, and this weekend was no exception!
