Community Representative for Intercultural Learning

From AFSWiki

AFS-USA Volunteer Position Description

Community/School Representative

Background

The Community Representative for Intercultural Learning is a local AFS volunteer position that was piloted in the Great Lakes Territory, beginning in the fall of 2005. The position was intended to strengthen the local volunteer base of AFS by creating a smaller volunteer job that could be done in a specific community or high school by local volunteers. The position description is below. There is also a Community Rep brochure and a Community Rep flyer.

General Description: AFS Community Representatives will establish and nurture relationships with their local high schools and serve as critical links between AFS-USA and high school personnel. Representatives also identify host families for up to three AFS Exchange Students, provide support to students and families throughout their stay, and assist in the recruitment of participants to study abroad on AFS programs.

Responsible to: AT Hosting Coordinator, AT Sending Coordinator

Time Required: Approximately 15 hours per month

Competencies Required:

• Email and internet access
• Comfort in making public presentations
• Willingness to promote AFS programs in multiple settings (schools, community groups, local media, etc)
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to motivate others
• Intercultural sensitivity

Training: Opportunity to attend at least one Community Rep Training per year, at the local or Area Team level, specifically targeted at Community Representatives for Intercultural Learning. The training program focuses on the basics of host family finding, sending recruitment, school relationships, making AFS presentations, compliance to our standards and regulations, and participant support.

Materials/Resources Provided by AFS: Besides annual training opportunities, Community Representatives receive a binder of materials that are needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, including resources related to recruiting host families, recruiting students to go abroad, and promoting AFS locally.

Works with: The Community/School Representative works with Area Team volunteers and regional staff, in order to promote the AFS program locally and generate local AFS program activity.

Responsibilities:

• Build a relationship with the school, including quarterly visits. Work with key school personnel to secure AFS students’ enrollment and ensure that AFS follows your local school’s policies and guidelines.
• Recruit up to three host families and their liaison volunteers. Liaisons provide individual support to a host family and student.
• Promote AFS’ intercultural learning opportunities to American teens.
• Plan activities to welcome AFS students and host families and encourage participation in AFS orientations.
• Build relationships with students and host families, and visit with them regularly.

Benefits to Volunteer:

• Enhance your expertise in intercultural communication and public relations.
• Strengthen your skills in working with teenagers.
• Build relationships with local school personnel.
• Develop and nurture relationships with civic leaders and groups.