Funding for CB, FLEX, and YES Host Family Recruitment

From AFSWiki

Funding has been dedicated to boost Sponsored Programs (FLEX, CB, YES) host family recruitment efforts, where financial assistance could be helpful. Applications for funds will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application process

There are two categories:

• For existing Sponsored Programs clusters, teams may apply for up to $500 to support an activity that is intended to boost host family recruitment efforts in an existing cluster.
• For those teams building a brand new cluster of minimum three sponsored students in a new community, up to $1000 may be requested, to support chapter development, volunteer and host family recruitment efforts in the new community.

Process for accessing funds:

• Submit request for funds to your Regional Sponsored Programs Hosting Coordinator Emily Turner (Central Region); Caren Marre (Western Region); and Caitlin Schneider (Eastern Region) including a description of how funds will be used before the activity or project takes place for approval.
• Within 8-10 days the funding proposal response can be expected and if approved, expense report provided (if an advance was requested, one will be provided).
• Once the activity takes place, requests for reimbursement with original receipts attached or expense report with original receipts if an advance was provided should be sent to your Regional Sponsored Programs Hosting Coordinator.

Please contact your Regional Sponsored Programs Hosting Coordinator to discuss ideas and to submit proposals. Again, the proposals are being vetted on a rolling basis.

Example activities

Below are sample activities and events:

• Sponsor a non-profit movie night at your local theater. The Homer chapter hosted one at the Homer Theatre in an effort to recruit host families. To encourage attendance, AFS Homer offered free soda/popcorn combo to the first 100 tickets bought. 4 students and 2 host parents spoke before the movie began, and they handed out a host family postcard to every person who attended.
• Wear AFS on your sleeve. Create AFS branded clothing to wear at a public event like the Alaska Team who created AFS/YES bib for the Ski for Women.
• Host a local fundraiser. Click here for an explanation of the Heartland team's event in December 2010.
• Table at local fair or camp with Sponsored Program students. Print materials were available and the YES table runner was displayed.
• Banner featuring the YES and AFS logos was created and hung at a community pool.
• Pizza party with Sponsored Program students and host families. Interested host families were invited to learn more about hosting opportunities.
• Place ads in local papers using hosting templates. Click here for an example. You can also sponsor an ad in high school programs or yearbooks.
• Print Sponsored Programs bookmarks that describe hosting opportunities, include local contact information - distribute at local public libraries and schools.
• Host an Info Night at a school, church or community center and have current SP students and families invite potential host families.
• Sponsor a coffee break or snacks at PTA meetings. Have SP print materials on hand.
• Have a host family appreciation event and have current students and families invite potential host families.
• Host a teacher/administrator appreciation event at high schools that are currently hosting and invite families.
• Place a story on SP student in a local newspaper.