National Sending Advisory Group
From AFSWiki
Sending Advisory Group Meeting Minutes
Overall Objective
The Sending Advisory Group (SAGe) was established in March 2009 as a result of volunteer feedback provided at the Chicago meetings in 2006 and 2007 and the National Council’s decision to have an advisory group for each of the main functions. The group’s overall objective is to improve the national Sending processes by soliciting volunteer recommendations on such Sending issues as: recruitment efforts, lead generation, IT, returnee integration, volunteer development, orientations, school and teacher relations, application processing, the National Sending calendar, and any Sending promotions, marketing materials, or new programs.
Composition
The SAGe will be composed of two volunteers from each of the three regions, two returnees, up to one volunteer-at-large, and appropriate staff designated by the National Director - Outbound Programs. The current committee members are:
- AFS Volunteers:
- Western Region Volunteer Representative - Position to be filled
- Western Region Volunteer Representative - Position to be filled
- Marc Patsiner – Central Region, San Antonio Chapter Sending Coordinator, Term ends March 2012
- Central Region Volunteer Representative - Position to be filled
- Jim Walker – Eastern Region, Capitol AT Sending Coordinator, Term ends March 2011
- Eastern Region Volunteer Representative - Position to be filled
- Debra Tholen - Volunteer At Large, Texas Gulf Coast Team Sending Chair, Term ends May 2011
- Returnee Representative - Position to be filled
- Jesse Elrod - AFS Returnee, Term ends July 2011
- José Ruiz-Salas – National Council Representative, Term ends March 2011
- AFS Staff:
- Jenny Davis – Special Projects Manager
- Deb Woolley – Director of Marketing
- Jennifer Peck – National Director - Outbound Programs
- Jennifer Bricker – Program Services Officer - Outbound Programs
- Joanne Yokoyama-Martin – Chief Program Officer - Outbound Programs; National Council
- Keri Dooley - Chief Govt. Relations and Sponsored Programs Officer; National Council
Method of Election/Appointment
The volunteer and staff members of the SAGe are appointed by Joanne Yokoyama-Martin, Chief Program Officer - Outbound Programs. The chairperson will be a volunteer and will be elected by the group.
Committee Term
Each term is for two years except the Volunteer At-Large position, which is one year. The Regional Volunteer Representative terms end alternately to prevent two volunteers of the same region to leave at the same time.
Methodology
The SAGe will meet by phone conference on the third Thursday monthly or as needed leading up to and throughout the sending season. Additional meetings may be called, as necessary. There will also be regular email correspondence. The progress and outcomes of the SAGe will be regularly communicated to Sending volunteers and volunteers in leadership positions.
Accountability
The SAGe will be accountable to Joanne Yokoyama-Martin, Chief Program Officer - Outbound Programs.
