Returnee Life Cycle

From AFSWiki

Introduction: As a part of the Returnee Initiative (RI), the Network Development Group (NDG) has been working on this Returnee Life Cycle (RLC) as was stated in the RI Plan’s first goal:

Goal 1: Develop Returnee Life Cycle Objectives • To outline the Returnee Life Cycle - clearly defined Returnee life cycle to understand what Returnees want, need, and how they can contribute at different points of the post-AFS experience • To identify platforms for the Returnees to use the skills they gained abroad back here in the U.S. in terms of leadership, service, and intercultural education or affiliation • To identify paths for the Returnees to continue their AFS experience when home, because of support and guidance and resources provided by AFS (not just thru AFS volunteering)

A core group of four Returnees and one staff member developed this RLC and requested feedback from the greater RI group, at least 30 Returnees who are volunteers in various stages of life, the staff Executive Team, Volunteer Development Advisory Group and a few other staff members have reviewed this document. Feedback is incorporated.

Each member of the Board, National Council and NVA participant received a copy of the RLC in their packet at the NVA. We received positive verbal feedback that the document was thorough.

The RLC will be used as a base for Returnee Initiative projects, and a guide for volunteers and staff.

Stage 1: PAA- Potential American Abroad—Ages 14-16 Definition: At this stage, the potential AAs are introduced to AFS. They are interested in having an exchange experience, but need help in making the next step towards the application process. They require support, encouragement and answers before they lose interest.

What AFS can do for the (potential) Returnee: • Implement Returnee Organized Project • Foster excitement about AFS programs Provide a platform for sharing experience and offering advice in coping with fears regarding going abroad • Answer questions for both PAA and family o Set up Online info session What (potential) Returnee can do for AFS: • Attend AFS events • Talk with friends to generate interest about going abroad • Start a blog so that future AAs can follow him/her through the entire process of going abroad

Stage 2: AAA=American Abroad Applicant—Ages 15-18+ Definition: At this stage students need help completing their applicationsand can start getting involved with their local AFS “Community.”

What AFS can do for the (potential) Returnee: • Incorporate the idea of the AFS community into all aspects of the application process • Connect PAAs with the Local, International and Returnee Community • Support and create awareness of established "How to fundraise" opportunities • Introduce the Returnee role as an expected part of the AFS experience, and direct them to the AFS resources • Introduce AA to Returnee mentor who has experience with his/her country of choice • Offer PDOs led by Returnees • Consider options to add a Returnee-run extra PDO day for social and teambuilding activities • Support bonding at PDOs with other students going abroad by activities and email exchange • Publicize “Welcome Back Event” to look forward to upon return

What the (potential)Returnee can do for AFS: • Attend AFS events and familiarize oneself with the community of AFS volunteers and Returnees thus becoming excited to return and contribute

Stage 3: AA=Americans Abroad—Ages 15-18+ Definition: At this stage in the life cycle the students are abroad in their host countries.

What AFS can do for the Returnee-to-be: • Provide info through E-mail/Newsletter • Establish and promote Facebook/World Cafe chat rooms • Maintain contact with online networks of chapters/country groups/regional groups, etc • Publicize blogging framework • Provide support for AAs' families while students are abroad and shortly after return

What Returnee-to-be can do for AFS: • Share Stories for Newsletter • Enter contests as developed by AFS • Blog, blog, blog • Engage in the AFS community in host country; bring back ideas to home chapter • Conduct presentations about the US: home, school, AFS, community, etc.

Stage 4: RRs=Recent Returnees—Ages 17-18+ Definition: At this stage, students have just returned from their experiences abroad and have become official “Returnees”. They are of the same age as current exchange students and can be a great resource, but their time may be limited due to academic and social demands as they finish high school and apply for college. What AFS can do for the Returnee: • Provide support--especially emotional support-- through a re-entry orientation • Assign a young Returnee as a mentor • Provide support for AAs’ families as parents and siblings cope with the changes the student has undergone over the course of the year • Be an active presence in Returnees' lives via email, newsletters, Facebook, World Cafe • Build a Returnee Resource Center (RRCC) (digital platform) to connect Returnees with information and services, including but not limited to: (Ongoing stages 4—10) o Calendars for AFS events by area o How to market your AFS experience to colleges and employers (in applications, resumes and during interviews) o Job postings o Housing o Scholarships o Community events of interest o Social and professional networking • Connect Returnees with their local chapters' activities • Connect Returnees with others of similar age or interests • Provide access to data base for Returnee searches and to find local volunteers (Ongoing stages 4—10) • Hold a “Welcome Back” event • Organize and sponsor language practice groups to help Returnees keep up the linguistic skills they gained while abroad (Ongoing stages 4—10) • Recognize Returnees involvement (Ongoing stages 4—11)

What the Returnee can do for AFS: • Provide support on an informal basis for current exchange students and prospective AAs • Be a high school AFS ambassador • Help informally at orientations, chapter events, etc. • Keep in touch with host chapter after returning to the U.S. • Be a group leader or assist in leading groups at orientations • Take charge of organizing social events for hosted students • Begin to participate in national work groups or task forces (Ongoing stages 4—10)

Stage 5: CRs=Collegiate Returnees—Ages 18-22 Definition: At this stage, the Returnee has left the comfort zone of high school and is moving on to college. Many students at this age may be moving away from home and are looking for new networks, friends, and experiences, while balancing academic demands, jobs and social schedules.

What AFS can do for the Returnee: • Continue effective points from stage 4 including promotion and updating of Returnee Resource Center explained in stage 4 (Ongoing stages 5—10) • Provide a structure to create social groups (Ongoing stages 4—10) • Welcome students from out of town to the local team/chapter so that they have a built-in support network of fellow AFSers and volunteers • Sponsor volunteer outings and opportunities to get college students involved in the new community • Develop and provide information on internship opportunities (Ongoing stages 5—7, at least) • Publicize information on travel opportunities through internships, community service, or study abroad through the RRC and all other AFS communication systems (Ongoing stages 5—10) What the Returnee can do for AFS: • Give presentations at high schools • Mentor potential AA's or current exchange students • Assist with family and student interviews • Lead groups at orientations • Start a college AFS club • Bring ideas from other part of the country to refresh and update current practices in the area, thereby promoting mobility of ideas • Promote AFS projects to existing service fraternity on campus/as community service opportunities

Stage 6: PGRs =The Post-Grad Returnee—Ages 21-26 Definition: at this stage most Returnees have graduated from college and are thinking about their professional lives. As a college graduate, a Returnee in this age group wants to grow professionally, but may not want to be tied down yet. PGRs are likely to take advantage of opportunities to try new experiences, take risks and travel. They are interested in expanding their resumes and are probably active travelers. AFS would be a good resource for this age group by helping Returnees network. What AFS can do for the Returnee: • Offer events and opportunities for professional networking and job search; locally in addition to the RRC (Ongoing stages 6—10) • Foster connections to other Returnees in the area through social events (Ongoing stages 6—10) • Reengage Returnees to the AFS network, in case they have become disconnected during college –or at any other time of life (Ongoing stages 6—10) • Offer leadership opportunities at the local, national and international level to increase skills and marketability (Ongoing stages 6—10) • Encourage Returnnees to brainstorm and pursue any activities that they feel beneficial to the AFS community (Ongoing stages 6—10) • Advertise volunteer and professional opportunities with AFS • Highlight the role of Returnee Coordinator (RC)

What the Returnee can do for AFS: • Support current hosted students, as a liaison or 'older sibling' adviser • Connect with AFS chapters in other countries while traveling abroad • Hold volunteer positions, such as: o Volunteer o Student/Family Liason o Returnee Coordinator o Orientation Coordinator/Leader or general volunteer (for international students and/or students preparing to go abroad) • Attend conferences for volunteer development and bring back new ideas to local chapter/team • Train other Returnees to take on new positions and responsibilities • Help develop and maintain relationships with schools/universities • Apply to chaperone trips, having now reached the minimum required age • Support administrative work on the local or national level through an established internship

Stage 7: GPRs=Graduate/Professional Returnee—Ages 26-30 Definition: At this stage, many Returnees find their footing professionally, relationally, geographically, etc. during this time; AFS can be an incredible resource in establishing stability in all of these areas. While they may not be ready to host, they do make great liaisons and fabulous sending volunteers!

What AFS can do for the Returnee: • All the ongoing points from earlier stages

What Returnees can do for AFS: • Hold volunteer position of those in stage 6 and: o Sending volunteer (recruitment, interviews, pre-departure orientations) • Apply to chaperone AFS-sponsored trips • Begin donating to AFS to support the continuation of the organization • Propose new projects and assist in coordinating them at the national/international level

Stage 8: ARs=Adult Returnees—Ages 30-40 Definition: At this stage, Returnees are strengthening careers, possibly choosing life partners, possibly raising kids, or ready to welcome their own AFS student. Their interest and skills to give back are forming in a way that seals the life-long AFS connection.

What AFS can do for the Returnee: • All the ongoing points from earlier stages • Introduce Returnee’s young children to international students to support budding global perspectives (Ongoing stages 4 through 10-can include grandchildren) • Provide information about local events through email bulletins and an online calendar • Hold Reunions (or provide resources for starting reunions) • Welcome back AFSers who were focusing on their lives and careers and are now ready to reconnect

What Returnee can do for AFS: • Hold volunteer position of those in earlier stages and: o Reunion Coordinator o Leaderhip roles on the local/Team level • Be a Host Family (Ongoing stages 8 through 10) • Continue to donate regularly to AFS and consider increasing contributions relative to growing income, if applicable • Propose new projects and assist in piloting and coordinating them at the national/international level

Stage 9: GCRs=Global Citizen Returnee-Ages 40-60 Definition: At this stage, Returnees generally focus on career, family, community involvement and/or being a global citizen, etc., depending upon their life paths.

What AFS can do for the Returnee: • All the ongoing points from earlier stages • Hold events aimed at this Returnee group to share how AFS has grown and changed and facilitate the process of getting their kids excited and involved • Offer college scholarships or Americans Abroad scholarships to offset the cost of sending multiple children to college or abroad • Stay involved--keep in touch by mail, email at this busy and important stage in life to make sure that these Returnees know they are still a part of the AFS family • Help Returnees re-connect with other Returnees of their year,country, or region • Provide trainings and professional or skills development opportunities

What Returnee can do for AFS: • Send children abroad with AFS and become a Natural Family • Assist in establishing an AFS club in the children's high school or in working with the PTA • Be an advocate for the "international experience" in the community • Mentor new or prospective Host Families • Share professional expertise with students abroad or younger Returnees: how did they get where they are, and how did their AFS experience help them? • Provide career advice and connections to younger Returnees who are trying to find their way in their fields • Hold volunteer positions, of those in earlier stages and: o Host Family recruiter/interviewer/mentor (with their potential connection to network of other potential host families or natural families) o Sending recruiter, or supporter to encourage other parents to send their children • Take on Coordinator positions at the local/Team level or serve on the Team Board • Talk to AAs and or current exchange students about how AFS changes/influenced their lives • Mentor younger volunteers • Become an honored donor; give at the highest level

Stage 10: WAs=Wise Advisers—Ages 65 and up Definition: at this stage the Wise Adviser Returnee is thinking about retirement and making a fresh start, armed with lots of new ideas, hobbies, and enthusiasm. Their children are grown and living on their own and the Advisers have extra time to contribute to family pursuits, travel and volunteer projects.

What AFS can do for the Returnee: • All the ongoing points from earlier stages • Create a how-to guide on best practices for delegating or passing on AFS chapter leadership duties they may have taken on years before • Name scholarships or new initiatives after Returnees with a long history of service to the organization that are associated with regions or topics that are personally meaningful to them • Provide information on how to donate or leave a bequest to AFS

What Returnee can do for AFS: • Serve on AFS board • Give input and experience to ensure that AFS takes full advantage of their years of experience--institutional memory. • Act as mentors for those in current chapter/team/national volunteer leadership positions • Donate to AFS at a high donor level, or plan to leave a bequest to AFS • Offer funds to send an American student abroad: personally help finance a scholarship • Give talks on their careers and professional accomplishments • Lead discussions on 'AFS: Then and Now' for volunteers, students and community groups • Offer workshops on leadership, business, other topics for AFS volunteer professional development at conferences or local meetings • Hold various volunteer roles as described in earlier stages

Stage 11: The Final and Ultimate gift to AFS Definition: At this stage the volunteer has planned to leave something in his or her will to AFS. In turn, AFS recognizes the Returnee in perpetuity and strengthens the family connection.

What AFS can do for the Returnee: • Posthumous Recognition locally and nationally • Offer condolences to family members • Organize and institutionalize the concept of a Memorial Campaign in order to make it easy to for the family to accept donations to AFS for the deceased Returnee in lieu of flowers

What the Returnee can do for AFS: • Include a bequest to AFS in his or her will • Continue family connections with AFS