Sending Gateway Orientation Group Leader

From AFSWiki

AFS-USA Volunteer Position Description The Sending Gateway Orientation Leader is responsible for facilitating small group activities included in the mandatory Sending Gateway Orientation for outbound students. S/he must be a minimum of 19 years old.

Responsible to: Sending Gateway Orientation Coordinator

Works with: Sending Gateway Orientation Coordinator, Group Leaders and Volunteers, Travel and Logistics Staff

Time Required:

• 4-6 hours training in preparation for facilitator duties, including reviewing Leader’s Guide and meeting with Orientation Coordinator
• A minimum of approximately 36 hours to help set up, lead and evaluate the orientation

Competencies Required:

• Recent (within 2-5 years) experience in intercultural setting
• Effective listener in one-on-one situations
• Effective facilitator in small (10-12) group settings
• Good team building skills (motivating, negotiating, mediating, problem-solving)
• Passion for the AFS Mission
• Physical stamina – ability to put in long hours over a period of 2-3 days

Responsibilities:

• Participate in mandatory Orientation Group Leader’s training, facilitated by the Orientation Coordinator prior to the event.
• Assist in the set up of the orientation event on the evening prior to and the day of the event, i.e. collating materials, creating welcome posters.
• Lead activities and discussions for a group of 12 or fewer people as directed by the Gateway Orientation Leader’s Guide and the Orientation Coordinator.
• Accompany your group to meals, ensure that each group member is present during all required orientation activities, and accounted for during all other times.
• Listen to and reassure individual group members about concerns they may have or ensure that they speak with someone else should you not feel comfortable doing so.
• Provide feedback on and suggestions for improvement to the orientation content, organization, facilities, etc. to the Orientation Coordinator immediately after the event.
• Serve as a night time hall monitor during 2-4 hour period at night or in the early morning (optional).
• Share any concerns about individual attendees with the Orientation Coordinator.

For a more detailed list of responsibilities, please see Sending Gateway Orientation Group Leader Responsibilities

Benefits to Volunteer:

• Develop lifelong relationships with fellow volunteers, staff, and participants
• Develop greater intercultural competence through familiarization with AFS Orientation Framework and related Intercultural Education resources
• Obtain training in effective facilitation, team building, and intercultural learning activities
• Contribute to the development of intercultural competence in others
• Opportunity to utilise and develop facilitation and team building skills
• Play a leading role in developing AFS as a leader in intercultural education in the U.S. and around the world.