Sponsored Programs Orientation Group Leader

From AFSWiki

AFS-USA Volunteer Position Description

Sponsored Programs Orientation Group Leader=

Responsible to: Sponsored Programs Orientation Coordinator

General Description: The Group Leader volunteer is responsible working with approximately 10 students for the duration of the orientation leading them through various session content as well as several organized meetings with various religious leaders as well as government officials.

Time Required:

• Hours will vary; overnight stays may be involved
• Length of commitment will vary; orientations last anywhere from 1-4 days, depending on the program and group size.

Competencies Required:

• Flexible
• Dependable
• Responsible
• Excellent team building skills
• Strong mediating and listening skills
• Ability to maintain open lines of communication with fellow volunteers as well as Sponsored Programs staff
• Capacity to work in a collaborative environment with a variety of personalities and cultures

Training:

• No prior formal training required

Materials/Resources Provided by AFS:

• Volunteer Registration materials & manual available online at afswiki.org
• Opportunity to join group leader conference calls prior to the event
• Group leader mailings sent prior to the event containing various session specific materials
• Group Leader Orientation folders provided on site containing all materials needed during event
• Cultural Handbooks
• Accommodation, meals and local transportation during event provided by AFS.

Works with:

• Staff
  • Sponsored Programs team

• Volunteer
  • Fellow orientation volunteers

Responsibilities:

• Leading a group of approximately 10 students for duration of the orientation
• Ensuring the safety of students at all times
• Ensuring the timeliness of students at all required events
• Ensuring all students are familiar with the orientation agenda and materials
• Responding to general student concerns
• Performing room checks
• Ensuring that students are awake each morning at specified time
• Facilitating group discussion during each orientation session
• Leading students through visits with Congressional Representatives, Department of State members and delegates from their respective Embassies

Benefits to Volunteer:

• Develop friendships with participants, volunteers and staff
• Engage in meaningful exchange of ideas with participants about their experiences abroad
• Enhance knowledge and understanding of differing cultures
• Partake in important dialogue with various Embassy and Department of State officials regarding student exchange and intercultural experiences