Volunteer Registration
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Volunteer Registration
AFS-USA has a responsibility to provide an organizational structure for volunteers who contribute to the efforts of AFS-USA. Orientation, training, support, guidance and development are all provided as required by the US Department of State. As an organization we believe that we need to hold in highest regard our quality standards, and maintain a good reputation.
Conscious that we operate in an environment where we are required to manage risks, AFS-USA believes that it is critical that we demonstrate that we take reasonable actions:
- To see to the protection, safety and well-being of our program participants (primarily young people)
- To provide our volunteers with the necessary support and guidance as the role demands
In so doing, this provides you, as a volunteer, as well as AFS-USA, an organizational safety net.
Steps to Register for New Volunteers
For re-registering volunteers, See: Volunteer Re-Registration
To begin your volunteer online application, (OA), go to www.usa.afsglobal.org/volunteer and create a unique User ID and password.
- Go to www.usa.afsglobal.org/volunteer
- Click “Sign Up”
- Fill out required fields on the sign up form
- Click the “Send” button at the bottom of the form
- When you see the sign-up successful screen, check your email for a link to the volunteer application and your login information from AFS Intercultural.
- Use your new login to access the volunteer application
The Volunteer Online Application is composed of several different forms. These forms are under separate tabs. As you move through the tabs, please click the ‘Save as Draft’ button to ensure you do not lose your information. Questions with a red asterisk are required on all forms.
- Cover Form (Optional)
- Application Form
- Confidential Form
- Reference Form
- Volunteer Agreement
Cover: This is an optional page that allows applicants to upload a personal photo.
Application Form: Here the applicant will enter their contact and volunteer information.
Confidential Form: A series of nine ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions are asked as a Department of State requirement.
Reference Form: We ask for contact information from at least three people who can provide a reference. The email address and phone number are required pieces of information, as we send online reference forms to these individuals. AFS may use phone numbers to reach references if they have not responded to email requests. Relatives may not provide references.
Volunteer Agreement: This is an outline of the rules and regulations by which each AFS staff member and volunteer follow. An ‘E-signature’ located at the bottom of the form indicates that the applicant agrees to do so.
Once you have completed the forms in these tabs, you are ready to click the ‘Submit’ button located at the top and bottom of each tab of the application.
Volunteer Registration staff will review the application. If the application is incomplete the applicant will receive an email with a request for new information. If the application is complete the applicant will move to the next stage of the registration process.
- Volunteer Registration Interview
- Reference Contact
- Criminal Background Check
- New Volunteer Orientation
- Compliance Requirements
- New Volunteer Orientation
Volunteer Interview: A volunteer from your team will notified by email that an applicant is at the interview stage. The Volunteer Registration Interviewer will contact the applicant to schedule the interview, which typically takes 15 minutes to conduct. He or she will ask a series of questions which will help the team get to know the applicant, their interests and help integrate the applicant into the team.
After the interview and once your application has been accepted, AFS will share the interview form with key volunteers in your area that will be able to best match your skills and interests with the local needs.
Reference Contact: Once we review the application we will send each of the references online reference forms to complete and submit to AFS. The applicant’s references will receive the reference request 10 times, once every three days. If references do not respond, staff may contact references to ask questions over the phone.
*Please notify references that they will be receiving reference requests. This helps to expedite the registration process.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants will receive an email with a link to the Intellicorp website, an FID number and instructions on how to submit the background check.
New Volunteer Orientation: Beginning February 2012, an online orientation for new volunteers will be required as per the recommendations of the Volunteer Development Advisory Group and was approved by the National Council. It contains information regarding AFS organizational structure, the AFS mission, and possible volunteer roles.
Compliance Requirements: For some applicants, additional review may be necessary.
Volunteers under 18: Download and complete the Parental Permission Form from the confidential tab of the Volunteer Application and email it to vol.reg@afs.org.
New Volunteer Orientation:
The New Volunteer Orientation (NVO) is now required for all volunteers registering for the first time. The NVO online learning module introduces new volunteers to AFS-USA's history, mission, values, volunteer opportunities, exchange programs, and organizational structure in an online training. The NVO can be accessed using your volunteer application login on the following website: [{https://usa.afsglobal.org/course/NewVolunteer}]
Completing an application for volunteer registration does not mean that you have been registered. Applicants will receive a confirmation email indicating completion of the registration process. AFS-USA has the right to determine the suitability of each applicant.
Implications of Registering
AFS-USA respects your privacy and only staff employed to manage your volunteer registration will have access to your information. Some information may be disclosed to relevant third parties in order to process your application. Once you have been approved to volunteer, some information that will be relevant for you to perform your role will be shared with AFS-USA staff and volunteers.
As a registered AFS-USA volunteer, this means that you:
- Are covered by AFS insurance policies when performing your voluntary role.
- Meet state and federal laws regarding work with international youth.
- Will be supported in your AFS-USA volunteer role.
- Will have access to Global Link.
I've Registered. Now What?
- Look through the many local and Team positions, and select a few roles that are of interest to you.
- A member from you team will contact you and find out your availability.
- Request an assignment that suits your interests, but expect that the area volunteers will probably like for you to start with some roles with smaller scope while they get to know you.
- Remember to follow the volunteer guidelines.
Updates
November/December, 2011 AFS Volunteer Development staff are currently reviewing data, comments and suggestions for improvement from the October, 2011 Volunteer Registration Interview Survey.
Starting February, 2012
An online New Volunteer Orientation will be required for all new volunteers registering after this date. The Volunteer Development Advisory Group requested this new orientation and it was approved by the National Council. It contains information regarding AFS organizational structure, the AFS mission, and possible volunteer roles which will help new volunteers become more familiar with the organization much more quickly.
Staff Contact Information
- Phone: 1-800-AFS-INFO ext. 1562
- Fax: 1-503-961-8383
- Email: vol.reg@afs.org
- Snail mail:
- Volunteer Registration
- AFS Intercultural Programs/USA
- 506 SW 6th Ave Floor 2
- Portland OR 97204/1523
