Volunteer Welcome Packet
From AFSWiki
For full access to the AFS Wiki, please see AFSWiki Request New User Process
Contents |
Welcome Letter
Dear AFS Volunteer, On behalf of the Board of Directors, National Council, Volunteers and Staff, welcome to AFS-USA. Your decision to contribute your time and efforts to AFS is appreciated. With dedicated AFS volunteers like you, we are able to further our mission of helping build a more just and peaceful world through international exchange and intercultural learning.
This welcome packet serves as a brief introduction to AFS-USA and should assist you in learning more about the AFS network. We are confident you will find many rewarding volunteer opportunities in your community. Many AFS participants say that the most rewarding part of volunteering with AFS is the life long global friendships that are created. As you make valuable personal relationships, you are building bridges of understanding between people of different cultures.
Now more than ever, the world needs intercultural understanding. An AFSer shared this insight: “When I arrived, I saw only the differences in the people and culture around me, but when it was time to say goodbye, I saw only the similarities.”
The contributions of AFS Volunteers like you make the work of AFS Intercultural Programs possible. We take pride knowing you represent AFS and will inspire others in your community to promote peace through volunteerism.
Sincerely,
Jorge Castro
Partner Director, AFS-USA, Inc.
Al Russell
National Council Chair, AFS-USA, Inc.
Volunteer Opportunities
AFS understands that today’s volunteers are looking for meaningful opportunities that allow for flexibility. AFS has many volunteer roles and tasks that vary depending upon each individual’s interest and time available. Many volunteers begin with responsibilities that take an hour or two on a one-time basis. As a volunteer becomes more familiar with AFS and receives further training, he or she may choose to take on additional responsibilities with the support of other AFS volunteers and staff. Position descriptions are available on AFS Wiki.
CREATE AWARENESS OF AFS OPPORTUNITIES
- Conduct AFS presentations in local high schools
- Provide local media materials for hosting in your community through local papers, radio, television and online social networking websites
- Create partnerships with other community organizations such as 4-H, Girl/Boy scouts, Kiwanis, etc.
- Deliver and/or display materials in your community
- Run an Information Event at local schools
- Represent AFS at a community booth
HELP STUDENTS PREPARE TO GO ABROAD
- Interview AFS candidates
- Mentor AFS candidates and their parents
- Phone candidates to provide reassurance as they wait to hear about placement
- Help at orientations
- Plan an intercultural activity
HELP STUDENTS HOSTED IN THE U.S.
- Recruit host families
- Interview prospective families
- Become an AFS Liaison and provide support to the participant and the host family throughout the duration of the program
- Help at orientations
- Plan an intercultural activity
OTHER
- Make a financial contribution
- Provide a meeting space for groups
- Share intercultural knowledge and experiences
- Contribute services such as copying, faxing, phone banks, etc.
- Contribute technical or computer expertise
- Organize an AFS Club at your local high school
Returnee Opportunities
Share your story!
Leadership in today’s global climate requires the ability to work in multicultural settings and to understand and appreciate cultural differences. Yet for every 10 students who come to live in the U.S on a year long exchange program, only one American goes abroad for the same period.
AFS Returnees are in a uniquely qualified position to recruit new AFSers. In addition to promoting intercultural understanding, returnee volunteers will also strengthen their resumes through leadership, communication, counseling, creative salesmanship, journalism, and/or public relations. You will also have the opportunity to network within your community, such as with senior school administrators and other community leaders. Finally, you’ll be in close contact with other returnees, an excellent opportunity to make new friends and professional contacts.
To learn more about how to connect, please go to the Returnee Initiative page! This page is being updated regularly as new opportunities become available. However you choose to be involved in AFS, we encourage you to pass along your intercultural knowledge and AFS experience.
AFS-USA Resources
- AFS Fact Sheet 2010 Gives an overview of AFS-USA's programs, Mission, and History.
- Welcome to AFS Wiki AFS Wiki Main Page
- AFS-USA Website General information and promotion for the public about AFS-USA
- Facebook (There are many AFS groups on Facebook. If you do not already have an account, you can create one, and then search for groups that interest you.)
Contact Information:
Call 1-800-876-2377 to reach the Regional Service Center nearest you:
- Western Regional Service Center: 506 SW 6th Avenue 2nd Floor, Portland, OR 97204, (503) 241-1578, Fax (503) 241-1653
- Central States Regional Service Center: 2356 University Avenue West, Suite 424, St Paul, MN 55114, (651) 647-6337, Fax (651) 647-6628
- Eastern Regional Service Center: 231 E Baltimore Street, 15th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 539-5997, Fax (410) 539-5636
- National Service Center: One Whitehall Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10004, (800) 876-2376, Fax (212) 299-9090
