Start thinking about volunteers who you know deserve recognition! The nomination period for the 2025 national and international volunteer awards will open from June 4-July 14, 2025. Full award descriptions and nomination forms will be available in Help & Learning on June 4. Read below for a short description of each award to get you thinking about who you might like to nominate.

National Awards

The AFS-USA Mission Award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has made a significant impact in promoting the core values and mission of AFS through their leadership.

The AFS-USA Emerging Leader Award recognizes an individual who shows potential as a future leader within the AFS volunteer structure of chapters or teams. This award is intended to recognize emerging leaders regardless of their age.

The Dream Team Award recognizes AFS-USA Teams for exceptional and outstanding service that benefits AFS-USA volunteers in more than one area of volunteer development and recognition.

International Awards

The Galatti Award honors Steven Galatti and celebrates individual volunteers whose long-time commitment, dedication and exceptional journey with the organization have advanced the AFS-USA mission and created a significant impact.

The Peggy and Art Howe Award honors the Howe Family and celebrates families that provide exceptional, outstanding service to AFS and further the AFS Mission as a family.

The Young AFS Volunteer Award for Outstanding Service recognizes AFS volunteers 30 or under whose exceptional contributions to the organization have made a difference in advancing the mission and goals of AFS.