Written by: Jennifer Grace, Silver & Gold Area Team, National Council Communications Committee Member

The AFS Hosting Advisory Group (Hosting AG), led by Sara Roberts, West Regional Director, and Heather Stertz, a volunteer from the World Flags Area Team, is a dynamic partnership uniting staff and volunteers across the country. Together, they help ensure one of AFS-USA’s most vital missions continues to thrive: connecting international exchange students with welcoming families throughout the U.S.

Composed of dedicated volunteers from a variety of Area Teams, the Hosting Advisory Group collaborates year-round to identify recruitment challenges, recognize successes, and share creative strategies that strengthen our AFS hosting community.

Goals for the Year: Building Stronger Volunteer Communities

The Hosting Advisory Group’s primary focus for the upcoming recruitment season is to empower Hosting Volunteers and strengthen their connection to one another. Through shared learning and collaboration, the group aims to build even greater momentum and enthusiasm around AFS student placements.

• Creating Hosting Volunteer Communities: Building small, interconnected groups where volunteers can share ideas, celebrate milestones, and find encouragement throughout the hosting season.
• Promoting Student Profiles: Distributing student bios earlier and more broadly to help volunteers and Area Teams reach schools, communities, and local organizations in time for early recruitment opportunities. Broader promotion is achieved in collaboration with AFS Field Staff by making student profiles grouped by interests available to all AFS Volunteers via a Google Drive. The hope is to make it easier to share student bios with specialized audiences such as faith communities, sports groups, civic organizations, and cultural groups.
• Promoting Active Community Presence: Encouraging volunteers to maintain visibility in their local communities—through events, partnerships, and social media outreach—to keep the spirit of AFS hosting alive year-round.
• Reviewing and Developing Best Practices: Strengthening the Host Family Interview process and creating more engagement between host families and volunteers prior to student arrivals to foster deeper connection, understanding, and integration into the AFS community.

“Our goal is simple,” says Sara Roberts. “We want every volunteer to feel equipped, connected, and inspired to bring the joy of hosting to more families in their communities.”

Access up-to-date student bios and resources for promotion on the AFS-USA Volunteer Google Drive.

Achievements from Last Year: Expanding Connections and Collaboration

Last year, the Hosting Advisory Group achieved milestones in volunteer support and recruitment innovation. Two highlights stand out:

• Launch of Hosting Community Groups: Based on direct volunteer feedback, the team introduced small hosting communities designed to cultivate peer support and collaboration. These groups allow volunteers to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and celebrate together—building confidence and unity across Area Teams. “Volunteers wanted connection, and that’s exactly what we delivered,” says Roberts. “These small circles are spaces where ideas flourish, and motivation grows.”
• Accelerating Student Bio Writing: The biggest achievement of the year was refining and expanding the National Bio Writing Team initiative, led by Kate Sullivan, East Regional Director. By producing student bios sooner, Area Teams gained timely information to promote students earlier in the season, giving volunteers a valuable head start in identifying host families. “The National Bio Writing Team shows how a simple idea—writing great student stories—can become a meaningful volunteer experience,” explains Heather Stertz. “It’s about connecting passion with purpose.”

Tackling Challenges: Staying Volunteer-Driven in a Dynamic Environment

The Hosting Advisory Group continues to navigate evolving Department of State guidelines and shifting school deadlines, while keeping volunteer creativity at the core of every initiative. Regular collaboration between volunteers and staff ensures recruitment strategies remain both compliant and community-informed.

This two-way communication helps preserve the volunteer-driven spirit that defines AFS-USA, while aligning efforts with national goals and regulations. Another ongoing challenge—and opportunity—is reaching beyond traditional hosting audiences.

By sharing stories, hosting events, and introducing more families to the purpose of cultural exchange, the group promotes inclusivity and strengthens the AFS presence across the country.

“Every connection we make opens another door for understanding,” Stertz shares. “And every new family that hosts brings us closer to a more connected world.”

Join the Hosting Advisory Group: Opportunities for Volunteers

Are you passionate about helping connect students and families through intercultural exchange? The AFS Hosting Advisory Group is eager to welcome new members!

This is an ideal opportunity for volunteers with experience in marketing, communication, social media, or community engagement—or anyone simply inspired to help expand the reach of AFS-USA. Members collaborate nationwide to create tools, share strategies, and develop innovative resources that make hosting more accessible and exciting for families everywhere.

Together, we can expand the reach of AFS—and help every community experience the power of cultural exchange and understanding, beginning at home.