We are very excited to announce that all volunteers and fully screened host families for this coming school year now have access to the NEW Global Family Tools platform (GFT). The tool is a mobile-friendly source of information, guidance and activities. It will support and enhance the hosting experience by providing Host Families with immediate access to the host family handbook, student details, liaison contact info and emails sent through the AFS Global Link system by staff and volunteers.

What are people saying about the tool so far?

• “WOW!  It is so helpful, and will have a big, positive impact on supporting families.”
• “The most useful aspect of the tool for me is having useful information in one place, online, and searchable.”
• “I learned some things from documents that I would never have sought out.  I think it’s especially good for the host families to have on their phones.”

Familiarize yourself with the tool:

• Read through the GFT FAQs for Volunteers.
• Review more detailed information about the GFT in Help & Learning.
• Join us for a volunteer webinar on July 20 at 9pm EST/ 6pm PST in which we will introduce the GFT and allow time for Q&A. Please register for the webinar here.

Help us promote the adoption of the tool for the 2021-22 hosting cycle

• Talk it up during Area Team meetings and events, as well as Host Family interviews.
• Share this promotional video (transcript link) and GFT FAQs for Host Families with families.
• Help host families add the tool as a shortcut on their mobile devices using this guide.
• Introduce the tool when orienting Host Families. For example, the 2021 Pre-Arrival Host Family Orientation PowerPoint includes information about the Global Family Tools platform.

Login as a volunteer:

• Begin exploring the tool by logging into this site: https://usa.afsglobal.org/afs/host-family/home
• You will use your Global Link Username & Password to login.
• A link to the GFT can also be found in the left-hand navigation column of MyAFS.

Thank you for taking some time to learn about this new and exciting resource and for your help in promoting the tool to the host families in your team!

The Intercultural Learning Team