On this International Volunteer Day, AFS-USA would like to give a special thanks to our approximately 4,200 volunteers, without whom none of the work this organization accomplishes would be possible. Your hard work and dedication continue to provide thousands of students and families with the transformative experience of studying abroad. Because of you, communities grow stronger and new friends build bridges across cultures. We’re confident that the students on our programs will help move the world in a more peaceful direction.

We want to thank all of you, and draw particular attention to the AFS-USA nominations for AFS International Awards this year. Each year, AFS International recognizes exceptional volunteers from the AFS Global Community who have made an important impact on our organization. The AFS-USA nominees for the Galatti and Art & Peggy Howe Family Awards are as follows:

Jean Goecks – Galatti Award

Jean Goecks has been a volunteer with AFS-USA for 20 years and during that time has contributed to the Columbia Pacific Team in many ways, from providing food at orientations to being team chair. She has impacted her team greatly by supporting hosted students, taking them into her home and helping facilitate conversation about diversity, inclusion and bias. Jean’s commitment to AFS continues to create invaluable experiences within her community for students, families and volunteers alike.

The Andres Family – Art & Peggy Howe Family Award

The Andres family—Jessica, Jason and their four children—has made a significant impact in the Michigan Team through their hosting initiatives and influence. Through her position as team chair, as well as other various support roles, Jessica and her family contribute in a multitude of ways, from being liaisons to hosted students to recruiting host families and giving presentations about AFS throughout their community. Jessica’s far reach has led to the creation of two new AFS chapters, bringing the AFS mission to areas where it once did not exist.

We would also like to highlight the other volunteers and host families that were nominated by their communities.

Galatti Award Nominees

Susan Davis – East Metro Team

Sandra Caporossi – Northeast Ohio Team

Alan Russell – DelmarPa Team

Ann Ruhman – Michigan Team

Murray Johnson – Greater Chicago Team

Margaret Johnson – Carolinas East Team

Alison Colaluca – New Jersey Team

Don & Cheryl Coffman – Kansas City Team

Art & Peggy Howe Family Award Nominees

The Mellesmoen Family – East Metro Team

The Lefuel/Banning Family – Northwest California Team