Hello AFS Volunteers:
Thank you to everyone who joined Wednesday’s National Volunteer Call! We had a fantastic turnout, and we truly appreciate your continued support and dedication. Here’s a brief recap of what we covered, along with links and resources for your reference. You can find a link to the presentation and World Cup AFS Trivia questions and answers here.
NH26 Placement Puzzle
More than 500 students have confirmed placements! With just 10 days until the July 23rd First Arrivals Deadline, we are asking for all your help to spread the word about hosting on social media and within your networks. We have many great resources available including:
- Canva bios of all available students
- Audio files of some students – if you don’t see one for a student you want to promote just message your Field Specialist
- Video files of some students: these can be shared with any fully screened families or volunteers. Message your Field Specialist if you are looking for a video for a specific student.
During the call we highlighted the CORE students from YES Countries: Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Thailand, and Türkiye. The bios of these students can be found here. You can also find the bios of all the remaining semester students here. We ask that you please show these students to any families you are working with.
We have less than 70 students to place and with all your help we can do this!
Department Updates
During the call we also heard updates from various AFS departments and Advisory Groups about what has been happening around AFS-USA the past few months.
Emily Betz Close, from the innovation team, shared some details about the first pilot program at Miami University in Ohio as well as some information about the upcoming Domestic Programs.
- Patty Gentry, Director of Volunteer Engagement, and Kerry Gonzalez, Co-Chair of the Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group, spoke about the importance of staying connected to AFS in the community and within your area team by having fun and planning for the future.
- Leah Savary, School Partnership Coordinator, spoke about the importance of giving back to schools.
- Diana Maratea, Inbound Sponsored Programs Manager, gave us important updates about Sponsored Programs.
- Julie Ball, Senior Director of Marketing and External Communications, shared some great marketing resources and initiatives.
- Heather Sterz, Co-Chair of the Hosting Advisory Group, who shared some words of encouragement and asked everyone to share how they integrate Host Families in the AFS Area Team and what volunteers are doing to promote hosting in their area.
- Interested in joining the Hosting Advisory Group? You can learn more information here.
AFS-USA President, Tara Hofmann, closed the call with some words of encouragement and stressed the importance of meeting the August 31st Department of State deadline.
Thank you again for all you do and we look forward to celebrating the placement of the remaining students!