Start thinking about volunteers who you’d like to celebrate! The nomination period for the 2026 national and international awards will open from June 3-July 15, 2026. Read below for a short description of each award to get you thinking about who you might like to nominate. Talk to other volunteers in your team to collaborate and make sure that someone else isn’t already planning to nominate them!

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 who are 30 years old or younger whose exceptional contributions to the organization have made a difference in advancing the mission and goals of AFS.

Nomination forms will be available in Help & Learning on June 3.