News you can use.
AFS’s Sponsored Programs Advisory Group (SPAG) provides input and guidance to the Sponsored Programs Department, promotes Sponsored Programs priorities within the AFS community, and serves as a resource to the volunteer network to help ensure compliance and strengthen the AFS staff and volunteer partnership.
Be sure to share this with members of your area team!
With NH26 Arrivals ongoing and planning for Post Arrival Orientations starting for many teams, this special edition will focus on some reminders and best practices for both Arrival and Post Arrival Orientations and some helpful tips for onboarding new/replacement host families who may have joined late and not attended an in-person host family orientation.
A message to volunteers from Tara Hofmann, AFS-USA President and CEO
We’d love to spend some time together celebrating the people and experiences that make our community so special. We’ll also give you a sneak peek at this year’s Skill Builder lineup and invite your ideas and feedback so we can create sessions that are most valuable to you.
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Mary Jo Brock will be retiring on September 14, 2026. Mary Jo joined AFS-USA on May 12, 2003, embarking on an extraordinary career spanning more than two decades.
We can’t thank you enough for volunteering as a student-family liaison with AFS-USA. We’re guessing you are feeling a mix of sadness, relief, and hope since the Class of 2026 left for home.
Join the Stakeholder Engagement Department for an “Intro to MyAFS” webinar, featuring an introductory overview of the MyAFS Volunteer Portal with time for Q&A.
On Monday, August 3, 2026, communities across the country will celebrate the power of international exchange — and we want AFS volunteers to join in.
AFS-USA Skill Builder: AFS Connections & Community