The Compliance Advisory Group: Compliance Made Easy

The Compliance Advisory Group: Compliance Made Easy

Written by: Jennifer Grace, Silver & Gold Area Team, National Council Communications Committee Member

The Compliance Advisory Group (CAG) is a vital part of the AFS-USA community, helping local teams turn federal regulations into clear, doable steps that keep students safe and AFS in compliance with the U.S. Department of State. Led by volunteer Austyn Bellissimo and AFS-USA staff Stephanie Cashmore, along with a dedicated team of volunteers across the nation, the CAG serves as a bridge between the U.S. Department of State (DoS) and CSIET standards and the everyday work of volunteers nationwide. Their core mission is simple: keep the rules at the forefront, while making them easier to understand and manage—so volunteers can focus on supporting students, host families, and schools.

Watch a short video about this advisory group here.

Tackling Challenges: High Standards, Real-World Pressures

AFS-USA must meet strict U.S. Department of State regulations, including a detailed compliance audit every two years, where contacts, visits, and documentation are closely examined. Many volunteers—especially newer ones—may not realize how important their timely contact logs and reports are to these audits.

The Compliance Advisory Group recognizes that compliance can feel like “just rules,” but they help frame it differently: it is the safety net under every student and host family, and the foundation that allows AFS-USA to continue operating and growing. Contact visits are not just checkboxes; they are documented proof that participants are supported and heard. The challenge is making all of this feel manageable, not overwhelming—helping volunteers understand what is mandatory, why it matters, and how the national office depends on their careful work.

Goals for the Year: Making Compliance Easier

In 2026, the Compliance Advisory Group is focused on one overarching theme: making compliance easier and more intuitive for volunteers across AFS-USA. Their goals include:

  • Make the Contacts & Visits widget in MyAFS more user-friendly, so volunteers can quickly see what is due, what is overdue, and what has been completed.
  • Launch the Compliance Coordinator Training Program that explains not only what the rules are, but why they exist, and how to support local teams in following them.
  • Review and simplify the school contact process, including educating volunteers on why it matters, updating the form, and making the task easier to complete.
  • Improve Compliance Help & Learning Articles to provide clear, accurate, and easy-to-find guidance for volunteers.
  • Help volunteers better understand DoS requirements for host family applications and interviews, including who must be present and how this protects students and families.

Achievements from Last Year: Clearer Data, Stronger Teams

Over the past year, the Compliance Advisory Group concentrated on building practical tools that give teams a clearer picture of their compliance status.

  • The group contributed to the Compliance Snapshot in MyAFS, designed to track key metrics such as host family monthly contacts, student monthly contacts, Student Arrival In-Person Contact, and 30/60 In-Home visits in a simple, visual format that highlights successes and flags areas needing attention.
  • They also played a key role in the new Compliance Coordinator Training, currently in review with staff and IT. “We worked really hard last year on tools that will soon give teams a clearer line of sight,” Austyn Bellissimo shared. “This resource drives accountability while also making it easier for volunteers to know exactly what’s expected and how to get there.”

Pre-Screened Host Families: A Game-Changer

A standout improvement last year grew directly from local volunteer feedback regarding a need for more pre-screened host families.  This is especially helpful when quick moves or weekend changes are needed.

The CAG helped develop a process that alerts staff and Area Team Chairs when a screened host family’s application is close to expiring, giving teams time to reach out, encourage renewal, or discuss any concerns before the family drops off the active list. This simple change gives volunteers a crucial window to act. As Stephanie Cashmore put it, “This process gives us time to talk with families and make a plan, instead of scrambling when it’s already too late.”

Join the Compliance Advisory Group: Opportunities for Volunteers

The Compliance Advisory Group is currently recruiting new members, and there is room for a wide range of skills and experiences. Our members come from varied personal and professional paths, and each brings something unique to the table—and that diversity makes the group stronger. 

If you are ready to help shape how AFS-USA meets national standards while supporting local teams, consider applying to serve on the Compliance Advisory Group. Your perspective can help transform complex regulations into tools that protect participants and empower volunteers—across your AFS team, and across the country.