Written by: Jennifer Grace, Silver & Gold Area Team, National Council Communications Committee Member
The Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group (VEAG) is vital to the AFS-USA community, dedicated to supporting our national network of volunteers. Led by Patty Gentry, Director of Volunteer Engagement, and volunteer leader Kerry Gonzalez, this group serves as a strategic bridge between local efforts and national resources. Their mission is to ensure volunteers feel connected and equipped to empower the next generation of global citizens. By focusing on the “Volunteer Journey,” the VEAG works to keep the heartbeat of AFS strong across the United States.
Watch a short video about this advisory group here.
Goals for the Year: Strengthening Our Foundation
As we move into 2026, the Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group is committed to translating data into action. Using insights from 2025-2026 national surveys and the experiences of the Advisory Group volunteers, the group has set three primary objectives to enhance the volunteer network:
- Survey Data: Addressing the biggest challenges and opportunities identified in the recent national volunteer survey.
- Expanding Recognition: Partnering with the Volunteer Recognition Committee to create local and regional templates that make celebrating volunteers easier.
- Resource Optimization: Reviewing and improving existing tools to ensure they meet the unique needs of diverse teams.
Achievements from Last Year: Tools for Connection
The past year VEAG pivoted toward creating highly practical resources that address the day-to-day needs of Area Teams. Their work focused on reducing burnout and increasing the “joy factor” in volunteering.
- National Impact: They assisted staff in creating the application process for the first-ever Global Leadership Summit in Spain and provided expert guidance for Monthly Skill Builder call topics.
- Building Stronger Teams: Members took on lead presenter roles at the Community Summit in Bloomington, MN, sharing insights directly with the field. Jennifer Anderson noted, “Volunteer engagement creates a strong sense of connection… Fun, interactive events can help volunteers feel valued, build friendships, and stay committed to the mission.”
The Engagement One-Pager: A Game-Changer
A standout achievement was the creation of the “Tips for Keeping Volunteers Engaged“ resource. Now part of the Build a Stronger Team Toolkit, this one-pager was born directly from volunteer input and evaluation data.
The Toolkit serves as a roadmap for teams to move away from isolation and toward a more integrated, community-based model. It provides diverse event ideas—from cultural potlucks to online game nights—ensuring that even “Wide Spread Teams” who live far apart can maintain a sense of belonging. According to the advisory group, “An engaged, happy volunteer is often an active volunteer.” By assisting teams in keeping members engaged, the VEAG indirectly supports every hosted student and every student going abroad, as a healthy team provides a better safety net and experience for our participants.
Resources to Empower Your Team
Three important tools that the VEAG wants to make sure all AFS teams see and start using:
Building a Stronger Team Toolkit
Tackling Challenges: Unique Needs and the Volunteer Journey
While there are best practices and overall guidance AFS provides the entire organization of volunteers, the VEAG recognizes that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution for the challenges volunteers face. Each team operates in a unique environment with its own set of volunteer skills, school outreach hurdles, and hosting dynamics.
- Navigating Unique Team Needs: One of the greatest challenges is that each team requires individualized support in various areas, recruitment, onboarding, and strategic planning.
- Combating Burnout: Many teams struggle with “volunteer fatigue.” The VEAG is shifting focus toward the “Volunteer Journey” to ensure that the path from a new recruit to a long-term leader is sustainable and rewarding.
- The Power of the Personal Ask: The group has found that the best way to motivate volunteers is through direct, personal invitations. Asking someone to help with a specific task and explaining why they would be great at it is far more effective than general appeals for help.
Join the Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group: Opportunities for Volunteers
The VEAG is currently looking for creative, organized “action-takers” to join their ranks. They are a fun-loving group—fond of a good “dad joke”—who are passionate about making the volunteer experience better for everyone.
What we are looking for:
- Commitment: Willingness to serve a two-year term and attend monthly Zoom meetings.
- Experience: While roles like Area Team Chair or Volunteer Engagement Coordinator are preferred, they are not required.
- The Goal: A desire to work on small committees and generate ideas that improve the AFS experience nationwide.
If you are ready to help shape the future of AFS-USA, we invite you to fill out the National Council Volunteer Interest Form. Your perspective can help us build a more inclusive and engaged global community.