When we think about the ideal AFS volunteer, what comes to mind? Engaged, thoughtful, creative, passionate, and committed to furthering the AFS Mission: providing intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

The AFS-USA Volunteer Recognition Awards are designed to recognize the many contributions by its volunteers. Each volunteer nominated for an award has taken on many roles in local and even national realms. They all started small and just kept going, and their roles within their teams and on the national and international levels kept growing along with them. Brief descriptions of the awards are below, and you can visit this Help & Learning article to learn more and submit a nomination.

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 furthering the AFS Mission as a family.

The Young AFS Volunteer Award for Outstanding Service recognizes AFS volunteers under the age of 30 whose exceptional contributions to the organization have made a difference in advancing the mission and goals of AFS. More than one of these awards may be granted in any given year, unlike the other two.

We hope you will look among the volunteer heroes on your teams who could be nominated for any of these prestigious awards. The nomination period opens on June 7 and closes on July 14, 2024.  Volunteer Recognition Awards Recipients will also be invited to attend the Volunteer Summit in Dallas on November 1-3 to be recognized!

Questions can be directed to the AFS-USA Volunteer Recognition Committee at usavrc@afs.org