The Chair functions as the key volunteer leadership position in a Team. In this role, the Chair sets the tone in the Team, and works with the volunteer leadership to create a climate that embraces collaboration and diversity, and supports the mission and values AFS-USA.
The Chair works in partnership with the Regional Director (RD), Organizational Development Specialist (ODS) and other regional field staff. Together they are responsible for coordinating the operation, management, growth and quality of AFS programs within the Team.
The Chair presides at all meetings of the Team, and acts on behalf of the team. They also serve as the principal liaison and representative between the Team and the AFS-USA National Office located in New York, NY for procedural and policy issues.
Tasks
- Facilitate annual planning and budgeting process for the Team
- Work with the regional field staff and other Volunteer Leaders to determine the volunteer structure and roles needed to best ensure the team’s ability to achieve their annual goals and objectives
- Maintain regular contact with and monitor the progress of Team volunteers (including chapter/local team leaders)
- Preside at Team meetings
- Ensure compliance by Team with all appropriate standards and regulations including AFS-USA, AFS International, Council on Standards for International Educational Travel, and U.S. Department of State federal regulations governing exchange programs and all applicable state and federal laws
- Serve as the primary contact between AFS-USA and Team (if applicable according to Team guidelines)
- Responsible for communicating decisions from the National Office to the Team.
- Ensure annual Team goals are achieved
Information You Need to Know
Here are the links to the categories and sections in Help & Learning that you need to be familiar with as Chair in your team or chapter.
Manage Your Team
The sections in this category include important information which will help Chairs perform effectively. Sections include articles about:
- There are sections for each of the OD (Organizational Building Blocks) presented at the 2017 NVA (National Volunteer Assembly). The articles in these sections are in progress but include tools and resources that will be useful in building and strengthening your team/chapter
- Managing Finances
- Staying Compliant
- Working with Volunteers
Required Training
- DOS (Dept. of State) Certification Training (annually)
- AFS Basics Training (annually)
Recommended Training
It is strongly recommended that the Chair be familiar with the trainings required and recommended for all volunteer roles in the team.
- Volunteer Registration Interviewer
- Returnee Ambassador Training
- Liaison Training
- Host Family Recruitment
- School Outreach
- Sending Interviewer