The National Council is a key leadership body comprised of volunteers and staff who collaborate to advance the organizational priorities of AFS-USA and reports to the AFS-USA President. This volunteer/staff partnership, serving at the national level, is committed to infusing the voice of the volunteers into programs and policy implementation and advising the President and executive staff.
The National Council is comprised of representatives of the different advisory and work groups that contribute to the staff and volunteer partnership in a variety of areas throughout the organization. The National Council, led by a Steering Committee, is tasked with ensuring that there is a high level of coordination among the various advisory and work groups and that as new needs arise in the organization, advisory and work groups are formed or retired as appropriate. The National Council serves to inform and collaborate with senior staff to ensure that organizational priorities are in focus.
The National Council will set the agenda of the annual National Volunteer Summit based on the priorities of the organization.
How can I get involved?
National Council membership appointments are made through a competency-based selection process. Each member will need to meet key criteria that will support the work of the Steering Committee.
To indicate interest in serving as a volunteer on the national level, please complete the National Council Committee and Advisory Group interest form here.
The National Council Steering Committee Members:
The National Council is chaired by a volunteer leader and co-chaired by a staff member appointed by the President.
- Deb Maly- Milwaukee Team (WI)
Chair; Co-Chair of the National Council - Keri Dooley- Staff
Co-Chair of the National Council - Jim Walker- Capital Team (DC)
Vice-Chair of the National Council - Ann Sweet- Western NY Team (NY)
Chairing the National Council Volunteer Recognition Committee - Michelle Bird- Staff
Co-Chair of the National Council Volunteer Recognition Committee - Anne Herendeen- Steinbeck Coast Team (CA)
Chairing the National Council Nominations and Selection Committee - Mary Jo Brock- Staff
Co-Chair of the National Council Nominations and Selection Committee - Rebecca Cartier- Dallas Team (TX)
Chairing the National Council Communications Committee - Rick Landrum- Staff
Co-Chair of the National Council Communications Committee - John Duban- Chief Marketing and Field Operations Officer
Ex-officio Member, National Council Steering Committee - Tara Hofmann- AFS-USA President
Ex-officio Member, National Council Steering Committee
Current Vacancy: Secretary of the National Council
The current opening in the National Council Steering Committee is the role of the Secretary. The Secretary will:
● Maintain written records/documents of National Council activities in a google drive;
● Take and distribute minutes National Council and National Council Steering Committee meetings to participants of the meetings;
● Maintain and update National Council affiliations in Global Link;
● Establish background paper folders in google drive; and
● Become a member of Communications Committee.
National Council Steering Committee members serve a maximum of two three-year terms.