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Introduction to Promoting AFS

  • Updated
Volunteers should consult the COVID-19: FAQs and Resources section for the most up-to-date information regarding Hosting and Sending programs in the 2021-22 cycle.

See below for:

  • Pre-Recruitment promotional ideas
  • Ways to represent AFS in your community

Pre-Recruitment

Pre-recruitment refers to activities that help keep AFS's name and logo fresh and recognizable in the community. These activities are designed to raise awareness of AFS international student exchange programs. Some ideas about what you can do include:

  • Place local stories about newly returned students (recent AFS Returnees) or current hosted students in local publications.
  • List AFS events on community calendars.
  • List AFS in local digital and print directories.
  • Deliver new posters and catalogs to schools and community organizations.
  • Place advertisements in local school digital or print newspapers.
  • Submit an article about AFS to the newsletter or bulletin at your place of worship.

Represent AFS in the Local Community

There are no limits on how to represent AFS in your community:

  • Hold AFS events (potlucks, picnics, parties) and invite people from the community.
  • Connect with the local Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts.  In particular, collaborate with the Girl Scouts' World Thinking Day in February.
  • Host an AFS booth at a local fair or community event.
  • Call all civic groups (Kiwanis, Lions, etc.) and get on their speaking agenda at least once a year.
  • Publicize AFS at festivals, picnics, street fairs, church banquets, or summer concerts. You can create your own flyers using DesignShop.
  • Reach out to your local media to share AFS opportunities, special events, and what AFS means to you!

Note: Local ads are more likely to generate results less expensively than a national advertisement campaign. Whether you want to take out an ad that publicizes an event in your area such as an Information Night or Open House, or that builds awareness of the regional AFS network, local ads offer you a way to reach a targeted audience easily and inexpensively. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to spend some of your team funds for ads—you’ll be surprised at how well they work! Most Community Calendars offer event announcements for free.  

 

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