The National Council Communications Committee exists to support communications between the National Council and AFS-USA volunteers. The Communications Committee will inform volunteers of National Council news and initiatives, including the annual AFS Summit information and national volunteer opportunities, through MyAFS News articles, Help & Learning listings, Workplace postings, and other communication channels as necessary to effectively disseminate the information. The Communications Committee will promote and encourage ongoing dialogue between volunteers and the National Council to ensure that the volunteer voice is heard on important issues as the National Council works to move the organizational priorities forward.
The Communications Committee collaborates with the different groups making up the National Council, including the National Council Steering Committee, other National Council committees, and Advisory Groups.
The Communications Committee is responsible for:
- Maintaining updated information on Help & Learning relating to the National Council, National Council Committees, and Advisory Groups;
- Sharing regular updates on MyAFS News regarding National Council work and initiatives.
- Supporting National Council AFS Summit communications;
- Sharing relevant National Council information to new AFS Workplace groups;
- Assisting with presentation content and messages when the National Council is represented at conferences or other AFS gatherings;
- Representing the National Council on other social media platforms such as the National Council Facebook page; and
- Providing the platform by which volunteers can provide input and feedback directly to the National Council.
Committee Composition
The National Council Communications Committee is comprised of AFS-USA volunteers and staff and is accountable to the National Council Volunteer and Staff Co-Chairs. The Communications Committee Chair and Co-Chair also serve on the National Council Steering Committee.
Current Communications Committee members:
| Name | Role | Team |
| Aileen Smith* | Volunteer | Milwaukee |
| Melvin Harmon* | Staff (Vice President, Marketing, Study Abroad, and Participant Support & Learning) | Staff |
| Marlene Baker | Staff (Vice President, Development, Alumni Relations, and External Communications) | Staff |
| Julie Ball | Staff (Director of Marketing and External Communications) | Staff |
| Debra Bryda | Volunteer | Northeast Ohio Area Team |
| Joanne Yokoyama-Martin | Volunteer | Columbia Pacific Area Team |
* Denotes Committee Co-Chair
Time Commitment
On average, 4-6 hours of time commitment per month is required, though more time may be required in the weeks preceding the annual AFS Summit. Committee members are asked to attend monthly conference calls, participate in regular email correspondence, and work in partnership and/or independently as needed to coordinate and advance the work of the committee.
Membership Terms
- Committee members serve a two-year term, with the option of renewing for a second term.
- The Communications Committee Chair will be selected by the National Council Steering Committee Volunteer and Staff Co-Chairs and will be asked to serve a two-year term.
To indicate interest in serving as a volunteer on the national level, please complete the National Council Committee and Advisory Group interest form here.