The objectives of the AFS-USA Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group (Vol E AG) are to provide input and feedback to proposals and to evaluate and make recommendations for improvement and growth regarding the following:
- Volunteer Integration and Engagement at the local, state, and national levels
- Volunteer Motivation
- Ensure that the concept of RISE (Recruitment, Integration, Succession and Evaluation) are infused into AFS-USA volunteerism
As appropriate, members of this Advisory Group will communicate with Volunteer Coordinators, Chairs, and/or Team Leadership to receive and solicit feedback regarding the above topics. They can also bring new topics of discussion to the group that endeavor to move the organization toward meeting the goal of volunteer satisfaction, retention, and integration and engagement.
What is the composition of the Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group?
The Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group consists of both volunteers and staff members and is chaired by a member of the Field Staff. Volunteer representation will consist of at least one volunteer from each Area Team Region.
| Name | Role | Team |
| Kerry Gonzales | Volunteer | Orange County |
| Susie King Edmiston | Volunteer | Arizona |
| Linda Hasan | Volunteer | Vermont |
| April Murphy* | Volunteer | Arizona |
| Maggy Ngo Ngombi | Volunteer | New Jersey |
| Kayla Wickman | Volunteer | Colorado Rockies |
| Madeline Willett | Volunteer | Oklahoma |
| Michelle Bird | Staff | |
| Audrey Pinchock* | Staff |
*Advisory Group Co-Chairs
How much time is required?
The Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group will meet approximately once per month for a one-hour conference call. In addition, regular email correspondence among group members in between the regularly scheduled calls is expected.
How long are the terms of membership?
The Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group members commit to being active and responsible members for a minimum two-year term. Members may renew for up to three terms.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in serving on the Volunteer Engagement Advisory Group, please complete the interest form here.
Additional Resources
2021 AFS Summit session: “Volunteer Engagement: Find Your Sparkle.”
Meet the newly formed Volunteer Engagement AG (Vol E AG). Join us and learn what teams across the country have been doing to keep volunteers engaged.