The work of AFS is driven by the voluntary commitment of so many people. Worldwide, more than 50,000 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are part of a movement of global citizens helping people and communities learn to live together. These volunteers champion the AFS mission of intercultural understanding and invest their time and enthusiasm in continuously supporting AFS students, families, families, schools, and local communities. To recognize and honor their commitment, AFS presents awards to our volunteers in three categories every year.
Nominations for the 2021 AFS Volunteer Awards are now open. Anyone can submit a nomination to recognize volunteers for their hard work and dedication by October 11, 2021 Deadline extended to October 18, 2021. All Volunteer Award Winners will be announced on International Volunteer Day on December 5, receive an official plaque honoring their commitment as well as scholarships for students in their local chapters.
Volunteers can be nominated for the Galatti Award, the Peggy and Art Howe Award, and the AFS Award for Young Volunteers. To see previous winners, click here.
The Galatti Award
Established in 1983, the Galatti Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service honors AFS Volunteers whose commitment, dedication, and exceptional journey with the organization have advanced the mission and goals of AFS. The recipient of this award has dedicated at least 15 years of service to the AFS mission, held a leadership role with either their national office or local chapter, and made tangible contributions to the 3 impact goals found in the AFS Strategy.
The 2021 Galatti Award winner will receive a plaque honoring their exceptional contribution to AFS worldwide and in addition, the winner’s local chapter will receive the Galatti Award Diversity Scholarship.
Submit your nomination here by October 11, 2021. Deadline extended to October 18, 2021
The Peggy and Art Howe Award
Families are at the heart of AFS. Indeed, it is quite common to see multiple members of a family actively volunteering for the organization and sharing the #AFSeffect. With this Award, we want to honor our Families of Volunteers while remembering Peggy and Art Howe, an exceptional couple who remarkably advanced the mission and goals of AFS both within the organization and in society at large. The Winners will receive a certificate honoring their exceptional contribution to AFS worldwide and a scholarship of $1,000 USD to be given to a student in need of financial assistance in their local chapter.
Submit your nomination here by October 11, 2021. Deadline extended to October 18, 2021
The AFS Award for Young Volunteers
This award recognizes outstanding service by young AFS volunteers aged 30 and younger whose creative ideas, fresh perspectives and boundless energy have made a difference in advancing the mission and impact goals of AFS. The 2021 AFS Young Volunteer Award winner will receive a plaque honoring their exceptional contribution to AFS worldwide, and the entrance fee for the Youth Assembly 2022 (travel and accommodation not included). Additionally, they will receive a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a student in their local chapter who requires financial assistance to study abroad.
Submit your nomination here by October 11, 2021. Deadline extended to October 18, 2021
Do you want to get involved, have a positive impact on your community, get to know like-minded people, and just have fun? Become an AFS Volunteer and join your local AFS organization.