AFS Global Meetup Celebrates Voluntarism

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The AFS Global Volunteer Meetup held on International Volunteer Day, December 5, 2021, was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work AFS volunteers do every day to advance our mission of intercultural understanding. Over 200 AFSers joined the fun, shared their experiences and learn from each other.

“International Volunteer Day is an opportunity to thank and celebrate the people around the world who dedicate their precious time and energy to voluntary service. For AFS, it’s the 50,000 volunteers worldwide who bring intercultural learning to local communities and prepare the next generation of global citizens. On behalf of the entire AFS Network, thank you for your passionate commitment at this critically important time,” said Daniel Obst, President & CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs at the opening of the event.

The event continued with panel on the challenges of volunteering through the pandemic, where AFS volunteers Nicolás Irianni (AFS Argentina & Uruguay), Adriana Cassanello (AFS Paraguay), Roger Johnson (AFS USA) and Nalom Aziz (AFS Indonesia) shared their experiences and unique perspectives. Volunteers also got the opportunity to meet each other and exchange funny stories during the speed connecting sessions.

The event culminated with the announcement of the 2021 AFS Volunteer Awards winners. Congratulations to the:

  • Galatti Award Winners: Zhang Xiuying from AFS China and Benthe Johansson from AFS Denmark
  • Peggy & Art Howe Award Winners: Aline and René Lauzier from AFS Canada
  • Young Volunteer Award Winners: Jonte Pietsch from AFS Germany, and Sweta Sadhu from AFS India.

Learn more about these amazing volunteers here.

Find out more about this annual virtual event by watching the recording below.