Chapter Development Toolkit | AFS Intercultural Programs

To create new AFS Units, we have here a list of steps that are necessary to guarantee the sustainability of this process.

1 - Identifying Viability to create new chapters

This is the first step in the process of creating new units, you need to identify:

if the city has potential to run AFS operations, if they have potential schools; if it’s safe for the participants, ideally someone should visit the city to see viability and meet the potential volunteers;If there are a minimum number of potential volunteers to run the operations, this number can vary from Partner to Partner, but it’s important that you have more than one person interested.

it’s important not to underestimate the efforts needed to support the new units, so make sure also to define the maximum number of local units that can be supported each year.

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2 - Definition of goals

It’s critical to have one person to be the main contact for the new unit, identifying this person and help her develop the skills to better perform this task will be key to succeed. The personal qualities and skills of a good leader for the new units include: a commitment to the role of volunteers; an understanding of volunteer issues; experience in managing or willingness to learn; excellent communicator; good organizer; recognizes the importance of team building; a motivator. Not everyone will have all the skills required so you will need to offer training and support to someone taking on this role, to develop the necessary skills to lead a group.

It is possible to work with a steering committee as well. A small group of 2-5 persons that are willing to take on pieces of a big role, such as chair. They will need to have good communication skills so they are consistent in their efforts.

Identifying Viability to create new chapters

This is the first step in the process of creating new units, you need to identify:

it’s important not to underestimate the efforts needed to support the new units, so make sure also to define the maximum number of local units that can be supported each year.