Volunteer Voices of Change
The first AFS Youth Volunteer Forum took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 16 and 18 April 2015, and marked a rare opportunity for young AFS volunteers to meet and not be trained or discuss the operations of our programs. Instead, 50 participants from 24 countries were invited to talk about themselves, about how young volunteers are treated at AFS, what challenges they face, and how AFS could become a more engaging organization for young volunteers.
“It was amazing to see all the power of AFS and how much love everybody put into the discussions.”
Fernanda Ogasawara, AFS Brazil
Let’s all dare to change, to improve AFS and to make this world a better place where we can all live in peace.”
Eliud Neto, AFS France
After three intense days of discussions, brainstorming, sharing, and giving and receiving feedback in small and large groups, the main conclusions demonstrate these young volunteers’ commitment to AFS:
- AFS can become a more diverse and inclusive organization, better integrating different identities, engaging more non-returnees as volunteers, and more actively involving youth in decision-making.
- Young people want to volunteer for organizations that are locally and globally engaged in social impact and strengthen active global citizenship. This is something AFS needs to focus more on.
- AFS can look beyond its borders, opening up for more collaboration and learning with like-minded organizations.
“I realized that peace doesn’t only mean that there are no military conflicts; it also means that we can respect each other, no matter the differences we have.” Fabiana Calabrese, AFS Brazil
The Forum was structured to encourage participants to be the change they want to see in AFS. Although the outcomes of the Forum focus on actions recommended to the worldwide network of AFS organizations in general, participants also took the time to develop their own action plans, detailing how they could start to generate those changes in their own area of influence in the organization.
“I’m already contacting other young volunteers from other chapters in my country to work on this, and they are really excited to be part of it.”
Simón Rodrigues, AFS Venezuela
From the very beginning, it was clear that those young people were there not only to tell the organization what needs to change, but also to make the change themselves. The trust and commitment constantly demonstrated by AFS Argentina & Uruguay was essential to stimulate participants to dare to create change. They have a lot to say, and they will make their #VolunteerVoices heard.
“The Forum in Buenos Aires helped me to realize that even if I am young my work is useful and I can make big things.”
Alejandrina Segovia, AFS Argentina & Uruguay
You are invited to join the conversation on Twitter twitter.com/AfsForum or Facebook at facebook.com/afsvolunteervoices.
Written by Elis Motta, Organizational Development, AFS International
