4/25/2007 - Thank You AFS Volunteers: A Message from President Alex Plinio
National Volunteer Week, celebrated this year April 15-21, has been an American tradition for 33 years. For 60 years, AFS Volunteers have encouraged young people to increase their understanding of the world and to join AFS in its quest for peace. The AFS Volunteer Network, comprised of thousands of people who work tirelessly on behalf of the AFS mission, is located throughout the United States and in 52 other countries.
AFS Volunteers are the reason why our organization has had a worldwide impact on intercultural education and exchange. As a major international organization, AFS Volunteers demonstrate every day their commitment to our mission. The Ambulance Drivers from WWI and WWII took an idealistic notion of global peace and created an organization to deliver the concepts that they developed. The foundation of AFS programs, aimed at increasing understanding and compassion among peoples of the world, is the bedrock upon which our Volunteers stand as they spread the AFS Mission and influence past, present, and future generations of diverse people.
I want to thank all of our Volunteers on behalf of our Board and Staff for their guidance and support of all of the students, teachers, and parents. The difference you make in the lives of our participants is often quoted by them when they speak of the life-changing effects of their exchange, no matter what continent they live on or have traveled to. Your influence is felt by the more than 8,000 lives directly engaged in our programs, sponsored by AFS-USA. Your good will is a gift which will grow in each of the lives you impact.
AFS Volunteers are individuals who come out of themselves so that they can selflessly create opportunities for the growth and development of other human beings. This is not only admirable; it is also reflective of the spirit of love carried on through the work of our Volunteers. For all of this, we express our sincere thanks, most especially during this special week which honors your service.
Alex J. Plinio
President, AFS-USA
 |
Printer Friendly |
