9/21/2006 - AFS RSA 2006 National Conference
On the weekend of September 8 – 9, 2006, AFS RSA held its annual National Conference, an event full of fun and fellowship. Thanks to the IDF Grant with the aim of Volutneer Development, we were able to make the event available to AFS RSA delegates from around the country to spend a night away from home in the company of other AFSers. The theme was “Many Hands Make Light Work”, with the idea of inspiring the volunteers to really take command of the organisation at its core and that strength lies in numbers and in volunteer accountability. AFS RSA’s message was clear, it will take all of us to succeed and we need to start now. In essence, the event was like the official kick-off to a renaissance in AFS RSA. The staff being a group who are responsible for steering the program of volunteerism and a national support center to the volunteers who are respsonsible for the execution of the exchange programs.
We kicked off our event with interactive drumming, quickly becoming a wonderful tradition of AFS RSA. We then had a celebration dinner with special guests. We gave awards for schools, host family finders, and chapter service awards. We took time to recognized returnees. And, to top off the recognition, Mama Lilly Sebolai (Galatti Award recipient) presented the Mama Lilly Award for lifetime service to Mrs. Laurette Holme. Our keynot presenter was a 1989-1990 returnee to the USA, Frank Olifant who was subsequently voted onto the board on Saturday.
Saturday brought sever plenary sessions, talking about the state of AFS in South Africa and sharing information about the network and specific partners. Lisa Cohen, AFS INT, gave presentations on AFS INT and the state of the network as well as sharing highlights of the Educational Results Study. Manuel Schwinn, AFS GER, presented on the volunteer structure and strengths of AFS GER. And, Susan Hubbard, AFS NZL Board Member, presented on AFS NZL and what makes them unique and special, and so successful. The presence of our partner representatives really showed the RSA volunteers how much the network believes in them and is interested in the successful transition of AFS RSA. We held workshops for volunteers on a variety of topics and held our AGM.
At the AGM, we elected one returning Board Member, Mandy Botsis for another 3 year term. In her election class, we welcome new Board Member, Frank Olifant. Finally, two other new Board Members who had been co-opted earlier in the year were unanimously supported by the group, Ms. Teboho Mahuma and Sue Jurgens.
The feedback was great and the ratings were very high and the event well attended. Plans are already in the works for next year’s conference with the hope of being able to include more people as well as the 50th anniversary of AFS in RSA in 2008.
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