12/10/2008 - Francisco (Tachi) Cazal's Thank You Message to Volunteers
Today, on International Volunteer Day, we recognize the extraordinary volunteers who are the heart and soul of AFS. I want to share an inspiring quote from a friend,
“May you live in interesting times”
This quote is said to be both a Chinese proverb and a curse; for me it represents a celebration of existence and recognition of the many challenges we face as an organization, and as a global community.
We certainly live in an interesting time. Globally we face mounting troubles, but we do so while recognizing that now more than ever we rely on our invaluable volunteers, on your support, on everyone that demonstrates time and again that what makes our organization work, what makes our global community dynamic and important, is the dedication and love of our volunteers.
Today we also acknowledge the achievements of our recipients of the Galatti Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, an award presented annually to AFS volunteers who have provided at least five years of outstanding support to AFS. Please join me in honoring Marcia Buckley of Brazil, Ilse Brehm of Germany, and Eria Magnani Calatroni of Italy. You can learn more about these super volunteers online at http://www.galattiaward.org
Everything that AFS is today is a result of the commitment of volunteers all across this world choosing to participate, to communicate, and to keep alive the spirit of volunteerism that the AFS ambulance drivers demonstrated in the wake of the destruction of both World Wars. The AFS worldwide family is proud of the many achievements of people such as you, people choosing to spend their time creating opportunities for peace with every AFS participant that you support and inspire.
I want to congratulate you for this commitment, and to thank you for serving as a perpetual reminder that AFS volunteers are our greatest tools for change throughout the world.
Thank you for your inspiration,
Tachi Cazal
President and CEO
AFS Intercultural Programs
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