A Volunteer Think Tank of senior volunteers of AFS India was constituted for the purpose of working with the National office to increase the program numbers. The first meeting took place from 2nd to 5th May 2019 where 12 senior volunteers participated.
VOLUNTEER CONSTITUTION
The Volunteer Think Tank members consist of senior volunteers from all over India, who have been associated with the organisation for more than 5 to 10 years and have seen AFS India through its ups and down. They were chosen as they possess the ability to influence and motivate chapter volunteers to foster growth. They can offer creative yet practical solutions to tackle pressing problems.
WHAT IS VOLUNTEER THINK TANK?
The Volunteer Think Tank is created as a layer between the National Office and grassroots’ chapter volunteer. The purpose is to strengthen the hands of the National Office on one hand and to strengthen the hands of the volunteers on another. The Volunteer Think Tank will be part of the problem-solving machinery of AFS India. The members will act as mentors, advisors, and guides and they must keep their finger at the pulse of the chapter at all times.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST MEETING OF THE VOLUNTEER THINK TANK?
Through the meet, the members came up with ideas to arrest downward growth. The meet helped in creating a platform where the members reflected on programs development and market strategy. The members studied the status of India over the years and deliberated on where they would like to see the organisation in 5 years. Volunteers did the SWOT analysis of AFS India as an organization and presented their finding focusing on 4 fields: Advocacy, Sending, Hosting and Volunteerism. They also spent time preparing and reviewing the plan of action. A detailed plan depicting what has to be done in each area, who should do it and why it is needed, how to do it and when to do it was drawn up. Tentative budgetary requirements were put down. Work on the same will start immediately with the intention of recruiting participants on the yearlong program.