Alumni interests are as diverse as the countries they have lived in. In past months the link has talked about some of the more common and expected alumni projects. This month we’d like to talk about some special Alumni projects that NAC members have taken on.

Diversity Outreach Team
By Sharon Carver

The Diversity Outreach Team (DOT) is one of four cross-organizational teams of YFU Inc., which consists of fifteen staff members. The DOT brings together staff members from the International Center and regional offices to work on specific results oriented projects. The NAC liaison to the DOT is Sharon Carver, a two-time alum and Boston area volunteer. DOT members meet biweekly to research, plan, and work on strategies related to increasing the participation of minorities and people with disabilities in American Overseas, Host Family and Volunteer programs. In the past few months the DOT has been actively involved in participating in two national conferences: the Black Expo and La Raza.

The Black Expo, held in Indianapolis from July 16th - 18th, is the largest gathering of African Americans for workshops and networking in the country. Attendance at this year's Expo exceeded 150,000 people and consisted of a wide range of age groups and interests. YFU was one of 300 groups, primarily Universities and Colleges, that had a booth in the exhibit hall. The booth was managed by staff from the Midcentral/Gulf States Regional Office and Trina Ramsey from the YFU International Center Development Office. YFU used the opportunity to share information regarding American Overseas scholarships for minorities, becoming a Host Family, and volunteering with YFU.

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Diana J. Follebout Fund for Alumni Development
By Laurie Sutch

The Follebout Fund was initiated by the National Alumni Council within YFU in memory of my (and many other's) mentor, Diana Follebout. Diana was a long time volunteer, host mother, and staff member for YFU. At a time when alumni were generally ignored, she valued us as a group and as individuals with something to contribute to the organization. In some ways her support was financial but most importantly it was personal. As an example, when Diana was the regional director here in Michigan, one of the most popular annual events was "Diana's Do". Every year, Diana opened her house and her heart to a group of young people who were sometimes still trying to adjust to life back in America, or who were looking for a way to give back to an organization that gave them one of the most important experience in their lives.

Additionally, Diana invited the alumni in Michigan to participate at orientations, volunteer in local communities, encouraged the development of alumni fundraising, and assisted in publication of an alumni newsletter. If not for her influence, guidance, and faith, three of the current fifteen members of the National Alumni Council would not be volunteering today.

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