DOT cont.

(Overall the feedback for YFU was positive and people were happy to see these opportunities offered. The office left with new leads for American Overseas students and Host Families as well as community groups that YFU could partner with in the future. In addition, Trina provided the regional office staff with valuable diversity training prior to the Expo.

La Raza is a well-known national Hispanic organization that focuses on community and youth development. Their annual conference was held in Houston on July 23rd. YFU was the only exchange program to attend the conference and we offered materials in both Spanish and English. The YFU volunteers at the conference focused on providing information on American Overseas programs and Host Family opportunities and left with several leads. It was a very successful networking opportunity, with over 100 community and affiliate organization contacts established.

Overall, both conferences were great opportunities for YFU to extend information to different sectors of the population. If you are interested in helping expand the efforts of the DOT please contact Sharon Carver.

National Volunteer Leadership Council
By Jeanne Pierce

As the NAC Liaison to the National Volunteer Leadership Council (NVLC), I attended a weekend conference in September with YFU volunteer representatives from around the country. One important initiative being spearheaded by the group is a focus on volunteer recruitment and training during the month of November. YFU needs volunteers to do numerous tasks, so please call your regional office (1-866-4-YFUUSA) to volunteer or have volunteer materials sent to YFU alumni. Or for information about specific positions look at the volunteering page on the YFU-USA Alumni Association website.

Follebout cont.

The purpose of the Follebout Fund is to support alumni development across the United States. Through the fund alumni groups around the US will be able to request funding for activities such as printing a newsletter, doing a mass mailing, establishing a new alumni group, etc. This request would be submitted to the NAC, who would have a committee to review the requests.

We have just started the effort to raise money for this Fund, and your help would be greatly appreciated. If you, your company, or someone you know would like to donate, please send any information or donations to:

New International Center Staff Member

Heather Dorsey is the new American Overseas Admissions Counselor for Region 80. She began at YFU as a Volunteer Scholarship Evaluator in 1996 and 1997. For the 1999 cycle, Heather worked as the Coordinator for the International Center Volunteers. This past summer she accompanied the YFU summer students to France as their Tour Leader. Heather graduated from the University of Virginia as a French Language & Literature major.

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