For our first issue of the new millennium the Link asked the Youth For Understanding community what their vision was for YFU Alumni in 2000. In response to our question we received some creative and inspiring answers from numerous Youth For Understanding constituents including YFU President, Sally Grooms Cowal.

As we look back on the last millennium, we see that most of the movements which have had the most impact on our lives and the world, are the result of an individual act of will.

I would include in this never-ending list, movements of nonviolence, movements against slavery, and those for battlefield rescue, nursing care, peace and international cooperation. This is no where more true than with Rachel Andresen and the founding of Youth For Understanding.

As a YFU student, you had the unique opportunity to partake of this great idea. You saw the world in ways that few have the privilege of doing. You were awarded a rare chance to know yourself as it is possible to do only when you can see yourself up in front of different colored background. Going abroad was an individual act of will as well.

My vision for alumni in 2000 is that more and more of them would recognize the role than an international experience played in their lives and personal development and seek to bring that opportunity to others. We need and want your participation as educators, trainers, promoters, multipliers, networkers, evaluators and financial contributors. We are committed to working with you to unleash the tremendous resource that you represent. We are committed to structuring volunteer participation in a way that fits your schedule and your needs. We know that one size doesn't fit all. We know that our alumni want to continue their YFU experience and we will look for ways to make that possible. We know that going abroad at a certain time lights a spark that changes your life forever, and we intend to work with you to keep that spark alive in you and in us.

For the New Year and the New Millennium, I wish all of you a life full of meaningful engagement with the wonderful world in which we live.

Sally Grooms Cowal
YFU President

(Newsletter Continued)

YFU alumni are connected by a special learning experience that not only affects our world outlook, but also develops a unique understanding of life. The National Alumni Council strives to make students aware of these opportunities of international exchange, keeping in mind that these students will continue to build upon the friendships and vision that Rachel Andresen spoke of almost 50 years ago when Youth For Understanding began.

The YFU-USA Alumni Association was created to be a resource to YFU and its alumni. The NAC works to achieve this goal by taking on projects which provide benefits to Youth for Understanding and its alumni and which provide opportunities to connect and empower alumni. The results of our efforts have led to a much strengthened alumni association, new YFU volunteers and increased numbers of alumni who make financial contributions to Youth For Understanding. It is the mission statement of the YFU-USA Alumni Association, which drives the NAC: "The YFU-USA Alumni Association strives to provide alumni with the benefits and opportunities of lifelong learning in the YFU community, thereby furthering the mission of YFU International Exchange."

Our vision is that of a strong and healthy YFU which sends thousands of American students on program. These students then return to continue their international education, enjoying the lifelong benefits and opportunities of their association and the YFU community, and preparing themselves to become responsible world citizens.

Jeanne Pierce
Chairperson, National Alumni Council