2008 AFS-USA Galatti Nominee Announced!
Six volunteers from around the country were in the running to be nominated as the 2008 AFS-USA Galatti Nominee: Marsha Cork (Northwest); Chris Hawkins (Southwest); Jan Perkins (South Central); Ann Steglich (Great Lakes); Ingeborg Gabel (Northeast); and Gerry Bair (Southeast).
We’re proud to announce the 2008 AFS-USA Nominee for the AFS International Galatti Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service is Gerry Bair!
Gerry Bair
Gerry Bair has more than 25 years of dedication to AFS, and volunteers at the grass roots, national, and international levels of AFS. Her Area Team writes: “The descriptions of AFS founder Stephen Galatti could also define Gerry Bair: ‘an idealist, a visionary, a trail blazer and a pragmatist who built and transformed AFS.’ She shares his desire for peace and exemplifies the best of the corps of volunteers that he envisioned.”
Beginning as a host family in 1982, Gerry has since served in numerous volunteer roles. Besides currently serving as Area Team Chair and Regional Council Member, she has also served as Vice-Chair of the National Council, Chair of the National Council Nomination Committee, member of the National Council Program Improvement Committee, and member of the Volunteer Registration and Background Check Committee, to name just a few.
Gerry had been a high school teacher in biology and media coordinator for many years. While at West Caldwell High School, Gerry served as the faculty sponsor of the AFS Club. She opened the club up to all students so that those who could not host or go abroad would still have an intercultural experience and understand the AFS mission.
One of Gerry’s many skills is her ability to connect with people. She takes the time to get to know the student, family, and volunteer participants in AFS. Gerry is able to draw out each volunteer’s talent and find a place for them in AFS. In return she receives great respect and support from her team.
Gerry has proven to be an effective leader by listening to her team, being a conduit of information and encouraging her team to give input into decisions. Gerry also has what seems to be a never-ending supply of energy and enthusiasm that all those who work with her appreciate.
Galatti Award
The Galatti Award was established in 1983 and named after AFS founder Stephen Galatti. Stephen Galatti was an idealist, a visionary, a trail blazer, and a pragmatist who built and transformed AFS from an organization that transported the war wounded into one that provides cross-cultural experiences in the name of peace.
Since 1983, this award has honored AFS community volunteers whose commitment and exceptional dedication have advanced the mission and goals of AFS at the grass-roots level. It is the most prestigious commendation granted by the AFS International Board of Trustees for our volunteers. Throughout AFS, volunteerism is key in carrying out its mission of making it possible for individuals to become responsible global citizens as well as active participants in the creation of a more tolerant and peaceful world.
For the past 25 years, over 50 individuals from among the AFS partners have been honored with this prestigious award. Eight AFS-USA Volunteers are included in those ranks. Those nominated, as well as winners, state that the nomination is as exciting an honor as receiving the award.
Please join us in congratulating Gerry in being selected as the AFS-USA nominee for the 2008 Galatti Award and unselfishly promoting the mission of AFS through her deeds and actions for the Mission of AFS.
Congratulations, Gerry, for being the 2008 AFS-USA Galatti Nominee!
