The mission of AFS-USA is dependent on the quality of our volunteer and participant network. The mission and the preservation and growth of this network require that AFS-USA strive to extend opportunities to volunteers, participants, and staff regardless of their gender, race, sex, age, creed, sexual orientation, religion, veteran or marital status, national or ethnic origin, political opinion, economic and social standing or disability.
AFS-USA is committed to providing international and intercultural learning experiences for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities through a global volunteer partnership. We believe an inclusionary and equitable approach enriches our ability to draw from all voices, perspectives, and methods. To this end, we are involved in a number of initiatives to make this a reality and further advance our mission.
AFS-USA affirms its commitment to volunteer and staff equity and inclusion as an asset that enriches individuals, organizations, and society. We believe that international education and exchange deepens our appreciation of the complex contributions of human society as well as our understanding of the consequences of social division. We solicit and encourage each individual’s contribution to a collaborative organization that welcomes diversity of opinion and positions in its pursuit of shared goals.
As an intercultural exchange organization, we seek in principle and in practice to make AFS-USA increasingly equitable and inclusive, to encourage participation by underrepresented groups at all levels of our organization, and to explore new opportunities to use our inclusiveness as a resource for strengthening our organization and advancing its mission. We pledge to hold ourselves accountable for the pursuit of these goals.