On November 4-7th 2024, AFS Indonesia hosted the AAI Volunteer Managers Meeting in Bali, Indonesia. This meeting brought together Volunteer Managers (VMs) from diverse countries within the AAI region. Representatives from AFS Indonesia (INA), Malaysia (MAS), Philippines (PHI), Thailand (THA), Japan (JPN), Hong Kong (HKG), and India (IND) attended this meeting.
The meeting was facilitated by Manuela Ramirez, Cristina Bertelli, and Stijn van den Bergh from AFS INT, where they shared their valuable insights from broader perspectives. The sessions in this meeting focused on Strategic Volunteer Development Planning, Volunteer Journey, Opportunities and Community, and Digital Tools, specifically for AFS Partners in the AAI Region.
The VMM provided a unique platform for VMs from different backgrounds to connect, share experiences, exchange ideas, and foster collaborative relationships. It also equipped VMs with practical tools and best practices from partners all around the AFS Network to strengthen their volunteer engagement strategies and the overall volunteer experience.
The VMs were also encouraged to reflect on their respective countries’ current volunteer programs and activities, identify areas for improvement, and develop innovative strategies to attract and retain volunteers using the Volunteer Journey.
By engaging with AFS International experts, VMs gained a broader understanding of global volunteer trends and best practices, enabling them to implement effective strategies in their local contexts.
The meeting generated enthusiasm for future collaborations among the participating countries. VMs expressed interest in exploring initiatives such as Volunteer Exchange, Staff Exchange, and Intensive Language Courses to further strengthen the AAI network and promote cross-cultural understanding.
The AAI Volunteer Managers Meeting in Bali was a highly successful event that provided a valuable opportunity for VMs to learn, network, and collaborate. By sharing experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas, the meeting contributed to the overall enhancement of volunteer engagement within the AAI region.