Innovation Hub

By broadening our portfolio, AFS-USA is strengthening its ability to advance our mission at a moment when its purpose feels especially urgent here at home. The idea of a youth exchange program was a revolutionary one when AFS was founded. The world has changed since then, and we need to continue to adapt. Innovation is necessary for any organization to thrive, and AFS-USA is no exception. With a proactive, creative mindset, AFS can expand its reach into uncharted territories while diversifying revenue, strengthening its brand, and growing the AFS community. We will continue to invest in our life-changing core programs while also exploring different ways of rising to the challenges we are facing together.

While crossing borders remains a powerful way to foster intercultural learning, it isn’t the only way. Considering the many factors outside our direct control affecting international exchange, and observing the growing polarization of the United States, AFS-USA Board, volunteer, and staff leadership agreed that this is the moment to turn our focus toward our own backyard through domestic activities.

With the vision of a resilient and understanding United States, the Innovation Team is currently piloting activities that create opportunities for people to build meaningful relationships between individuals across the country, fostering positive dialogue and understanding.

Domestic program participants gain new insights and work through differences, developing resiliency and a better understanding of our nation’s rich array of lived experiences. The learning they take home will help them strengthen their own communities.

For the latest news, program descriptions, or to get involved, visit the Innovation Hub at afsusa.org/innovation-hub or email [email protected].

The Innovation Team reviews ideas to determine how well they have the potential to align with priorities set by AFS-USA leadership and Board of Directors.

Indicators for success:

• Broadens and diversifies the AFS community
• Rebalances and diversifies revenue streams
• Advances the AFS mission
• Builds organizational agility and resilience
• Strengthens the brand

The team also considers costs, existing resources, and completeness and feasibility of potential activities.

The Innovation Team will work with participants, volunteers, and other collaborators and partners to gather input during and after the program. Program evaluations that are based on objectives, vision, and participant and host family satisfaction will determine how successful we were in making an impact. In addition to collecting feedback on program impact, the Innovation Team will also look at other questions and indicators to determine next steps, such as:

• Was the delivery cost-effective and scalable?
• Is there enough interest and demand to expand the program?
• Do we need to do another test run to determine future viability?

The program may be repeated as a pilot or expanded and incorporated into AFS-USA operations while the Innovation Team continues to explore more new ideas.

The Innovation Team is always looking for inspiration and seeking out the experience and expertise our volunteers and staff bring to the table! Some ways to get involved are:

• Submit an idea for a new AFS program, activity, service, or partnership with another mission-aligned organization
• Offer your skills or expertise for program content or facilitation
• Spread the word about our pilot programs to recruit participants
• Host a participant for a short program
• Co-design and deliver a domestic program in your area