12/5/2007 - AFS Announces the 2007 Galatti Award Winners

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD HONORS AFS VOLUNTEERS ON INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY

NEW YORK, NY, December 5, 2007—AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to announce the winners of its 2007 Galatti Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The Award is presented annually to AFS volunteers that have exemplified the spirit of Stephen Galatti, who built and transformed AFS from a volunteer ambulance service that served during both World Wars into a global network of partner organizations that now provides cross-cultural experiences to close to 13,000 students each year.

This year, AFS is honored to present three winners on International Volunteer Day: Gloria de Mantilla of Colombia, Britt-Eva Jakobsen of Norway, and Judith Weyand of the United States.

Gloria de Mantilla has been President of the AFS chapter in Bogotá for the last nine years. She became involved in AFS after sending her children on AFS exchanges. She became inspired by the organization’s mission. Gloria is very good at creating new relationships with different families, and bringing them into the volunteer force. She is very generous and good willing, and very much appreciated by everyone.

Britt-Eva Jakobsen has dedicated 23 years of her life to AFS in Norway. She and her husband have hosted 11 international students in their home, and five of their six children have gone abroad to study with AFS. Her nomination statement celebrates Britt-Eva’s dedication to AFS. Britt-Eva is motivated and has a strong belief in AFS and the vision of the organization. She treats everyone she meets with empathy and care.

Judy Weyand’s involvement with AFS began in 1978 when her family hosted a student from Finland. She currently serves as the AFS-USA National Council Chair and served from 1999-2005 as the Massachusetts Bay Area Team Chair. One of Judy’s most important accomplishments during her tenure at AFS-USA was to assist in the implementation of the Volunteer Dialogue (2003-2004). These ideas were ultimately presented to and incorporated by the AFS Board of Directors into a Strategic Plan.

AFS International President Francisco Cazal said that “The winners of the Galatti Award for Outstanding Volunteer service stand out among the thousands of volunteers that keep AFS going strong and give the gift of intercultural understanding to people all over the world.”

The Galatti Award, established in 1983 and named after AFS founder Stephen Galatti, honors AFS community volunteers whose long-term 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 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.