As your new local liaison for AWAG: Americans Working Around the
Globe, I would like to give you a brief synopsis of what AWAG is and
inform you of an opportunity available to all of our members in just a
few short months. AWAG can be traced back to the fall of 1946 in
postwar Germany, when a group of military spouses formed the first
volunteer welfare organization. Over the years it has grown in numbers
and size, but holds true to the values of training volunteers and
strengthening volunteer organizations. The mission of AWAG is to train,
strengthen, and connect volunteers, their organizations and their
communities.
The 2015 Annual Leadership Training Seminar will be held April 26-29,
2015 at the beautiful Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in GarmischPartenkirchen.
During this four-day working, training and leadership seminar, multiple
courses will be conducted by a wide range of professionals from the
military and civilian community. The seminar is traditionally is held in
late spring, so that organizations can send their newly elected or
appointed volunteer leaders. If you are a new volunteer or desire to lead
one of our sub clubs, bazaars, or festivals, the seminar would be an
excellent opportunity to prepare you for such a role. The working
conference provides a framework to share ideas, lessons learned, and
successes. Discussion groups and workshops are facilitated by
individuals well qualified in a particular area such as fundraising, board
positions, group dynamics, volunteer management, etc. In addition,
people in leadership positions from various organizations that affect the
lives of military families are invited to share their knowledge. The goal
of the seminar is to provide professional and meaningful leadership
training for volunteers from individual organizations and clubs.
If you are interested in attending the annual seminar as a delegate from
Hohenfels, please complete the attached delegate application form and
return by Wednesday January 28, 2015. We will be accepting
applications at the January luncheon.
There is also an opportunity to attend the conference as an AWAG
CONFERENCE ASSISTANT.
These volunteers are the hard working, ever present, smiling group that
keeps conference activities running smoothly and on schedule. They
assist board members, introduce speakers, and help in the office,
information desk, and the Ways and Means Room. They must be able to
lift and move heavy objects, stand for extended periods of time, and do a
lot of walking. Conference Assistants must disclose any special medical
needs, if selected. AWAG pays for your meals, lodging, and travel for the
Annual Conference during working hours.
If interested in volunteering as a conference assistant, please complete
the attached application and return to rheinlandpfalz2@awagonline.org
by February 3, 2015. (The application states February 30 in error).
I look forward to serving as your liaison at Hohenfels and getting to
know a few of you better at this exciting seminar in the beautiful Alps!
Respectfully,
Allison McCarson
AWAG Liaison- Hohenfels Germany