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AFS VIGNLetter fromthe AFSInternationalPresidentI have now been on the job since the beginning of August 2011, and I amenjoying the challenges and responsibilities that come with the position. Oneof its pleasures is being able to address you through my first “Letter from theAFS International President” for the AFS Janus.I hope you enjoy reading about David Ford, an AFS Ambulance Driverwho exemplifies so many of the qualities that made our founders such anextraordinary group of individuals. This issue’s feature article about Fordreminded me how much AFS is still fully committed to the ideals that theAFS Drivers held close to their hearts as they worked to transform AFS into apeacetime organization.Today, AFS sends more than 12,000 young women and men to more than88 countries around the world. AFS does this effectively because it can rely ona trained and efficient volunteer network that spans the globe and delivers theservices that have made us one of the most respected intercultural exchangeand educational organizations in existence. This tradition of volunteerismreflects a trait that distinguished the AFS wartime ambulance drivers—anunwavering dedication to service through volunteerism. I am one of more than412,000 former AFS Participants, having traveled from Italy to the USA in 1966,and the experience changed my life, although I don’t know if it improved myguitar-playing skills!We continue our commitment to expand the footprint of our programs.Time and time again, we have seen that AFS intercultural exchange programschange lives for the better. We have a responsibility and a mandate to makeour programs more accessible, taking advantage of opportunities we mayhave to offer the AFS experience to individuals who may have geographical orfinancial barriers to entry.And as we expand the breadth and scope of our programs, we are alwaysaware of the need to maintain the highest standards of quality for all of ourAFS constituents: participants, host and natural families, volunteers andschools. We are working hard every day to change our people’s lives for thebetter, open up new vistas and perspectives in their minds, and unite themthrough an unparalleled understanding that our differences will not necessarilydivide us, but will be a source of strength and unity.Vincenzo MorliniPresident and CEO, AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc.AFS Winter Program Participant and future AFS PresidentVincenzo Morlini playing guitar during a party aboard theS/S Seven Seas in August 1966.We hope you enjoyed the inauguralinstallment of the “AFS Vignettes”in the previous issue of the AFSJanus and that you enjoy readingour new vignettes. If you would liketo contribute your stories about AFScovering the period 1914 through1964, your contributions will bewarmly welcomed. Please send themto sg@galatti.com or to P.O.1433,Millbrook, NY 12545. We seekpoignant or funny stories that evokethe spirit of AFS growth. Thank you,- Stephen Galatti, Jr.Raising Money and Taking NoLeave – AFS in WW1As opposed to most of presentdaysoldiers in the US military, theAFS volunteer drivers were mainlyfrom the upper middle class, whowere able to individually financetheir costs of participation inthe service of AFS. However, asthe need for more volunteersincreased, so did expenses. WhileWilliam Sleeper, the New Englandbusinessman who devoted muchof his time to raising money forthe volunteer organization, wastireless in canvassing for moneyto purchase ambulances, it wasJ. Piatt Andrew who had thecharisma to effectively recruitvolunteers and to solicit funds.He was dynamic and effective,unhesitant in selecting his targetsand his approach. He was willingto go to great lengths to achievehis goals. He even secured a majordonation of ambulances from Mrs.Vanderbilt.When Stephen Galatti tookhis first leave from the AFS, hedropped by the AFS office atRue Raymond in Paris for a visit.Spotting him, Andrew called out:“Galatti, you have got to help meAFS JANUS • FALL 2011 • 8