Opening new AFS Units:
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Step 1. Identify Viability
Analize the community in order to guarantee there is viability to start developing a new AFS Unit.
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Step 2. Define Goals
Based on their current reality, set challenging but not unachievable goals that will keep them motivated.
![19745154232_55e5bd34d7_o](https://d22dvihj4pfop3.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2017/11/02075306/19745154232_55e5bd34d7_o-370x210.jpg)
Step 3. Identify the Right Leadership
Find people with potential to lead and help them develop their leadership abilities.
![12191217_1092216087469180_8696741530259321921_o](https://d22dvihj4pfop3.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/08/28013724/12191217_1092216087469180_8696741530259321921_o.jpg)
Step 4. Define Clear Roles and Tasks
Define with them a structure that will move the unit forward, and match tasks with the right person.
Establishing the Units:
![_94A7589](https://d22dvihj4pfop3.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/09/20185602/94A7589.jpg)
Step 5. Support and Training
Without proper support and training the new local unit can’t be sustainable. Having the right system in place is key to guarantee their success.
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Step 6. Make Strategic Partnerships
Recognizing key stakeholders in the community and approaching them correctly will increase the impact of your local unit.
![94A6959-570×320](https://d22dvihj4pfop3.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2019/11/25163035/94A6959-570x320-370x210.jpg)
Step 7. Recognize the New AFS Unit
It’s very important to recognize the new units as they meet their goals and have consistent check-ins with them so they feel supported.
![DSC05856](https://d22dvihj4pfop3.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2019/08/20190803/DSC05856-e1566342571842-300x164.jpg)
Now that you have a chapter, what is needed for it to function well?
First things first, right? They need to organize in-person meetings for their volunteers! Discover some tips to organize fun and effective meetings:
Growing your local chapters
A great number of trained and motivated volunteers is key to generating program growth and increasing our social impact. Discover how you can expand the number and diversity of local volunteers!
![DSC05779](https://d22dvihj4pfop3.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/111/2020/07/16151630/DSC05779-300x201.jpg)
How do you prepare new local leaders?
Local chapter leaders have an intriguing but challenging role: managing a team and growing your local chapter’s capacity is no easy feat! AFS leaders are unique individuals who drive the work of volunteers, as well as operations on the local level.
We’ve gathered a series of resources to help them reflect on their role and pick up best practices to improve in their AFS roles.