2014 ¡Welcome, Bienvenidos!

AMIGOS Mission StatementAmigos de las Américas

inspires and builds young leaders through

collaborative community development and

immersion in cross-cultural experiences.

Overview of AMIGOS• Started in 1965• 26 Chapters• 700+ Volunteers per year• 13 Summer Programs in 9

Countries– 4-9 Weeks

• 3 Gap Year Programs

AMIGOS Project Structure• Projects led and managed by a team

trained staff members with international and youth management experience

• In Summer Programs, partnerships of 2-3 Volunteers live and work in small and semi-urban communities

• Volunteers collaborate with community members and partner agencies (e.g. Plan International, Ministries of Health)

• Focus of each project is unique to country and project area

What do Volunteers Do?

• Live with a host family • Work on one or more community-

led projects • Collaborate with local youth and

community members• Facilitate educational day camps

Project Themes• Advance Health Initiatives • Collaborate for Environmental Sustainability • Launch Social Enterprises• Advocate for Human Rights• Inspire Creative Expression• Promote Sports and Fitness

My AMIGOS Experience

2014 Project Countries• Dominican Republic• Mexico• Panama• Costa Rica• Nicaragua• Colombia• Ecuador• Peru• Paraguay• Brazil (gap year only)

AMIGOS Volunteers Gain… • Leadership and public speaking skills

• First-hand community development experience

• Improved Spanish, Quechua, and Guarani language abilities

• Cultural awareness

• Opportunity to return on Project Staff to lead Projects

Health & Safety in Latin America• Volunteer safety is highest priority• Extensive health and safety training• Communities & host families screened• Individualized emergency communication plan for each

Volunteer• 24/7 On-Call communication system• Standards of Personal Conduct and Community Behavior• Partnerships with reliable medical facilities• All Volunteers registered with U.S. Embassy

Minimum Requirements• Be 16 years old before Sept. 1,

2014• Have taken 2 years of high

school Spanish or equivalent• Complete the entire application

process• Be committed to AMIGOS

Program

What is included in the fee?• Organizational Support

– Health, Safety, Supervision, Logistics• All airfare & transportation• Routine Medical Expenses• Project Supplies• Training Costs

Join through the International Office

Volunteer Training Train with other volunteers immediately prior to the program start, either in a Gateway City (Houston/Miami) or in Latin America.

Program Fee

Volunteers pay the program fee. This amount can be offset by individual fundraising.

Fundraising Volunteers are provided resources to fundraise independently (optional).

Time commitment 4 day training prior to program start + recommended fundraising activities. Family support Parents/guardians receive online training and support at-a-distance by staff

at the International Office.

Community

International Office volunteers are encouraged to meet with other volunteers prior to and after departure, if they are in close proximity.

Next Steps

• Fill Out On-line Application• $500 Registration Fee (refundable minus

$150 application fee)• Sign up for interview with International

Office staff

www.amigoslink.org

Questions & Answers

Thank You!