Overview

AMIGOS unites people from different cultures and countries to address community health and development needs through youth service. To date, approximately 20,000 high school and college-age students have served as AMIGOS volunteers. Working in collaboration with international development agencies, Latin American government agencies and host communities, and local nonprofit organizations, AMIGOS volunteers successfully work to improve the health of communities throughout the Americas.

To serve as AMIGOS volunteers, individuals must complete training requirements and be at least i6 years of age. Training occurs either through local AMIGOS chapters or the Correspondent Volunteer Program that is operated by the AMIGOS International Office. Training continues when volunteers arrive in their Latin America project areas, where they serve for up to eight weeks in host communities. Projects in Latin America are managed by young adults who progress through the Leadership Ladder to become Project Supervisors, Associate Project Directors, and Project Directors.

AMIGOS gives young people an opportunity to explore their potential, develop problem-solving skills, mature emotionally and experience other cultures. By gaining leadership skills and cultural sensitivity, AMIGOS participants are able to effectively engage in global affairs and to make positive community service contributions throughout their lifetimes. AMIGOS volunteers and project staff are highly respected for their caring spirit and the contributions they make, as demonstrated by the many years AMIGOS has been welcomed by host countries and communities in Latin America.