Vols

The AMIGOS program attracts some of the top high-school and college students in each community.  We define "top" not necessarily by grades, but by level of overall maturity, community service mindedness, willingness to be trained, cultural sensitivities, leadership potential, and more.  Here's some information in common areas of interest:

What makes AMIGOS so great?

AMIGOS empowers young people to take leadership roles in carrying out community service projects. Outstanding volunteers climb the leadership ladder by returning in following summers as members of the Latin American Project Staff.

AMIGOS partners with international development agencies such as CARE, Save the Children and Plan International, as well as with local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and clinics. These partnerships help ensure projects continue after AMIGOS volunteers leave.

Our volunteers have the experience of a lifetime living in a Latin American community for up to eight weeks. Projects typically run from mid-June to mid-August.

AMIGOS host countries are: Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Paraguay.

Teams made up of two or three AMIGOS partners work in close collaboration with community members on projects such as:

• Community health and education: child wellness, dental hygiene and disease prevention through construction of latrines and other home health improvements

• Environment: community gardens, fuel-efficient stove construction and reforestation

• Community-building: libraries, mural painting and other activities identified by local communities

What’s the training all about?

AMIGOS volunteers complete comprehensive training programs, either through their local chapter or the Correspondent Volunteer Program. Training continues when volunteers arrive in Latin America. Training covers topics such as:

• Building relationships among diverse cultures Spanish or Portuguese language

• Latin American geography, history and politics

• Problem solving and program planning

• Interpersonal relations and communication

• Technical information for community health and development projects

How much does it cost to participate?

The program fee to participate in the Summer, 2009 experience has been estimated to be $5,950.  The Tucson Chapter of Amigos de las Américas has tentatively structured the fee as follows (will be finalized by Sept 15): 

• $1,450 family fee

• $4,500 fund-raising requirement

The program fee covers: round-trip international airfare from the gateway city, food, lodging and transportation in Latin America, training materials and workshops, supplemental short-term international medical insurance, project supplies and supervision, year-round professional staff support, and emergency communications while in Latin America. Additional expenses include immunizations, medical examinations, passport/visa fees and airfare to the gateway city.

The Tucson Chapter helps each volunteer accomplish their fundraising goal through group activities and training.  Additionally, financial assistance is provided through scholarships and Tucson chapter fundraising activities.

Are there health and Safety risks?

Maintaining the health and safety of volunteers is our top priority. AMIGOS has a long history of ensuring the well-being of volunteers and provides comprehensive training, safety plans, medical consultation and communication systems to minimize risk in Latin America.

How do I volunteer?

AMIGOS actively promotes diversity and welcomes everyone to apply. Volunteers must:

• be at least 16 years old

• have completed the sophomore year of high school before beginning the project in Latin America and

• have completed at least two years of high school Spanish or Portuguese, or have an equivalent level of fluency.

The Tucson Chapter is looking for teenagers who:

• have an interest in their community

• would be good Tucson ambassadors

• can be developed into future leaders

Introductory meetings are generally conducted in High School Spanish classes in August of each year.  Informational meetings, for both parents and potential volunteers are usually conducted throughout September, with new volunteer applications due in October.  Volunteers accepted in the fall begin training approx Jan 1 and continue until their summer departures.  See our "How to Learn More" page for more details!

Click here for the latest Volunteer Brochure

For more information, or to inquire about scheduling a speaker for an introductory meeting, please contact us!