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2014 ¡Welcome, Bienvenidos !. Who We Are. Chapter Board Members Training Staff Alumni . Tonight's Agenda. AMIGOS Video Overview of AMIGOS AMIGOS Projects Health & Safety in Latin America Chapter Training Program Financial Information Personal Stories Q & A.
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2014 ¡Welcome, Bienvenidos!
Who We Are • Chapter Board Members • Training Staff • Alumni
Tonight's Agenda • AMIGOS Video • Overview of AMIGOS • AMIGOS Projects • Health & Safety in Latin America • Chapter Training Program • Financial Information • Personal Stories • Q & A
AMIGOS Mission Statement Amigos de lasAméricas 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 in9 Countries • 4-9 Weeks • 3 Gap Year Programs
AMIGOS Project Structure • Projects led and managed by a team trained staff memberswith 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
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
Latin American Medical Facilities • High Level of Care available at Regional or National Health Facilities if needed. Caption: Centro Medico San Juan in San Juan, Dominican Republic
Preparing for an AMIGOS Summer Pre-Summer Training on: • Health & Safety • Leadership Skills • Preparation for Life in Latin America
Chapter Training Structure • Regular Meetings • Retreats • Workshops • Service Learning
Minimum Requirements • Be 16 years old before Sept. 1, 2013 • Have taken 2 years of high school Spanish or equivalent • Complete the entire application process • Be committed to AMIGOS Program
How much does it cost to Volunteer? Fundraising $X,000 Family Contribution + $X,000 Total Cost $X,000
What is included in the fee? • Organizational Support • Health, Safety, Supervision, Logistics • All airfare & transportation • Routine Medical Expenses • Project Supplies • Training Costs
Family Contribution • $X,000 • Pay $X per month or in-full • Financial Assistance is available based on verifiable income
Fundraising in our Chapter • Product Sales • Letter Writing Campaign • 75+ Letters to friends/family/supporters • Lots of support and help from us! • [FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFO]
Why Volunteers Fundraise • Provides experience communicating about AMIGOS • Reduces the family’s financial obligation • Preparation for facilitating fundraisers in Latin America
Next Steps • Fill Out On-line Application • Meeting Next Weds MM/DD X:30pm • Further details about Program and Commitments • $X Registration Fee (non-refundable) • Sign up for interview www.amigoslink.org
If our Chapter is not right for you… Join through the International Office