2016 tucson amigos information presentation

Welcome

TucsonChapter

Mission Statement

Amigos de las Américas inspires and builds young leaders through collaborative community development and cross cultural experiences.

AMIGOS History• Founded in 1965• 50 years of

experience in Latin America

Tucson Chapter• Founded in 1968• One of 26 chapters across the US• Successfully trained more than 600 participants to date• Consistently a top tier chapter for participant performance and

satisfaction

Project Structure

• Experienced Project Leadership Team• Partnerships of 2-3 participants• Participants collaborate with community members and local

partner organizations• Project theme

What do participants do?• Live with host family• Collaborate on one (or

more) community led projects

• Facilitate educational workshops

Participant Safety

Chapter training

Standards of Conduct

Partner system

and in country staff

Living areasCommunties and host families are

screened in advance

CALM PlanFlexibility in program if

necessary

Volunteer Safety

is#1

What are the living conditions?• Host family• Small to medium sized communities• Range of rural to urban

Project Themes• Environmental

sustainability• Youth Entrepreneurship• Public Health/Nutrition• Sports and Fitness• Civic Participation and

Youth Leadership

Can I pick my project?• Select top 3-5 projects

• 12 projects in 8 countries• 4-8 weeks

• National Office assigns final projects

• Costa Rica• Ecuador• Mexico• Dominican

Republic• Nicaragua• Panama• Paraguay• Colombia

AMIGOS participants gain...• Leadership and public

speaking skills• Confidence• Community development

experience• Spanish language abilities• Cultural awareness and

sensitivity• Opportunities to continue the

AMIGOS experience

What is training like?• January through May

• Every Monday Night, 6:45 to 9:00 p.m.• 3 Weekend Retreats (Jan/Feb/Apr)• Parent meetings once per month

Who can be an AMIGO?

• 16 years old by December 2017• Completed sophomore year of high school• Two years of high school Spanish or equivalent• Passion and Commitment

How much does it cost?• $2,550 Family Fee*

• Broken into monthly payments

• $4,100 Fundraising• Includes chapter

training, travel, food, lodging, insurance for the duration of the project, and project supplies

*Limited amount of financial aid available. Deadline to apply for financial aid is October 22nd

How does fundraising work?• Letter writing campaign• Fundraising events• Part of training program

Stories from past participants

A parent’s perspective

I’m interested, what do I do now?

Application process

Apply

• Complete Application• Submit 2 recommendations (Spanish Teacher)• DUE DATE- October 22, 2016 *

Interview

• Interviews for applicant and parents• October 26, 27 (in the evening)• Applicant Spanish interview

Accept

• Notification of acceptance November 5th• Sign and return Chapter Agreement by Nov. 20th• Volunteer and Parent Orientation Nov. 20th

*including any/all financial aid paperwork

Contact UsLucy Weeks, Chapter President

leweeks1@gmail.com

Ariana Garcia, Training Directorarmanson@email.arizona.edu

Rebecca O’Brien, Paperwork Coordinatorrobrien@rllaz.com

Websites:

https://tucson.amigosinternational.org

www.amigostucson.org

Questions?