HOW TO APPLY
How to apply:
AMIGOS has suspended our in-person programs for Summer 2020. However, we have developed an exciting new virtual program: The Community Impact Project! Through this 6-week initiative, you will connect across cultures, design positive service projects, and support your community during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the Community Impact Project and how to register, visit our website.
ABOUT
AMIGOS is a leader in international youth development, creating a world in which young people realize their full potential as leaders and global citizens. We provide extraordinary opportunities for youth to design and lead projects in collaboration with US and Latin American peers and partner organizations across the Americas. Our strong partner network, built over 50 years, enables authentic engagements in communities across the region.
The AMIGOS Seattle Chapter recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and their families from the Puget Sound area. Our chapter accepts volunteers August through December of the fall/winter prior to each summer experience. During the months of December through June, Seattle Chapter volunteers will take part in local training and fundraising events as they prepare for their AMIGOS experience.
Click here to read testimonials from former AMIGOS Seattle volunteers, parents, and Spanish teachers.
TRAINING
With 50 years of experience preparing young people for travel and service abroad, AMIGOS training offers unparalleled global youth leadership development. Pre-departure training equips volunteers with the critical thinking, communication skills, and technical knowledge they need to make a meaningful impact across cultures while staying healthy and safe. The Seattle Chapter training is youth-led, experiential learning that prepares volunteers for their experiences, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help students succeed beyond AMIGOS.
SERVICE LEARNING
The Seattle Chapter incorporates service learning to add depth and first-hand experience to the curriculum. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDE:
- Unparalleled leadership development
- Cross-cultural awareness and understanding
- Hands-on training for technical aspects of the program
- Extensive health and safety training
- Opportunities to practice Spanish
- Creating a community of young people with shared values
THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR TRAINING ACTIVITIES INCLUDES:
- Five training sessions, usually Sundays from 10:00 to 3:00 (January, February, April, May)
- Two overnight retreats (January, March)
- Service learning component
- Supplemental Spanish activities
- Four online assessments to determine readiness for the summer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Molly Abbruzzese President president@amigos-seattle.org |
Tom Lucas Treasurer treasurer@amigos-seattle.org |
| Lilia Fannin Fundraising Coordinator fundraising@amigos-seattle.org |
Emma Schnee Training Director training@amigos-seattle.org |
| Clara Yardley Assistant Training Director training@amigos-seattle.org |
Samantha Vaux Senior Training Advisor |
| Sarah Quinn Alumni Coordinator alumni@amigos-seattle.org |
Melanie Johnson Co-Recruitment Coordinator recruitment@amigos-seattle.org |
| Madelyn Jacklin Co-Recruitment Coordinator recruitment@amigos-seattle.org |
Laura Read Bukowski Parent Coordinator parent-coordinator@amigos-seattle.org |
| Jill Chelimer Secretary info@amigos-seattle.org |
Dr. Edward La Cava Medical Director medical-director@amigos-seattle.org |
| Alice Johnson Youth Liason |
PRICING
The Seattle Chapter covers AMIGOS program costs through a combination of family payments and fundraising activities. This approach allows us to keep costs to families low while teaching valuable fundraising and community outreach skills.
Family Fee: $4000 (Financial Assistance and payment plans available.)
Application Fee: $50 (Non-refundable and not included in the Family Fee.)
Group Fundraising is required
FEES INCLUDES
- Training materials and workshops
- Round-trip international airfare
- Secondary short-term international medical insurance
- Program excursions
- Food, lodging, and transportation in Latin America
- Supplies for community project and extracurricular activities
- 24-hour On Call Emergency Management System
- Travel hotline and support
FEES DO NOT INCLUDE
- Immunizations and pre-travel medical examinations
- Passport/visa fees
DUE DATES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Volunteers pay their family fees beginning in December 2019.
- Fees can be paid online or by mail. Payment plans are available.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Last year, 40% of volunteers received financial assistance! AMIGOS provides needs-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents and special financial circumstances. We provide amounts of 10-90% of the family fee to qualified applicants as deductions on the family fee. Please contact us at president@amigos-seattle.org for additional information.
FUNDRAISING
All volunteers are required to fully take part in each fundraising activity as fundraising skills are an important component of AMIGOS training program and raise awareness of AMIGOS programs in the community. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will definitely build important skills!
LETTER WRITING/DONOR CONTACTS
Each volunteer is required to send out 100 emails and/or letters to friends and family, to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the student with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process.
PRODUCT SALES
Seattle Chapter volunteers also raise funds through the sale of citrus fruits. This effort primarily takes place in November and December for the Holiday season. Coffee sales are planned for April.
Individual FUNDRAISING
Volunteers will brainstorm ideas for creative fundraisers within their communities. Past individual fundraisers have included: rummage sales, bake sales, baby sitting/work-for-donations and fiestas.
Additional funding opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS will receive a credit of $750 towards their family fee and qualify to apply for the Alumni Award. More info here.
DOCUMENTS & MATERIALS
Documents to Submit:
- Family Financial Agreement (last page to be filled out and returned)
- Chapter Medical Release
- Parent Volunteer Sign-Up
Orientation Materials:
MEDIA
VIDEOS
Seattle Chapter volunteer Josh on his travels to Oaxaca, Mexico!
