The cost of supporting an AMIGOS participant in Latin America is significant. The Seattle Chapter covers these costs through a combination of direct support fundraising webpages, product sales, participant-initiated community events, and a family fee contribution. We chose these activities to maximize our ability to provide the AMIGOS experience to all participants without regard to family financial circumstances. All participants 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. Participants 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 participant is required to send out a combination of 100 letters and emails to friends, family, and a limited number of prior donors, to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled) Letters are written by the participant with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process. Support this year’s participants through GiveBig!

PRODUCT SALES

Seattle Chapter participants also raise funds through the sale of citrus fruits. This effort primarily takes place in November and December for the Holiday season.  Check back soon to place your order!

AMAZON

Help us raise money for Seattle Chapter AMIGOS Participants of 2017 by clicking through to Amazon each time you shop.  4-8% of your purchases go to the Seattle Chapter of AMIGOS, at no extra cost to you!

http://bit.ly/seattleamigosamazon

FAMILY FEE $3,750

Payment plan options available

Chapter deposit $200 (included as part of the family fee)

Group fundraising participation required

THE PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES:

• Chapter training materials and workshops
• Round-Trip International Airfare
• Secondary short-term international medical insurance
• Program excursions and trainings
• Food, lodging, and transportation in Latin America
• Supplies for community project and extracurricular activities
• 24-hour emergency support system

THE PROGRAM FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Immunizations and pre-travel medical examinations
• Passport fees

AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of participants from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS provides needs-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents and special financial circumstances. We provide amounts of $350-$2,700 to qualified applicants as deductions on the family fee. Financial assistance applications are due on November 13, 2016. Please contact us at president@amigos-seattle.org for additional information. In addition, participants who are returning for an additional summer receive a $750 discount.

HISPANIC/LATINO YOUNG LEADERS AWARD

AMIGOS National Office is pleased to announce the continuation of the Hispanic/Latino Young Leaders Award.  AMIGOS will select 10 chapter participants to receive financial assistance packages of $2,000. Eligible participants must be approved by their chapter to be eligible for the award and must come from a Hispanic/Latino background. Please download the application instructions here. The deadline to apply is December 1. Awards will be announced December 16.

The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.

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 participants 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 AMIGOS training is youth-led, experiential learning that prepares participants for their AMIGOS experience, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help participants succeed beyond AMIGOS. Training sessions are facilitated by the Training Team and  Seattle Chapter Board of Directors.

SERVICE LEARNING

The Seattle Chapter incorporates service learning into the AMIGOS training 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:

• Chapter training meetings
• Service learning requirements
• Four online assessments to determine readiness for the summer

TRAINING RESOURCES

• Trainer application 2017
• Absence Request Form