HOW TO APPLY
READY TO APPLY?
- Click here to start your application.
- Complete your application. The application should take about 25-30 minutes to complete, and we encourage you to complete it in one sitting. You may need your parent(s) or guardian(s) to support with the application process.
- An AMIGOS representative from the Seattle Chapter will contact you to share more information and set up an interview.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
January 17, 2023 is the final application deadline. It is also the financial assistance application deadline. However, financial assistance applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!
INFOrmation SESSION
Please watch the pre-recorded video below! If you have any questions, kindly contact Lisa Giamberso, Outreach Coordinator, at recruitment@amigos-seattle.org.
INTERVIEWS
Once you complete your application, the Seattle Chapter will reach out to you to schedule your family interview.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Lisa Giamberso, via email at recruitment@amigos-seattle.org.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Seattle Chapter is part of a 13 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from the Puget Sound area train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our board supports volunteers and families with group fundraising, service learning, community building, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
history
Since its incorporation in 1972, over 900 youth from Seattle and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer.
current volunteers
Seattle Chapter volunteers attend Ballard High School, Bothell Senior High School, Central Kitsap High School, Charles Wright Academy, Garfield high School, Ingraham High School, Kingston High School, Shorewood High School, Vashon Island High School, Woodinville High School, and many more!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Taylor Martin President tmartin@amigosinternational.org |
Tom Lucas Treasurer treasurer@amigos-seattle.org |
| Molly Abbruzzese Vice President |
Lilia Fannin Fundraising Coordinator fundraising@amigos-seattle.org |
| Clara Yardley Training Director training@amigos-seattle.org |
Emma Schnee Senior Advisor, Training training@amigos-seattle.org |
| Sarah Quinn Alumni Coordinator alumni@amigos-seattle.org |
Samantha Vaux Parent Coordinator |
| Dr. Edward La Cava Medical Director medical-director@amigos-seattle.org |
Jill Chelimer Secretary info@amigos-seattle.org |
| Anna Colando Webmaster webmaster@amigos-seattle.org |
Alice Johnson Youth Liaison |
| Lisa Giamberso Recruitment Coordinator recruitment@amigos-seattle.org |
FEES & FUNDING
The family fee to participate in an AMIGOS Summer Program in the Seattle Chapter varies by project. Please see the Fees section to the right to review 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.
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.
Additional funding opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS will receive a credit of $1,000 towards their family fee and qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
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.
The financial assistance application deadline is January 17, 2023. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible while funds are available. Financial assistance applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline. Apply here!
Please contact the Chapter President at president@amigos-seattle.org for more information.
FEES
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50 (fee waived for financial assistance applicants)
Summer program family fees are offered on a sliding scale based on family income and vary by project length:
- 3-week projects: $440 – $4,375
- 4-week projects: $470 – $4,675
- 6-week projects: $490 – $4,875
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Chapter President at president@amigos-seattle.org.
FEES INCLUDES
- Round trip airfare
- Training materials and workshops
- 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
Learn more about airfare and travel support here.
FEES DO NOT INCLUDE
- Immunizations and pre-travel medical examinations
- Passport/Visa fees
TRAINING
With over 55 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
TRAINING CALENDAR
Training for the Seattle Chapter will occur from February – May 2023. Our training includes monthly training meetings, community events, and local service. A detailed calendar will be provided to you after you apply.
DOCUMENTS
Documents to Submit:
- Family Financial Agreement (last page to be filled out and returned)
- Chapter Medical Release
- Parent Volunteer Sign-Up
Orientation Materials:
