HOW TO APPLY
READY TO APPLY?
The application to join through the Chicago Chapter has closed, but there is still time to apply through our National Chapter! Click here to learn more about the National Chapter and apply.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Chicago Chapter is part of a 20 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from the Chicago area train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America or Colorado. Our board supports volunteers with packing, pre-departure immunizations, fundraising, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
FEES & FUNDING
The cost to participate in an AMIGOS Latin America Summer Program in the Chicago Chapter is $4,375*.
The cost to participate in an AMIGOS Western Colorado Program in the Chicago Chapter is $5,475*.
The Chicago Chapter covers AMIGOS program costs through a combination of fundraising activities and a family fee contribution. We chose these activities to maximize our ability to provide the AMIGOS experience to all volunteers without regard to family financial circumstances. 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. This effort primarily takes place from January to June. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills!
*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about airfare and travel support here.
LETTER WRITING/DONOR CONTACTS
Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of letters and emails to friends and family, to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the volunteer with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process.
Additional funding opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
FEES
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50
Latin America Project Family Fee: $4,375*
Western Colorado Project Family Fee: $5,475*
*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about airfare and travel support here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Chapter Treasurer at treasurer@amigos-urbanchicago.org.
FEES INCLUDE
- 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
Click here for more information about our Fees & Funding.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of volunteers from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS provides need-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents, and special financial circumstances. We provide amounts of $500–$1,500 to qualified applicants as deductions on the family fee.
TRAINING
The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.
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 Chicago Chapter AMIGOS training is youth-led, experiential learning that prepares volunteers for their AMIGOS experience, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help students succeed beyond AMIGOS. Training sessions are facilitated by the Training Team and include guest speakers from the community and the Board of Directors.
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
Kick-Off Meeting
Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 12 – 2pm central
Volunteer Training Dates (Parent Meeting Last Hour):
Sunday, February, 27, 2022 from 11am – 4pm central
Sunday, March 20, at 2022 from 11am – 4pm central
Sunday, April 10, 2022 from 11am – 4pm central
Sunday, May 15, 2022 from 11am – 4pm central
All trainings take place at Haymarket House
800 W Buena Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gracie Gramelspacher President president@amigos-urbanchicago.org |
Kelsey Creamer Vice President vp@amigos-chicago.org |
Doug Graham and Lauren Antosz Treasurers treasurer@amigos-urbanchicago.org |
Emma Green Service Learning Coordinator |
Metzli Correa Fundraising Committee Member |
Becca Landor Fundraising Committee Member |
Adam Schaechter At-Large |
Recruitment & Training Team
Delphine Clatanoff Outreach Coordinator recruitment@amigos-urbanchicago.org |
Megan Harsh Co-Training Director training@amigos-chicago.org |
Lilly Ardell Co-Training Director spanishlearning@amigos-chicago.org |
MEDIA