HOW TO JOIN
READY TO APPLY?
- Explore our website. Check out our programs and review our admissions requirements.
- Learn more about the chapter path! Click around on the tabs above to learn more about our chapter’s history, funding and financial assistance, and local training.
- Submit your application (it should take around 30 minutes or less) and pay the $75 application fee to hold your spot. Questions or tech issues? Reach out to our Admissions team at [email protected].
APPLICATION DEADLINES
- December 5, 2023 is the priority financial assistance deadline.
- January 16, 2024 is the final chapter deadline.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Chicago Chapter is finalizing their information session calendar, and more details will be shared here soon. The chapter also plans to post an online pre-recorded info session.
To learn more about project specifics, please attend one of our HQ led online information sessions or schedule a 1:1 counseling call with an HQ full-time staff member.
INTERVIEWS
For applicants that apply by the December 5 priority financial assistance deadline, the chapter will conduct online interviews via Zoom. These interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. The chapter will host in-person interviews on January 28 and February 4, 2024 for applicants that apply after December 5.
The interview is for the applicant and family. At least one parent or guardian is required to attend. Interviews last 45 minutes to an hour, and it is an opportunity for the chapter to meet the student and family, set expectations, and answer questions about AMIGOS.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact [email protected].
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Chicago Chapter is part of a 10 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. Our board supports volunteers and families with group fundraising, service learning, community building, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
HISTORY
During Summer 2021, the Chicago North Chapter and Urban Chicago Chapter merged to form the Chicago Chapter. Since Chicago North’s incorporation in 1973 and Urban Chicago’s incorporation in 2003, over 1,000 youth from Chicago and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer.
CURRENT VOLUNTEERS
Chicago Chapter volunteers attend Evanston Township High School, Glenbrook North High School, Glenbrook South High School, Jones College Prep, New Trier High School, Northside College Prep, Walter Payton College Prep, Whitney Young Magnet High School, Von Steuben High School, and many more!
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of volunteers from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS Chicago provides need-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents, and special financial circumstances. We provide amounts of $500–$2,500 to qualified applicants as financial assistance deductions on the program fee.
The Chicago Chapter will waive the $75 application fee for financial assistance applicants. On the application, students should select “Yes” that they intend to apply for financial assistance. Students must select “Yes” to this question in order for the Financial Assistance Application to appear on their dashboard. Then, at the end of the application, they should select, “I request a waiver”.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award. We highly encourage you to apply for financial assistance.
RESOURCES:
- All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
- To learn more about program fees, check out the Fees and Financial Assistance webpage.
CONTACT:
- Please reach out to the AMIGOS Chicago Treasurer with any questions regarding financial assistance via email at [email protected].
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
- Health and safety training
- Opportunities to practice Spanish
- Creating a community of young people with shared values
TRAINING CALENDAR
Sunday, February 25 from 10AM-4PM: Kick-off meeting and Retreat. Parents are required to attend a portion of the event.
Sunday, March 10 time TBD – Service Learning
Wednesday, March 13 from 6-8PM – Training
Wednesday, April 10 from 6-8PM – Training
Sunday, April 14 time TBD – Service Learning
Wednesday, May 15 – Training
Sunday, May 19 time TBD – Service Learning
Sunday, June 2 from 10AM-1PM – Going Away Party. Parents are invited to attend a portion of the event.
The Kick-off and Retreat, training sessions, and Going Away Party will take place at Haymarket House (800 W Buena Ave, Chicago, IL 60613). Please note that the entrance is off of Clarendon Avenue, and parking in the lot is limited. There is free street parking on the surrounding blocks.
Additional details regarding service learning (time, place, and activity) will be communicated to volunteers and families as soon as the events are confirmed.
FUNDRAISING
GROUP FUNDRAISING
AMIGOS Chicago provides chapter discounts, offers financial assistance, and covers local program costs through fundraising activities. We chose these activities to maximize our ability to provide the AMIGOS experience to all volunteers without regard to family financial circumstances.
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 build important skills!
LETTER WRITING/DONOR CONTACTS
Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of 100 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.
To see some of our fundraising efforts from last year, check out our Summer 2023 CauseVox Campaign here.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Becca Landor
President
[email protected]
Kelsey Creamer
Vice President
[email protected]
Lauren Antosz
Treasurer
[email protected]
Megan Harsh
Training Director
[email protected]
Denise Nunes
Outreach Coordinator and Assistant Training Director
[email protected]
Lilly Ardell
Community Liaison
[email protected]
Alanah Fitch
Fundraising Coordinator
Metztli Correa
At-Large
2023 Chicago Chapter Board Retreat
Share Your Time and Talent!
The Chicago Chapter of AMIGOS is always looking for volunteer board members! If you are interested in contributing to our chapter either as a board member or as an ad-hoc volunteer, please email [email protected].