The family fee to participate in an AMIGOS Summer Program in the Chicago Chapter varies by project.* Please see the Fees section to the right to review pricing.

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 February to June. 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 2022 CauseVox Campaign here.

Additional funding opportunities

All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.

FEES

Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50 (fee waived for financial assistance applicants)

Summer program family fees vary by project length:

• 2-week projects: $3,175
• 3-week projects: $4,375
• 4-week projects: $4,675
• 6-week projects: $4,875

*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about airfare and travel support here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Chapter Co-Treasurers at [email protected]

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.

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.

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

The Kickoff Meeting will be Sunday, February 5th (11AM-2PM)

Training Dates:

• Sunday, February 26th (9AM-5PM)
• Wednesday, March 8th (6-8 PM)
• Wednesday, April 12th (6-8 PM)
• Wednesday, May 10th (6-8 PM)

The Kickoff Meeting and trainings will take place at Haymarket House:
800 W. Buena Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613

Service Dates:

• Sunday, March 12th (4-8 PM) at RMH near Lurie, 211 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
• Sunday, April 16th (10:30 AM – 3 PM) at Busse Woods South, Groves #12-16
• Sunday, May 21st (location TBD)

The Chapter will also host a going away “Despedida” Party in May and a Welcome Home Party in August. Dates and location TBD.