The Houston Chapter covers 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. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills!

LETTER WRITING FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

Each volunteer is required to send out 100 letters to family, friends, and other personal contacts 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. Volunteers may opt out of fundraising by paying the full family fee of $4250 and fundraising goal of $2100 out of pocket.

Additional funding opportunities

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

If you would like to apply for financial assistance, the deadline is November 4th. 

HOW CAN I HELP?

Randalls Food Market is in partnership with the Houston Chapter of Amigos de las Americas through its Good Neighbor Program. You can designate the organization by linking our account number (#1447) to your Remarkable Card. To do this, simply ask a cashier how to do it (you may be referred to the Courtesy Booth). It’s fast and easy, and just a one-time effort that will pay continuous dividends to our chapter.

Shopping on Amazon? Use this Amazon Smile link and a portion of each purchase will go back to AMIGOS Houston Chapter!

Fees

Application Fee: $50

Family Fee: $4,250

Fundraising Goal: $2,100

FEES INCLUDe

• Round-trip international 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

Click here for more information about our Fees & Funding.

Due Dates and Payment Options

• Participants pay their family fees beginning December 2019. The fee must be paid by April 2020.
• Fees can be paid online or by mail.
• Payment plans are available.

The Houston Chapter of AMIGOS is dedicated to supporting the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds. Each year, about 25% of volunteers receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $3,800.

We provide need-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents, and special financial circumstances. Qualified applicants are selected and received assistance as deductions on family fee payments.

To apply for financial assistance, complete the AMIGOS application by clicking here. Award announcements are distributed and announced on a rolling basis.

Please contact houston@amigosinternational.org with any questions.

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 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 Houston 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 Houston 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

THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR TRAINING ACTIVITIES INCLUDES:

• Monthly training sessions, usually Sunday afternoons from 2:00 to 5:30
• One overnight retreat
• Service learning component
• Supplemental Spanish activities
• Four online assessments to determine readiness for the summer

TRAINING CALENDAR

Training begins Spring 2020.