ABOUT

AMIGOS believes in the power of young people to change the world. We provide extraordinary opportunities for youth to design and lead projects in collaboration with US and Latin American peers and partner organizations across the Americas. Our strong partner network, built over 50 years, enables authentic engagement with communities across the region.

The AMIGOS Houston Chapter recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS participants and their families from the greater Houston area. Participants from around Houston train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our volunteer board supports participants with packing, pre-departure immunizations, fundraising, and overall preparation.

If you want to be a part of this amazing experience, but are concerned about time constraints in the spring, AMIGOS Houston offers a late deadline of April 15, 2018 for those who would like to participate in summer training the 4 days prior to their summer project.

TRAINING

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 participants 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 participants for their experiences, builds a community of youth and families with shared values, and develops life-skills to help participants 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

WHO ARE WE?

The Houston Chapter of AMIGOS trains and supports about 40 local youth each year. 2014-2016 participants attend these Houston high schools and colleges:

Awty International | Bellaire | Carnegie Vanguard | Chinquapin Preparatory | Cinco Ranch | Clear Creek | Cristo Rey | Cypress Creek | Cypress Falls | East Early College | Eastwood Academy | Elkins | Elsik | Energized for STEM Academy | Friendswood | Harmony Schools | HSPVA | KIPP Schools| Lamar | Memorial | Debakey Health Professions | Rice University | School of the Woods | Seven Lakes | St. Agnes | St.John’s| St. Thomas | Strake Jesuit | The John Cooper School | Kinkaid | The Village School | Woodlands College Park | Xavier Academy | YES Prep Schools

If you would like to host a presentation on AMIGOS programs, please email Lauren Wappelhorst

Board of Directors

Training Team Members