Chapter Network
25 Chapters, 350+ Board Members, over 25,000 Alumni
COLORADO
AMIGOS Chapter Network
The AMIGOS chapter network is made up of a group of dedicated volunteer board members who make our mission possible by providing our program to young leaders in their local communities.
AMIGOS chapters provide mentorship, build community, and empower students to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Fundraising support, financial assistance, and a robust training program are just some examples of the year-round support from local community members that our chapters provide.
Summer Program volunteers and their families are individually supported by their local chapter. When a student joins the chapter as a volunteer, they get to connect with a strong and vibrant local community of alumni, families of alumni, professionals, and many people committed to youth leadership and service.
Since 1965, chapter board members have given their time and passion to their local boards to make sure that more students around the country can participate in this life-changing experience.
What do our chapters do?
Each local chapter supports volunteers and their family in preparation for their AMIGOS summer by providing localized training, fundraising, travel preparation, and parent support. Upon return, chapters offer leadership opportunities for alumni and continued ways to stay engaged. The chapters build a strong community of Amigos before, during, and after their AMIGOS program.
What do chapter board members do?
Each chapter is run by a board of directors and while every chapter is a separate, incorporated organization, we all share the same mission and vision! The chapter board of directors governs the local chapter activities.
Chapter boards can have many important roles including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and more. Many of our chapters often have room for new board members to join at any level of commitment. Check here for chapters with open roles posted or reach out directly to our Chapter Operations team if you’d like to get involved.
Chapter boards connect with the families of each cohort of Amigos to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for them to prepare for their summer program.
What are the benefits of joining a local chapter?
Familial
Each chapter is welcoming to new board members, community members, and families interested in participating in AMIGOS. They work to build a personalized experience for each family by providing mentorship and support throughout the experience.
Experienced
Many of our chapters have been operating in their community for 20+ years and some of them for over 50 years! Each chapter board is supported by our full-time staff, trained to be successful in their role and to support local families. Many of our chapter leaders are alumni themselves and can share the impact of their experience.
Meet like-minded people
Looking for a chance to build a network of passionate people in your community? AMIGOS chapters are a great place to do that! Each chapter board is unique in its makeup and meeting schedule but is always working to provide local students with international service immersion opportunities.
Build your resume and network
Joining a chapter board as a board member can provide you the chance to build your resume, network, and give back to your community.
Joining a chapter as an AMIGOS volunteer will give you and your family the local support and guidance before, during, and after your AMIGOS program.
Who can join a chapter?
| Summer Program Volunteer | Chapter Board Member |
|---|---|
| Students ages 15–22 can participate with AMIGOS through their local chapter! Our local chapters welcome students to apply September to December each year. The priority application deadline is November 5th, 2018 and the final application deadline is December 3rd, 2018.
Start your application here. |
We welcome people of diverse ages, backgrounds, experience and skills on our chapter boards! If you are considering joining the local chapter board of directors we would love to hear from you! Check out our open board roles here or reach out to us at chapters@amigosinternational.org for more information. |
How can I get involved?
Find out if you live in a chapter area by checking out the list at the top of this page! Email us with any questions at chapters@amigosinternational.org.
What if there isn't a chapter in my area?
| Summer Program Volunteer | Chapter Board Member |
|---|---|
| If you are a student or parent considering participating in an AMIGOS adventure, then you are a perfect candidate for our National Chapter. Each year we have over 100 young leaders volunteer through our National Chapter. This option includes a 4-day intensive training with other volunteers immediately prior to your program start date. Email Erin at eaucar@amigosinternational.orgwith any questions about the National Chapter path! | If you are an alumnus, young professional, parent, or someone looking to get involved in helping support the AMIGOS mission you can absolutely still stay involved!
Step 1: Build up the community around you and eventually a new chapter! Step 2: Let us know what you're doing and what you see in the future community near you by emailing Chapter Operations here. Step 3: Start engaging your local community and recruiting new youth to join AMIGOS! |
Other Opportunities
- Are you a recent alumnus looking for continued opportunities? Check out the National Young Alumni Council
- See all job opportunities here.
What is the history of AMIGOS chapters?
Our chapters began in 1965 with the inception of AMIGOS in Houston, TX. Since then we have grown and seen 54 years of cohorts of passionate alumni working to encourage people in their community to join the AMIGOS family. We currently have 25 chapters across the nation that together send over 300 Amigos to the field each summer!
Do chapters offer financial aid?
- Each year, local chapters together give more than $150,000 in financial assistance to their local volunteers to help reduce financial barriers to participating in AMIGOS.
- In the last 5 years, our chapters collectively have given over $1 million in financial assistance to support more young leaders volunteering with AMIGOS.
- Every year, over 100 AMIGOS local chapter volunteers receive financial assistance to lower their program fee and make AMIGOS more accessible.
Our Summer Program is only the start of what it can mean to be an Amigo. Amigos are family for life and getting involved with our chapter network ensures that you stay a part of that family. Our chapter boards are full of alumni, parents of alumni, and anyone who wants to be part of empowering local young leaders. For alumni, joining a chapter board is a chance to take the skills and knowledge learned abroad and use them in your own community. All of the AMIGOS chapter boards create opportunities to serve your community, build professional and social relationships, receive professional development training, and make friends for life!
"AMIGOS completely changed the trajectory of my life." -Amanda, Chicago North Chapter volunteer and 2018 project staff
"I found a community of like-minded people that are passionate about things I'm passionate about, who have now become my good friends. It gives me a way to grow professionally, have a leadership position, and hang out with a lot of really cool people." -Mattie, President, Chicago Urban Chapter
FIND A CHAPTER NEAR YOU
Wisconsin Chapter
Updates from the AMIGOS Community
Volunteering Moves the World
This blog post was written by Jonathan Zúñiga Granados, the president of Casa de la Juventud, one of our partner organizations in Costa Rica. He reflects on the impact of AMIGOS in the region, as well as the opportunities for Latin American youth to get involved in AMIGOS programs. Volunteering moves the world Each year, … Read More
AMIGOS Training: Step 1
AMIGOS training takes place at the beginning of all our programs and is a crucial component of every project. Throughout the year, we develop and refine our training curriculum for AMIGOS students. We cover topics like community development, health and safety, cultural adjustment, mental health, leadership skills, activities for kids, simulations, Spanish practice, and more. … Read More
54 Years, 28,000 Alumni, and Counting
May 18, 2018 Today, AMIGOS operates in 9 countries throughout the Americas. More than 650 teens and young adults will participate in our programs this year. And we have 28,000 alumni worldwide. It’s been 54 years since our founder Guy Bevil led a team of teens and doctors into rural Honduras to fight a … Read More