East Bay Chapter

With over 60 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 East Bay 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 volunteers succeed beyond AMIGOS. Training sessions are facilitated by the Training Team and include guest speakers from the community and the East Bay Chapter Board of Directors.

For many years we used to sell grapefruits and poinsettias as a group fundraiser. Since our training now starts later in the year, we no longer sell products. But just in case someone asks you about it – yes, AMIGOS grapefruit was a thing!

Fundraising skills are an important component of the AMIGOS training program because they help volunteers practice asking for support by communicating with family, friends, and extended community about why they are excited to participate. It also helps raise awareness of AMIGOS programs in the community and expand your network of support.

Our main group fundraising activity now consists of a letter writing campaign. Volunteers receive guidance from the chapter with regard to fundraising strategies.

The East Bay Chapter is dedicated to supporting the inclusion of students from all family backgrounds to access this life-changing experience. To provide the AMIGOS experience to all volunteers without regard to family financial circumstances, the East Bay Chapter provides chapter discounts, offers financial assistance, and covers local program costs through fundraising activities. It is our mission to support every student that wants to participate in AMIGOS, regardless of family income. We offer a range of financial assistance packages on a case-by-case basis and encourage you to apply and work with us to find the price point that works best for your family.

We provide need-based financial assistance determined by family income, number of dependents, and special financial circumstances. Each year, about 20% of volunteers receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $3,500. Qualified applicants are selected and receive assistance as deductions on family fee payments.

Los solicitantes que soliciten asistencia financiera pueden pedir una exención temporal de la cuota de inscripción no reembolsable $75. La exención es temporal, mientras la sección revisa la solicitud de ayuda financiera y determina una oferta de beca (si la hubiera). Si el voluntario y su familia aceptan la oferta para unirse a AMIGOS, deberán pagar la cuota de inscripción no reembolsable de $75.

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”. The Financial Assistance Application is filled out on your dashboard after the main application is submitted. You will need to provide a recent tax return, description of extenuating circumstances, or other documentation requested by the chapter. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting in December until the deadline.