To the AMIGOS Community:
In 1965, AMIGOS launched a movement of people committed to sharing responsibility for our global community. Today, as communities across the world grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, this work is more important than ever. We have developed new AMIGOS programs to meet this moment.
Since suspending our 2020 volunteer abroad programs through the summer, we have spoken with many students whose lives and plans have been upended, their futures suddenly uncertain. And yet, their drive to join AMIGOS remains strong.
Young people are craving cross-cultural experiences and the chance to take action. And they have enormous power to shape our response to the challenges of this pandemic.
While we are planning in-person pod-based volunteer programs in 2021, we must also prepare for a world constrained by travel restrictions and intermittent “stay at home” orders. Undeterred by these limitations, AMIGOS remains committed to creating service opportunities for students across the Americas.
Today, we are excited to announce two new AMIGOS programs: the Community Impact Project and U.S.-based Gap Programs.
Summer of Service: The Community Impact Project
The Community Impact Project is a seven-week online experience for young people to connect across cultures, design positive service projects, and support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Volunteers will create service projects that address today’s most pressing issues, and they’ll build a network of like-minded individuals committed to creating positive change.
The Community Impact Project is open to anyone age 14–19 with at least one year of Spanish experience. Through online modules, virtual meetups, and one-to-one mentorship, this project will provide cross-cultural connection, teach project management skills, and expand personal leadership abilities.
Every cohort will include students from Latin America recruited in collaboration with our longstanding partner agencies throughout the region. We are so excited to support connections across borders even as international travel is not feasible.
You can learn more about the Community Impact Project here.
Amplifying Impact: AMIGOS Gap Programs in the United States
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, high school seniors are grappling with the possibility that their college campuses may not be open this fall. If not in school, how can students find meaning, connection, and growth during this pivotal year?
Many are considering taking a gap year, and these experiences can take many forms. At AMIGOS, we developed a new Gap Program based in Colorado especially for this moment. This model will pivot as needed when social distancing is required. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to young people ready to take action in their communities.
A Defining Moment for Young People
Today’s youth will be a generation defined by this pandemic. But they will also be defined by their incredible capacity to come together in service to one another.
This won’t be measured by any one hopeful sidewalk art piece, round of applause for healthcare workers, meal delivery, or compassionate conversation. The sum total of our efforts to be kind to one another, to find common ground, and to help where we are needed will be reflected in our DNA for decades to come.
Our goal is to empower the young leaders who will carry this work forward so that they can support those in need during this pandemic and construct a more inclusive and open world after it subsides. More than ever, the world needs AMIGOS.
Thank you for your continued belief in and support of AMIGOS.
Warmly,
Sara Nathan
