Santa Clara Valley Chapter

 

Amigos de las Americas is an international, non-profit voluntary organization that provides:

 

·         Leadership develop opportunities for youth

·         Improved community health in Latin America

·         Better cross-cultural understanding on both continents

 

Through AMIGOS, young volunteers experience unparalleled leadership training opportunities while serving in public health related projects in Mexico, the Caribbean and South and Central America.  AMIGOS has operated continuously since 1965 and had placed over 19,000 volunteers in 15 different countries in Latin America.

 

The AMIGOS experience comes at a critical time in the lives of young people when attitudes are being formed, careers are being explored and lifelong decisions are being made.  Volunteers are given responsibility usually reserved only for adults in our country.  They return to their home communities with a heightened confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world. 

 

In addition to developing strong leadership skills, the volunteer expands his/her knowledge and appreciation of other cultures.  The Unites Sates, with its diversity of cultures, need leaders with this sensitivity and experience.

 

The Field Program

Volunteers work by teams of 2-3 and live with host families while in Latin America.  They eat local diet and participate in community life.  In addition to supplying technical knowledge and supplies, the volunteers assume leadership roles as healthcare educators.  Some of the services AMIGOS provide include:

 

Community Health & Nutritional Education Oral Rehydration Therapy Community Sanitation/ Latrine Construction Environmental Education/Stove Construction School Renovation

Garden & Tree planting HIV/AIDS Education Dental Health Education Teacher Housing Construction Animal vaccines

 

Preparations with the host country begin at least a year in advance for a summer field program.  The host country extends an invitation to AMIGOS, outlines the need, designates the work areas and agrees to assist and support the field program.  The Field Program department staff negotiates and coordinates the project with departments of health and various non-governmental agencies in country.  The final decision to work in a country rests with the International Board of Directors of AMIGOS.

 

Tax Deductible Contributions

Amigos de las Americas is a non-profit organization and your contribution may be deductible to the limit of the law or to the amount give over the “fair market value.”

 

Product	Fair Market Value
Grapefruit	$8.70
Poinsettias	$7.00
Chocolate Bars	$10.15
Walnut Squares	$5.25
Coffee	$6.35

 

The sales of these products are helping to send Santa Clara Chapter volunteers to Latin America during the next summer.  For more information or reorders, please contact:

 

Name                                                                                                                      Phone:                                   

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT