Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Santa Clara Valley Chapter
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The Santa Clara Valley Chapter is one of about 20 chapters across the U.S. and Latin America affiliated with Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS), a 501(c)(3) not-for profit, non-governmental, non-religious, volunteer-driven international organization.
More than 20,000 students have served as AMIGOS volunteers since the organization's founding in 1965. In fact, AMIGOS is celebrating FORTY years of service this year! Santa Clara Valley Chapter is also celebrating their 20th year in operation.
AMIGOS empowers youth to take leadership roles in planning programs, facilitating community involvement and inspiring local youth to be active in community services. AMIGOS volunteers learn to make mature decisions and build relationships that enhance their effectiveness and personal development. Outstanding volunteers climb the "leadership ladder" by continuing their involvement and serving as Latin American project staff, trainers, and board members.
"The
challenges of our world tomorrow...
require that we invest in our future leaders today."
AMIGOS unites young people from different cultures and countries, adult volunteers and mentors, and a wide range of organizations to promote community service and betterment.
AMIGOS trains young people to meet the challenges of planning and conducting community service programs with confidence and cultural sensitivity, both in their home communities and in Latin America. Training includes topics such as Spanish/Portuguese, community assessment approaches, interpersonal communication, Latin American history and culture, medical self-care, and technical training about specific sustainable development programs.
AMIGOS encourages youth leadership
Teams of 2 - 3 volunteers live and work in Latin American communities for up to eight weeks. Working in collaboration with development agencies and community members, volunteers have leadership roles in carrying out health, education, and environmental programs, ranging from latrine construction to formation of youth groups to teaching HIV prevention and dental hygiene.
A leadership ladder enables AMIGOS volunteers to gain ever greater degrees of responsibility and management experience when they return for successive summers. All AMIGOS projects in Latin America are managed by young adults who are former AMIGOS volunteers ("veterans"). Veteran volunteers are encouraged to train and mentor new volunteers and to serve on the AMIGOS International Board of Directors and local chapter boards.
AMIGOS provides equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender.
2007-2008 Amigos de las Américas - Santa Clara Valley Chapter