Program Overview
AMIGOS Volunteers conduct community health and development projects in Latin America in partnership with international development agencies, local non-profit and government agencies, and host communities. Participants typically live with host families and work in groups of 2-3 AMIGOS Volunteers per community, providing a unique opportunity to experience Latin America in a very personal way.

Overarching Project Goal for all AMIGOS Projects:

to build leadership and life skills of youth in the Americas through exchange, civic engagement and collaborative community development

Overarching Objectives:

  • Increase active youth involvement in communities
  • Work with community youth to facilitate educational activities
  • Hold workshops with local youth
  • Increase knowledge and awareness of cultural, environmental, and health issues
  • Facilitate educational activities with children and young people with a focus on culture, health and environmental education, social skills, group leadership, and creative expression
  • Work on community projects related to these themes
  • Collaborate with community members on Community-Based Initiative (CBI) process

Additional Information:
AMIGOS Voices

“This is an organization that gives people, at a very young age, exposure and opportunity to understanding and serving people that brings about greater understanding and compassion on all sides of national borders. I believe that if all young people were to do AMIGOS, or something like it, they’d be off to a more educated and enlightened start as they pursue their callings in life.”

–Catherine Araiza, Organization Development Consultant, The Methodist Hospital