HOW TO APPLY
READY TO APPLY?
The deadline to apply to the local San Diego Chapter of AMIGOS has passed. We are still accepting applications through our National Chapter! You can learn more about the National Chapter here.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the San Diego Chapter, via email at recruitment@amigos-sandiego.org.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS San Diego Chapter is part of a 13 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from San Diego and outlying areas train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America. Our board supports volunteers and families with group fundraising, service learning, community building, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
History
Since the San Diego Chapter’s incorporation in 2002, over 500 youth from San Diego and its suburbs have volunteered through the chapter path, fundraising and training locally before the summer.
CURRENT VOLUNTEERS
San Diego Chapter volunteers attend Canyon Crest Academy, Chaparral, El Camino, El Capitan, Francis Parker, Great Oak, La Costa Canyon, Mater Dei, Murrieta Mesa, Murrieta Valley, Pacific Ridge, Pacific Trails, Point Loma, Sage Creek, San Diego High School of International Studies, San Dieguito Academy, Santa Monica, Torrey Pines, Troy High, Vistamar, Westview, and many more!
FEES & FUNDING
The family fee to participate in an AMIGOS Summer Program in the San Diego Chapter varies by project.* Please see the Fees section to the right to review pricing.
The San Diego Chapter covers AMIGOS program costs through a combination of family payments and fundraising activities. This approach allows us to keep costs to families low while teaching valuable fundraising and community outreach skills. All volunteers are required to fully take part in each fundraising activity as fundraising skills are an important component of AMIGOS training program and raise awareness of AMIGOS programs in the community.
LETTER WRITING/DONOR CONTACTS/Online Giving Campaign
Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of letters and emails to friends, family and supporters to request individual tax-deductible donations(the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the participant with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process. Each volunteer is expected to fundraise $2,000. We will provide a template and provide support to volunteers throughout the process. In the past we have hosted letter writing parties.
To see some of our fundraising efforts from last year, check out our Summer 2022 CauseVox Campaign here.
Extra Fundraiser
We have also hosted restaurant nights, garage sales, and other creative events to raise money. We are always open to ideas!
Additional funding opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
FEES
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50
Summer program family fees vary by project length:
- 2-week projects: $3,175
- 3-week projects: $4,375
- 4-week projects: $4,675
- 6-week projects: $4,875
*Flight costs are not included. Learn more about airfare and travel support here.
FEES INCLUDE
- Training materials and workshops
- Secondary short-term international medical insurance
- Program excursions
- Food, lodging, and transportation in Latin America
- Supplies for community project and extracurricular activities
- 24-hour On Call Emergency Management System
- Travel hotline and support
Click here for more information about our Fees & Funding.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
AMIGOS actively recruits and supports inclusion of participants from diverse backgrounds. AMIGOS provides needs-based financial assistance with distribution determined by family income, number of dependents and special financial circumstances. We provide amounts of $500–$2,000 to qualified applicants as deductions on the family fee.
Please contact the Chapter Treasurer at treasurer@amigos-sandiego.org for more information.
TRAINING
The transformative AMIGOS experience starts before leaving home.
With over 55 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 San Diego Chapter AMIGOS training is a 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 San Diego Chapter Board of Directors.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDE:
- Unparalleled leadership development
- Cross-cultural awareness and understanding
- Hands-on training for technical aspects of the program
- Extensive health and safety training
- Opportunities to practice Spanish
- Creating a community of young people with shared values
Training Calendar
We are excited for the 2023 training cycle!
Welcome / Kick Off Meeting
Sunday, January 29, 2:30-4:00PM Pacific
Encinitas Community Center,
1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Room 140,
Encinitas
Teambuilding Event
Saturday, February 11, 8:30AM-12:30PM
UCSD Challenge Course,
La Jolla
Training Activities
Saturday, February 25, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location Tentative
Encinitas Community Center,
1140 Oakcrest Park Dr,
Encinitas
Overnight Retreat
Saturday, March 18 – Sunday, March 19
Location TBD
Training Activities
Saturday, April 15, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location Tentative
Encinitas Community Center,
1140 Oakcrest Park Dr,
Encinitas
Community Service Event
Saturday, April 29, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Volunteers will decide!
Training Activities & Despedida
Saturday, May 13, 9:00AM-1:00PM
Location TBD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mia Medina
Acting President
|
Roger Williams
Treasurer
treasurer@amigos-sandiego.org |
Rakesh Patel Medical Director |
Jill Roth
Language Director
|
Share Your Time and Talent!
The San Diego Chapter of AMIGOS is always looking for volunteers, and we encourage you to join our fun community! If you are interested in contributing to our chapter either as a board member or as an ad-hoc volunteer, please email dmulack@amigosinternational.org.
Board Meeting Calendar
- Tuesday, September 20, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 18, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, November 15, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, December 13, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, January 10, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, February 7, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, April 11, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, May 9, 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, June 6, 5:30 PM
Board meetings are held virtually or in hybrid format.