Welcome to the East Bay Chapter of Amigos de las Américas
With the restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic in 2020, and the impact this has had on the AMIGOS program, we are thankful to all of you who have supported our volunteers by placing your orders for grapefruit.
THIS YEAR, ALL OUR GRAPEFRUIT ARE SOLD OUT
Those of you who have placed orders should have received information by email about the pickup on Sunday, 6 December.
We are not able to provide either coffee or poinsettias this year.
We look forward to welcoming back those volunteers who have deferred their summer experience to this year.
Complete information is available at our NEW WEBSITE:
eastbay.amigosinternational.org
The East Bay Chapter of Amigos de las Américas prepares teens from Alameda and Contra Costa counties for unique full-immersion cultural exchange and community service projects in Latin America.
More information / Mas informacion:
National website for Amigos de las Américas
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The Voices of Our Alumni
"I started this project thinking that I would only learn how to facilitate a community project, but I learned so much more- about life, myself, the importance of daily laughter and human connection, what selflessness and sacrifice really mean, the list goes on. I couldn’t have done this without your support and effort. This trip has changed my life in many ways and I hope to continue changing the world using what I’ve gained..."
- Maria B. - University of California Davis
"I wouldn’t trade the experience and leadership skills I gained for anything, nor would I ever disregard the huge benefits to local and international youth of collaborating on these projects and in children’s programs within our communities...Along with spending time with participants from all across the US and the Dominican Republic, I went with a partner into a rural community to live, to assist in a community service project, and to run summer camps for children. I found a life there, with a family and a community where I felt at home. Two months later I came back to the U.S., deeply changed but feeling more like myself than I ever had..."
- Karsen P. - Oakland Technical High School
"I’ve realized there are more ways to learn than just in a classroom. My AMIGOS experience has been a crucial opportunity to enrich my worldview. I am confident that future participants will learn to embrace change rather than hide from it. The best advice I have for them is to not have expectations regarding their summer and keep an open mind when encountering challenges and triumphs. Their newfound independence will mark the beginning of their leadership to perform meaningful acts of service not only locally, but also around the world..."
- Angelina Z. - Aspire Richmond College Preparatory Academy
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Here is a glimpse of how AMIGOS can help you challenge what is possible …
Aquí hay un video de cómo AMIGOS te puede retar a lo que es posible ...
Amigos de las Américas is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1965 that believes that young people have the power and ability to change our world for the better. AMIGOS participants are given the opportunity to experience how one summer can change lives. Through AMIGOS, thousands of young people have learned about new cultures and traditions, leadership in community service, and have strengthened their language skills through an unparalleled immersion experience.
Our projects give young leaders the opportunity to explore their potential and rise to the challenge of independent responsibility within a multicultural setting. Each summer AMIGOS participants spend four to nine weeks living in a host community in locations throughout Latin America. They will be leading service projects developed in consultation with the local residents, which are intended to benefit the people and community and provide valuable educational experiences for our participants. The projects include topics like health and hygiene programs for kids, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, and human rights.
Life-long friendships and bonds have been built between AMIGOS participants and the people and places of their adopted communities. AMIGOS currently sends participants to live and work in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. The adventure and experience of a lifetime await!
En Español...
Amigos de las Américas es una organización internacional sin fines de lucro fundada en 1965 que cree que los jóvenes tienen el poder y la capacidad de cambiar nuestro mundo para lo mejor. A los participantes de AMIGOS se les da la oportunidad de aprender cómo un verano puede cambiar vidas. A través de AMIGOS, miles de jóvenes han aprendido acerca de nuevas culturas y tradiciones, liderazgo en servicio comunitario y han fortalecido sus habilidades lingüísticas a través de una inmersión sin precedentes.
Nuestros proyectos ofrecen a los jóvenes líderes la oportunidad de explorar su potencial y asumir el reto de la responsabilidad independiente dentro de un entorno multicultural. Cada verano, los participantes de AMIGOS pasan de cuatro a nueve semanas viviendo en una comunidad de acogida en lugares de toda América Latina. Ellos serán los principales proyectos de servicio desarrollados en consulta con los residentes locales, que están destinados a beneficiar a la gente y la comunidad y proporcionar valiosas experiencias educativas para nuestros participantes. Los proyectos incluyen temas como programas de salud e higiene para niños, sostenibilidad ambiental, emprendimiento y derechos humanos.
Se han construido amistades y vínculos duraderos entre los participantes de AMIGOS y las personas y lugares de sus comunidades adoptadas. Este verano AMIGOS envía a participantes para vivir y trabajar en Costa Rica, Ecuador, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, y la República Dominicana. La aventura y la experiencia de una vida esperan!
