The AMIGOS Chicago Chapter is part of a 13 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from the Chicago area 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. Find the most up-to-date information and additional details regarding fees, fundraising, training, and the board at the chapter’s webpage: CHICAGO - Chicago, IL (amigosinternational.org) 

Training dates

• Sunday, February 26th (9AM-5PM)
• Wednesday, March 8th (6-8 PM)
• Wednesday, April 12th (6-8 PM)
• Wednesday, May 10th (6-8 PM) 

Service dates

• Sunday, March 12th (4-8 PM) at RMH near Lurie, 211 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
• Sunday, April 16th (location TBD)
• Sunday, May 21st (location TBD) 

*The Chapter will also host a going away “Despedida” Party in May and a Welcome Home Party in August. Dates and location TBD.*

Highlights of the training includes

• 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 

Fees and funding

The Chicago Chapter covers AMIGOS program costs through a combination of fundraising activities and a family fee contribution. We chose these activities to maximize our ability to provide the AMIGOS experience to all volunteers without regard to family financial circumstances.

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. This effort primarily takes place from February to June. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will build important skills! 

Letter writting/donor contacts

Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of 100 letters and emails to friends and family, to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the volunteer with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process.

To see some of our fundraising efforts from last year, check out our Summer 2022 CauseVox Campaign here.