HOW TO APPLY
READY TO APPLY?
The application to join through the Tucson Chapter has closed, but there is still time to apply through our National Chapter! Click here to learn more about the National Chapter and apply.
ABOUT
The AMIGOS Tucson Chapter is part of a 20 Chapter Network that recruits, trains, and supports AMIGOS volunteers and families in their local community. Volunteers from the Tucson area train together as a group before leaving for their summer experience in Latin America or Colorado. Our board supports volunteers with packing, pre-departure immunizations, fundraising, and overall preparation. Learn more about our Summer Programs here!
Tucson Volunteers Attend:
Amphitheater • Basis Tucson North • Canyon del Oro • Catalina Foothills • Cienega • Sabino • Salpointe Catholic • Sonoran Science Academy • St. Gregory College Prep • Tucson High Magnet • University High
FEES & FUNDING
Family fee payments can be made online, with several payment options available. Please contact chapter leadership with any questions you have.
The cost of supporting an AMIGOS volunteer in Latin America is significant. Tucson Chapter covers these costs through a combination of letter writing, small group fundraisers, 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. Volunteers receive considerable help with regard to fundraising strategies, and the experience gained in this effort will definitely build important skills!
LETTER WRITING/DONOR CONTACTS
Each volunteer is required to send out a combination of letters and emails to friends, family, and a limited number of previous donors, to request individual tax-deductible donations (the revenue from this effort is pooled). Letters are written by the student with considerable help provided by the chapter during the process. For more information, contact info@amigostucson.org.
Additional funding opportunities
All alumni interested in volunteering again with AMIGOS qualify to apply for the Alumni Award.
FAMILY FEE
The Tucson Chapter is currently finalizing the family fee for Summer 2022 programs.
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 volunteers 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 $100-$1,000 to qualified applicants as deductions on the family fee.
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 Tucson Chapter AMIGOS training is 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 students succeed beyond AMIGOS. Training sessions are facilitated by the Training Director, Senior Staff, and a team of volunteer trainers as well as local speakers from the community.
What does Tucson Chapter training look like?
SERVICE LEARNING
The Tucson Chapter incorporates service learning into the AMIGOS training to add depth and first-hand experience to the curriculum. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities. Volunteers are trained on nutrition education through our partners at Tucson Village Farm. They are expected to complete four hours of service in English or Spanish working on the farm, educating youth on the benefits of healthy eating.
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
All sessions will take place from 5:30-7:30pm.
- February 10th
- February 24th
- March 10th
- March 24th
- April 7th
- April 21st
- May 5th
- May 19th
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Mogollon HQ Point of Contact/Co-Letter Writing Coordinator president@amigos-tucson.org |
Jennifer Minnear Secretary secretary@amigos-tucson.org |
Kim Hauff Treasurer treasurer@amigos-tucson.org |
Susy Rotkis Parent Coordinator parent-coordinator@amigos-tucson.org |
Matt Besich Webmaster |
Ivonne Ramirez Financial Aid Mentor |
Marlena Ruprecht Outreach Coordinator recruitment@amigos-tucson.org |
Isaac Ponce-Alvarez Equipment Coordinator |
Julie Diaz Co-Letter Writing Coordinator |
Harry McDermott Medical Director |
Nick Martinez Co-Training Director training@amigos-tucson.org |
Jasmine Carrillo Co-Training Director community@amigos-tucson.org |
MEDIA
Our presentations & Videos will be placed here!