How do I become a volunteer?

The Volunteer Experience
How do I become a volunteer?

	To learn more about the AMIGOS experience, we encourage parents and potential volunteers to attend one of our orientation meetings. A personal and in-depth explanation of the program is provided from both a student and a parent perspective. See our chapter calendar or call the AMIGOS office for details.
Steps to Become an AMIGO	There are three steps to becoming an AMIGO: Attend Orientation - Application forms will be distributed Complete an Application - Bring the completed Application to the Interview Sign up for an Interview - Both student and parent(s) must come to the interview
Program Requirements	AMIGOS volunteers must: Be 16 years of age by September 1 in the calendar year of travel to Latin America Complete the sophomore year of high school before departure to Latin America Complete at least two years of high school level Spanish or Portuguese, or equivalent, prior to departure Complete the full AMIGOS training program Fulfill fund raising requirements Pass several screenings and/or proficiency tests Meet AMIGOS General Health Criteria Adhere to AMIGOS Standards of Personal Conduct and Community Behavior
The AMIGOS Experience	AMIGOS began in 1965 as a summer project of a Houston church group to immunize people against communicable diseases in remote areas of Honduras. Since the fall of 1965, when AMIGOS was incorporated as a not-for-profit, educational-charitable organization, the Houston Chapter has been sending volunteers to Latin American countries. After training with the Houston Chapter, volunteers are ready to: Live with host families in Latin American communities Work in in teams of 2 or 3 to promote basic health and environmental education Partner with local Latin American agencies, schools, clinics and communities Bridge cultures through humanitarian service and by forming new friendships