About Us

Mission

The Urban Chicago Chapter of Amigos de las Américas works to empower young, inner-city leaders; advance community development; build partnerships; and strengthen multicultural understanding in the Americas. Our mission includes:

Cultivating young leaders in Chicago by preparing them for a life-changing volunteer experience in Latin America
Building volunteers’ language, intercultural understanding and confidence
Training volunteers in the principles of sustainable community development—in Latin America and Chicago
Bringing together a diverse group of students that can learn from one another
Fundraising so our young leaders have the opportunity to become an Amigos volunteer

History

Since the first Amigos de las Américas trip to Honduras in 1965, thousands of volunteers have given their summers to immunizing children, building latrines, planting community gardens, teaching oral hygiene and creating community projects that last long after volunteers return to the U.S. The Urban Chicago Chapter, established in 2002, works to bring these opportunities to young people in Chicago.