Book Review: The Global Citizen Avoiding Black Friday - And Doing Good For Amizade Amizade Alum Ensure Ongoing Partnership with OTO Breaking New Ground: Long-term Service in Bolivia Amizade Alum Serve in Pittsburgh

Avoiding Black Friday - And Doing Good For Amizade

Although many people eagerly anticipate waking early to storm stores after a Thanksgiving binge, others dread the thought of a frenzied swarm of shoppers beseiging the local mall. Through the Amizade Holiday Giving Campaign you can give meaningful gifts from the comfort of your own home. By giving in a loved one's name, or by asking for a donation to Amizade in your name you spread the ethic of global service and understanding. As always, donations to Amizade are 100% tax deductible because Amizade is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Because Amizade is committed to providing affordable and accessible programs, donations are needed to reach additional countries and volunteers. Without donations, Amizade is extremely limited in terms of connecting with other prospective volunteers and developing new program sites around the world. Existing sites demonstrate that Amizade volunteers' efforts are leveraged into tangible results in partner communities. By contributing to Amizade you continue a legacy that includes building an orphanage for over forty children in Bolivia; developing a vocational center for street children in Brazil; building a community center in cooperation with an Aborigine community in Australia; restoring and preserving a unique part of Western American history; and many other tangible successes. Amizade needs your help. Please contribute to the 2002 Holiday Giving Campaign. Donate to Amizade »

Amizade Alum Ensure Ongoing Partnership with OTO

Dozens of Amizade alumni contacted the United States Forest Service to ensure that the OTO site remains accessible to volunteer and educational groups interested in preserving the environment and restoring the historical character of the site. Their efforts paid off in large ways. After receiving the letters, the USFS guaranteed Amizade several opportunities to organize volunteer and educational group experiences at the OTO during the summer of 2003. Thanks to the commitment of Amizade alumni, the site will remain a location where volunteers can experience an amazing environment while contributing to the preservation of an exceptional period in American History. Amizade greatly appreciates the efforts of committed volunteers who continue to advocate on behalf of service and understanding long after their program ends. Thanks to you, future volunteers can appreciate the OTO as well. The OTO »

Breaking New Ground: Long-term Service in Bolivia

After several years of sustained partnerships in Cochabamba and Vinto, Amizade is offering long-term volunteer opportunities in Bolivia beginning June 1. Placements include homestay and intensive language training options and are tailored to the interests, needs, and capabilities of each volunteer. Service may be arranged with one of five community organizations: Ceoli, Milenium, Buen Pastor, Cooperazionne Internacionale, or the Cochabamba Tourism Department. Individuals may develop and exercise skills in: providing healthcare to children with disabilities; assisting with the efforts and maintenance of a nursing home; providing health and mental care for orphans; developing agricultural, health, and irrigation programs in rural Bolivia; and administering tourism programs that contribute to the area's economic development. The program offers all of Amizade's essential components of authentic service opportunities, intercultural interaction, and educational and recreational experiences. In addition to academically- recognized language training, one of the program's most exciting components is the opportunity for homestays. Volunteers will stay with a Bolivian family for the duration of their experience. Most homestays include a private bedroom and all ensure two meals a day, a shelf in the refrigerator, and a shared bathroom with a family of no larger than four. Soon, Amizade will announce a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh to offer Spanish credits through service- learning at the Bolivia site!

Amizade Alum Serve in Pittsburgh

Several Pittsburgh-area Amizade alum are volunteering their time and skills to Amizade. Four student staff from the University of Pittsburgh and two post- baccalaureate alum are improving Amizade's ability to meet its mission by offering their services. Students Ashley Ruszkowski, Patrick Yoest, Katie Bombico, and Chad Martin bring an exciting blend of experience and commitment to Amizade's efforts. Katie is a senior English Writing and Anthropology major with a minor in Italian. Her experience with an Amizade/University of Pittsburgh Political Science course in Bolivia was powerful, and she is committed to working with Amizade's media relations. Chad and Ashley also both went to Bolivia, although they were part of a Travel Writing course. Chad, who is also a senior in English Writing, is planning to attend law school in the future, even as he continues to work to improve global understanding. Ashley is an active volunteer in her home state of Minnesota. She and Patrick are both sophomore Political Science majors. Ashley is also majoring in English Writing, while Patrick is also majoring in History and Philosophy, and serves as Treasurer of the University of Pittsburgh College Democrats. Other Amizade alumni volunteer their time to help spread international understanding. Cate Hodorowicz, a graduate student who participated in the 2002 Bolivia Travel Writing Course, offers assistance with editing and writing. Shawn Westcott, who participated in one of Amizade's first trips at the University of Pittsburgh, is a current board member. Shawn regularly helps with developing promotional materials and strategies. We appreciate our staff's vital contribution to the effort to encourage intercultural exploration, service, and understanding.