In this issue
Sneak Peaks and Fun Facts
SNEAK PEAK - IN THE MARCH ISSUE: Hear about the
seven separate
volunteer programs, coordinated with universities
across the country, that take place on the Navajo
Nation during March.
FUN FACT - FORMS OF SERVICE 1: Young people
trained in vocational skills with Fundacao Esperenca,
Amizade's community partner in Brazil, have one day
each year to learn about political protest and marching
for rights. Congratulations to Fundacao Esperenca for
engaging young people with the long tradition of
activism as service for positive change.
FUN FACT - FORMS OF SERVICE 2: Amizade volunteers
who share their experiences with others increase
service and intercultural awareness around the world.
Growth in Amizade means more volunteers
for community projects, more funding for infrastructure
efforts and more opportunities to provide scholarships
to students in international service-learning courses.
PLEASE - AS A REGULAR FORM OF SERVICE - spread
the word about Amizade to family
members, friends and co-workers. If you would like
more information about representing Amizade as an
alumnus or hanging an Amizade poster in your
community please contact Eric Hartman at
ehartman@amizade.org.
Amizade Homepage
Quick Links...
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Do you want to make every moment matter?
Amizade
has the right opportunity for you. Amizade's community
partnerships around the world make it possible to live
out your ideals. From Australia to Tanzania, for young
and experienced volunteers, Amizade connects with
communities.
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Volunteer Programs: Change the world, change your life, make a difference!
All ages, from twelve to one-hundred and beyond, are
welcome to join us this year in an Amizade Volunteer
Program in one of our many locations. Over the past
ten years over 1,000 volunteers have
participated in Amizade programs. Amizade
customizes group
volunteer programs to fit the needs and interests of
any group, whether it is a college, family,
church/temple, social club or other
organization. Amizade tailors the service projects,
location, accommodation, length of stay, recreational
and cultural experiences, and cost to each group and
handles all logistics. Groups
must consist of 6 or more people, and the length of the
volunteer program can range from seven days to three
months.
Program sites include Brazil,
Bolivia, Australia, Jamaica,
Greater Yellowstone Region, Navajo
Nation, Nepal, Northern Ireland,
Tanzania and Washington, DC.
Community partners determine service efforts. Projects
range from
constructing schools, to replanting trees in a forest
preserve, to tutoring children all over the world.
Finishing a service project gives
volunteers the ability to not only see a tangible finished
project, but also provides meaningful interactions with
the community and community members.
At each program site, we partner with community
members and local experts knowledgeable in many
topics including regional health care, education, peace
mediation, welfare and the environment. In Brazil and
Bolivia we can also incorporate
an intensive language program. In addition to the
community service projects, educational and
recreational activities are an important part of the
Amizade experience. There are a plethora of
opportunities to enjoy the rich culture of the Amazon,
Andes, Australia, Navajo Nation, Northern Ireland or the
Rockies.
For more information on volunteer programs »
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Amizade Service-Learning Courses: Internationally Unique Combination of Service & Learning
The Amizade Global Service-Learning Center at the
University of Pittsburgh is offering seventeen different
service-learning courses in locations around the world
this summer. Students from across the United States
have already begun applying to take part in courses
offered through this unique international
nongovernmental organization-university partnership.
Amizade Center service-learning courses challenge
students to apply academic knowledge to the real
world, explore global citizenship and build intercultural
relationships through community partnership and
service. Many students want to volunteer and want
to be active in communities. Many also want the
opportunity to study abroad. Amizade Center courses
make this possible while also providing students with an
opportunity to learn and receive credits through the
University of Pittsburgh. Maria Wrzosek, a student in
the 2002 Travel Writing in
Bolivia course, says, "You'll never get another
opportunity like this. Combining academics and helping
others with fellow students and new friends is an
incredible offer. After this trip, you'll see the world, the
USA, and yourself in a whole new light."
Wrzosek helped with the construction of an
orphanage near Cochabamba, Hogar de Ninos, while she
honed her writing skills. Each course, most of which
confer six undergraduate credits, includes a community-
driven intercultural service experience, exploration of
global citizenship, reflective learning, and application of
academics.
The sixteen different courses offered this summer range
immensely in location and academic discipline. Locations
include Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Auschwitz,
Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Montana, Navajo Nation,
Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Peru and Tanzania.
Disciplines include Anthropology, Education,
Engineering, English Literature, English Writing, Film
Studies, History, Political Science, Public and
International Affairs, Public Health and Public Service.
Undergraduate and graduate courses are offered.
For more information on service-learning courses »
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Partnering for International Awareness and Social Justice
Amizade is proud to partner with the
Bonner Foundation to coordinate programs that fulfill
the Bonner Scholar and Bonner Leader community
service criterion. The Bonner Foundation seeks to
improve the lives of individuals and communities by
helping meet the basic needs of nutrition and
educational opportunity. The Leaders and Scholars
programs create university opportunities for students
who demonstrate financial need and are committed to
community service. Amizade's international partners
create more opportunities for Bonner Scholars and
Leaders to engage in civic engagement and
community-building, develop an international
perspective, increase appreciation for diversity
and advance social justice.
Because summer service programs are required for two
summers for the Bonner Scholars, the partnership helps
to
ensure that these programs will be worthwhile for both
the Bonner
Scholars and Leaders and the communities. The Bonner
Scholars Program
is the largest community service scholar program,
working with twenty-five colleges and
universities to help
provide access to higher education. Scholars must
utilize their
leadership skills
by serving and volunteering to enhance not only
themselves but also
communities.
Through this partnership students will become more
culturally aware and
prepared for the world ahead and will also continue to
provide
meaningful leadership and service in the future.
Amizade offers all
Bonner administrators an opportunity to apply to
facilitate these
selected programs for only the costs of airfare, travel
documents and
required immunizations. It is Amizade's goal to help
Bonner Scholars and
Leaders explore,
serve and understand the world around them.
More Information on the Bonner Foundation »
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Individual Volunteer Opportunties: Create your own Unique Adventure
Volunteer opportunities for individuals are also available
for those who wish to interact with a variety of people
from different backgrouds who come together to focus
on a single, community-driven goal. Individual programs
offer the same wide range of locations and projects as
group volunteer programs and are offered both short
and long term.
Short-term programs last from one to two weeks and
are perfect for spring breaks or short vacation times.
These programs
are available in Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Jamaica,
Montana, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Tanzania, and
Washington DC.
Long-term Programs last for one month or longer and
are currently available in Bolivia and Brazil. Placements
include home-stay and intensive language training
options and are tailored to the interests, needs and
capabilities of each volunteer.
More on this topic »
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