2014 fall appeal to 1965 alumni
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Dear Fellow 1965 AMIGOS,
This past summer AMIGOS celebrated its 50th summer in Latin America. To think that our first summer in Honduras has turned into five decades of high-‐quality youth leadership programs across the Americas! The effects of Guy’s dream continue to ripple through the US and Latin America even today, as 26,000
US volunteers, local youth, host families, and communities have been touched by transformative AMIGOS experiences.
I have vivid recollections of that first AMIGOS summer in Honduras. I lived in the village of Pueblo Nuevo with another recent high-‐school-‐graduate and an Ear, Nose and Throat physician from Texas. Our host
family and the other community members were so friendly and welcoming. They didn't have much but they shared freely with us. Serving communities in remote areas of the country, our idealistic group of 181 youth and 36 adults helped protect thousands of people from polio and established friendships that
crossed borders. This service had a bold impact on my life and as a result I returned more mature, culturally aware, and inspired to continue serving our country and world.
AMIGOS was founded on the principle that young people can change the world. From the beginning of his presidency, Kennedy evoked a spirit of idealism which inspired young people to serve the country
and the world. One thing that stands out in my memory from that summer in Honduras is how we as Americans were welcomed and appreciated for our service. We had tremendous pride in being goodwill ambassadors. AMIGOS has come full circle today, as we empower youth from both the US and Latin
America to positively transform their own lives and the lives of the people around them.
I remain very proud of my association with AMIGOS and how it continues to evolve as an organization. What has not changed is the powerful impact participants report about their authentic experiences.
Here is one example from a 2014 participant:
“This is not only an opportunity to take hold of your independence and best self to change yourself, but an opportunity to make a sustainable impact, however “small”, in the world. It is a chance to gain a second family, a second homeland, more friends than you’d thought possible. Most valuable of all, you
gain a broadened world view and understanding of the differences that contribute to the impossibly rich and beautiful diversity of the world. It is a chance to make a summer of memories you’ll never forget.”
You know from experience the transformative effect AMIGOS has on a young person. You may even attribute your personal strength or success in life to the resilience developed during that first summer.
Help us make this possible for other young people. Please join me in considering a gift in celebration of our 50th AMIGOS summer or by becoming a monthly sustainer today. Thank You!
Warmly,
Joe Bracewell Participant, Honduras 1965