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The Amigos Houston Chapter conducts a youth-led, experiential training program to empower volunteers to demonstrate success throughout their Amigos experience. Supporting the overall Amigos mission, some keystones of the training program include:&nbsp;</p>
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Development of core competencies in human relations, language, and partnership</li>
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Service Learning - learning through community service</li>
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Ongoing veteran involvement</li>
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<strong><u>Training Calendar</u></strong></p>
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The training calendar is designed to build volunteer skills in the areas identified in the Amigos Volunteer Core Competencies. Training sessions are conducted by training staff and include guest speakers from the community and the Houston Chapter Board of Directors.</p>
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The training year will consist of six Sunday traning sessions, two overnight retreats away from Houston, service-learning assignments and participation in Global Youth Service Day. There is a mid-term volunteer evaluation scheduled in February.&nbsp;</div>
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<u><strong>Attendance Policy</strong></u></div>
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The training calendar is as streamlined and concentrated as practical. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.&nbsp;</div>
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<strong><u>Service Learning Experience</u></strong></div>
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More than just &quot;community service,&quot; service learning is an educational and training process whose methodology is proven to reinforce learning objectives.&nbsp; It may include research, and it will always further awareness about the population the volunteers will be working with in the field. As such, service learning here in the local community is a required component of the training program.</div>
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By engaging volunteers in direct service in Houston, we replicate the challenges and successes they will experience in the field and give back to our home community.</div>
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Service learning opportunities at one or more locations begin in the fall.&nbsp; These projects are designed to help volunteers meet the Amigos volunteer training objectives.&nbsp; Each volunteer must successfully complete six hours of service learning activities. Volunteers are encouraged to seek out additional community service opportunities that will build skills they will use in their projects during the summer.&nbsp; Valuable experiences include volunteering in a community garden, working with Habitat for Humanity, tutoring young children, and working for clinics, day care centers or community centers serving Spanish speaking client&egrave;le.&nbsp; The required hours of service learning time must be completed by early May.<br />
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