YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
COMMITMENT TO VOLUNTEER SERVICE
MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
Partners believes that youth are powerful agents of change, active in the present and as well as the future. Partners’ programs provide youth with the tools and resources they need to realize their potential as leaders and be protagonists in their own development. Partners’ youth understand the value and impact of volunteer service and our programs empower them to make a difference through their actions and ideas.
The Youth Ambassadors program currently engages youth in Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Jamaica, Paraguay, Peru, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Throughout a three week exchange and targeted follow-on activities, youth build leadership skills, strengthen their ability to serve their communities, and build mutual understanding throughout the region as Ambassadors of their own country.
The program is open to young people between ages 15-18 who come from families with limited economic means, have outstanding school records, display leadership qualities, and have demonstrated interest in improving their community. Youth Ambassador program participants are selected through a competitive process coordinated by U.S. Embassies and Consulates, local Partners of the Americas chapters, and other local institutions.
Youth Ambassadors at The White House
The Youth Ambassadors exchange allows youth to visit local government and civil society organizations, interact with their peers from other countries, build relationships with host families, and participate in skills-based trainings. Following the exchange, participants create a multiplier effect, implementing small projects in their home communities that build on new knowledge gained through the exchange and utilize the talents and energy of other youth from their home and host communities. Through new experiences and knowledge gained, the Youth Ambassadors program prepares youth for a lifetime of leadership and community service.
The Youth Ambassadors program is sponsored by the US Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and US Embassies and Consulates in participating countries, and is administered by Partners of the Americas.
For further information about this program, please contact Michigan Partners Chair of Youth Ambassador Programming, Tamara Carlone (248) 719-1072 cell. The 2012 application is not yet available, but for information purposes you may view the 2011 application, below.
(Note: You can save these files to your computer by right-clicking on a PC, or Control-Clicking on a Mac, and selecting “Save As” or “Download”, depending on your browser.)
[Application Form] / [Mentor Commitment and Application]
Hospice Care in Belize
Belize is asking for training in hospice care. The Belize Hospice Foundation consists of volunteers who give their time to helping families dealing with terminal illness. This is a fairly new service in Belize, and the foundation members are asking for our assistance with training.
Medical & Cultural Education Programs
The Dominican Republic is looking for medical and cultural education programs. There are projects “waiting in the wings” for the right volunteers. Whatever you special interests and talents, there is a place to make a difference.
Belize Prison Ministry
Michigan Partners chapter has committed to working with a women’s prison ministry in Hatieville, Belize. There is only one prison in Belize and it is called the Belize Central Prison. It houses all persons, both male and female and youths who require incarceration by the courts.
The prison sits on 225 acres of land located at mile 2 on the Burrel Boom Road. It is considered a part of the Hattieville village and is referred to in the streets as the “Hattieville Ramada.”
The prison ministry, which is currently headed by Belize Partners board member and Radio/TV talk show personality, Virginia Echols, is continuing to make headway, thanks to the efforts of Ms. Echols and a group of Belizean women who dedicate their time and efforts to this cause. The ladies do still need help though to make the program a real success.
Michigan Partners Internship Programs
Participating in an internship program is a crucial part of a successful collegiate experience. But what if you could get the internship experience (and college credit) you need while actually doing real good?
Michigan Partners of America offers a number of internship opportunities, in both Belize and the Dominican Republic, that will enrich your life as well as enhance your resume.
Whatever your major, there is a good chance that there is an internship opportunity that will make the most of your unique strengths and knowledge. Most of the internships run for 2-4 weeks but longer ones do sometimes arise. If you are interested in pursuing one of these opportunities do not hesitate to contact us to request more information.
The Dangriga Oncology Project
The Belize Dangriga Oncology project, which is headed by a California trained, Belizean born oncologist Dr. Ellsworth grant is not specifically a Michigan Partners project but so impressed were we by the amazing work being done by Dr. Grant and his staff that we have pledged to assist him in whatever ways we can.
The center was built and is run to provide the essential ongoing treatments that cancer patients need after surgery. Typically Belizeans have to travel to Mexico or Guatemala for such care which in many cases is almost impossible, financially and physically. Thanks to Dr. Grant and his dedicated team they can now stay home with their families and still receive the lifesaving care they need.
The Oncology Center needs medical supplies of all kinds to help them in their daily operations and in the future perhaps interns to help run both the clerical and medical aspects of the practice. Funds also have to be raised to actually ship medical supplies and equipment to Belize, something that is rather costly in itself (about $15,000 for a 20’ x 20’ x 40’ long shipment)
If you are interested in donating to help further Dr. Grant’s admirable efforts for his fellow countrymen and women please contact us as soon as possible.
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