Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS) is a non-profit organization that builds partnerships to empower young leaders, advance community development and strengthen multi-cultural understanding in the Américas. Since its founding in 1965, AMIGOS has consistently maintained a strong tradition of empowering young people to take leadership roles through community service in their home communities and in Latin America. Each summer, more than 700 Volunteers and Project Staff work on community development and public health projects in more than half a dozen countries including Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Paraguay. Projects are carried out in collaboration with international development organizations, local government agencies, youth counterparts and community leaders.