Amizade

The first major task that the AIRPAC was charged with was selecting an organization with which to volunteer.  For  two weeks each member of the AIRPAC was charged with looking into organizations that might be possible.  Through countless hours of online research, in depth discussions at AIRPAC meetings, and many e-mail correspondences the AIRPAC made a unanimous decision that Amizade is the right fit for us.

The main considerations in the decision:

• Size - Amizade was the only organization we looked at that can accommodate our size.  Everyone else balked at our early estimate of ~45people.  Now that we know we will be 56 we are lucky to be working with an organization that can house all of us.  
• Timing - We knew our time frame was February vacation.  Most of the organizations we found had opportunities available in the summer and not in February.
• All-inclusivity - One of the things that worked really well during the last New Orleans service trip was that we worked with a group that was able to arrange everything for us once we got to New Orleans.  Amizade is set up similarly.  For one fee per person Amizade will provide 3 meals per day, arrange our work schedule and arrange many different cultural opportunities.  
• Customizability - Another factor that made Amizade the clear choice for our group was the opportunity to customize our trip.  Because of our size Amizade is willing to help us make our own experience.  Although they are accustomed to groups of no more than 20 they are willing to work with us to make this trip fit our needs as a group of 56.  

In corresponding directly with Amizade staff we have also learned that the this location has a great safety record.  The only safety issue they have had in the past was one trip to the hospital for a participant who broke a toe by walking into a chair.  

For more information on Amizade please visit their website: http://amizade.org/.