Junior Amigos
About Junior Amigos:
Junior Amigos is made up of high school-aged youth who have volunteered to serve as youth ambassadors for the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They represent Las Cruces area high schools, Gadsden High School, and Home-School Programs. Its main focus is to build Character, Leadership, and Citizenship by supporting charities, organizations, and businesses throughout the community. Junior Amigos is self-governed with the guidance of their Amigos advisors. They run their own meetings, select which Chamber and community-service projects/activities they will participate in, and learn to make a positive impact on those around them.
Why become a Junior Amigo?
It is the perfect opportunity for youth to learn leadership and communication skills while serving his or her community and the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In addition to making a difference in his/her community, each student earns $50 for each year of participation to be paid upon graduation.
Who can join?
Any high school-aged youth who is interested and who is willing to commit. Recruitment efforts are made every summer and fall. Contact Los Amigos for additional information or to request an application: LosAmigos@LasCrucesHispanicChamber.com
Junior Amigos participating in Keep Las Cruces Beautiful
Leadership Day 2013 – Las Cruces
The founding Junior Amigos members
Junior Amigos with Las Cruces Mayor Miyagishima
Leadership Day 2012 – Las Cruces
Junior Amigos volunteering at El Caldito Soup Kitchen
Ways to Support the Junior Amigo Ambassador Program:
The Junior Amigos are not asked to pay dues or fees of any type. They may, however, raise funds to be used for a specific project or cause that they may be involved in. Instead, Los Amigos is committed to maintaining the operational and scholarship funds of this program. This is done through donations, the Annual Banquet Silent Auction, and through the following sponsorships:
Junior Amigo Sponsorship: $300 per student (multiple sponsorships available)
Businesses within the community can opt to sponsor one (or more) of the upcoming leaders for $300. This is a one-time sponsorship which covers FOUR (4) years of Junior Amigo participation. In return, the sponsor will be recognized on our Chamber website, newsletter, etc. Sponsors will also be acknowledged at the Junior Amigo End of Year Celebration and will be provided the opportunity to present the check, certificate, etc. to their sponsored Junior Amigo (in their Senior year).
Junior Amigo Leadership Day: $500 (1 sponsorship available each year)
Businesses may help sponsor this day-long event which is specifically tailored to our upcoming leaders with workshops such as “How to Complete an Application” and “Dress to Impress”. The Goal is to help arm the youth with the information and skills to better prepare them for life after high school. This sponsorship covers room rental, meals, speaker fees, and other supplies. In return, the sponsor will be recognized through our Chamber website, newsletter, etc.
Shirt Sponsorship: $600 (1 sponsorship available each year)
Businesses may help sponsor the Junior Amigos by helping to secure polo shirts to be worn at all events. These shirts will have the Los Amigos logo on the front with the sponsoring company’s logo on the sleeve.
Contact the Chamber Office for more information: 575-524-8900.