Position Description & General Responsibilities | Qualifications | Expectations | Timeline Breakdown
So you’ve gone on an Alternative Break trip experience, but you are wondering if you should really give this try? Here are some reasons why you should consider becoming a Site Leader:
YOU get to organize a service experience for a group of students! Yeah, YOU do. Not your friend. YOU! Yes, it puts pressure on you, but it’s something that you can totally own and you’ll have support along the way!
Think of being a Site Leader as growing in safe space, developing your own unique style of leadership. YOU have the skills and talents; you just need to tap into them. We’ll show you how.
Are you wanting to change the world? Help be that change and lead a group of students in the meantime to make an impact.
Be a part of something bigger than yourself. Thousands of college students participate in “alternative breaks,” so be a part of the movement! You’ll instantly join a brother/sisterhood that’s unique.
Do you want a career after college? Being a Site Leader will teach you SO many skills, that you just won’t develop if you are only sitting in Classroom Building that you will be able to transfer into your future career. (Think...communication skills, public speaking skills, the ability to lead a team, and confidence).
Speaking of a career—do you have a resume? You can absolutely highlight this role on your resume!
Have access to a unique mentorship, leadership, and training program. Seriously, there is nothing else like it on campus. You’ll learn, serve, and lead.
You'll receive up to 50% off the cost of the Alternative Break trip experience for which you serve as Site Leader.
Site Leaders are at the core of the Alternative Break program. If the AB program were the frame of the car, you'd be the driver!
Site Leaders are responsible for the organization, coordination, recruitment, communication, and facilitation of all aspects of the Alternative Break trip experience for which they are leading for a group of 8-12 student participants.
General Responsibilities Include:
Communicate with community organizations to set up service projects and housing for the group of students during the break.
Act as “cruise director” or liaison between student participants and community organizations and housing location. Ensure the safety and organization between both groups.
Lead information sessions and orientation meetings that engage students in meaningful conversation about the social issues that the trip centers around.
Facilitate a reorientation event and express gratitude to community.
Foster a sense of community through team-building and reflection activities before, during, and after break.
Attend weekly Alternative Break Site Leader Cohort trainings during Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters (TBD).
Communicate with Civic and Community Engagement Office staff to report on progress in planning. In return you'll receive assistance, support, and mentoring throughout the process.
Be open to learning and stretching leadership “muscles!”
Previous experience on an Alternative Break trip;
Passion for social issues & social change;
Self-motivation & organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
Ability & confidence to lead a group of peers by creating a comfortable, safe, & inclusive environment;
Willingness to build relationships with campus & community partners.
The Site Leader role is approximately a year-long commitment from April 2018 through April 2019.
Participate in the Site Leader Reveal Party on Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Participate in a Site Leader Retreat, Sunday August 26, 2018 from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Attend Alternative Break Site Leader Cohort trainings during Fall 2018 & Spring 2019 semesters (tentatively held on Thursdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. but is determined by site leaders' schedules).
Assist in the recruitment of trip participants (flyers, tabling, word-of-mouth, & social media).
Engage, plan, & facilitate five pre-trip Orientation Meetings for AB participants & one reorientation event.
Uphold policies & procedures of the Civic and Community Engagement Office and the Alternative Break program.
