Leader Information
Applications for Leaders are now closed
Note: If you apply to be a leader and are not selected, you will automatically be placed in the participant pool (no need to also fill out a separate participant application).
All leader applicants must sign up for an interview in CSA. After you submit your application, call or stop by CSA to schedule an interview.
Last academic year we asked students to submit proprosals to lead an Alternative Breaks trip. These trips were chosen: Special Needs Issues-Lima, Peru; and Peace Activism-Israel/West Bank. These trips, therefore, already have student leaders. Student Leaders with a pre-med background are being given preference for the Medical Services-Kingston, Jamaica trip. We will offer a similar process in the Spring 2012 semester.
Mandatory Leader Training Dates
To be a leader you must attend the mandatory AB Leader Training, October 21st-23rd. There will also be a mandatory meeting meeting for all AB particpants and leaders that same week. AB Leader training, Friday Oct 22 (3-8pm), Saturday Oct 23 (9am-8pm), Sunday Oct 24 (7pm-midnight)
AB Leader Responsibilities
An AB Leader is someone who sets the tone for the trip. A good site leader empowers participants to excel and grow as individuals. This is a great leadership opportunity for those who are motivated & driven.
AB Leaders are responsible for the most important tasks in the program. Working with co-leaders and staff, selected applicants will prepare and lead a group of 8-10 students through an intense service and immersion trip, ensuring that participants receive the education and training they need in order to develop a genuine solidarity with members of the host community. Leaders are responsible for guiding their peers into new contexts where they will confront concrete social challenges. They are expected to lead by example in building positive group dynamics, cultivating interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity, facilitating the participation of all members, and leading the group in meaningful service and reflection.
In compensation for the time and energy expended by AB Leaders throughout the year, they will receive a financial discount of 50% of the particular trip costs.
Responsibilities: An AB Leader is expected to…
- Respect and adhere to AB mission and goals.
- Engage their groups in education and reflection before, during and after the trip.
- Continually communicate with group for unity and safety.
- Cooperate with co-leader, staff leaders, and host community leaders before and during the trip to facilitate a smooth, safe, and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
- Assist the AB program in fundraising, and ensure that group payments are made.
Mandatory Meetings and Events: An AB site leader must…
- Attend bi-monthly meetings with CSA Alternative Breaks staff.
- Attend the ENTIRE Leadership Training on Oct. 21st-23rd
- Lead preparation meetings (winter: 4, spring: 6, summer: 8) with your group, scheduled when everyone can attend.
- Lead at least one re-orientation meeting with your group after you return to LMU.
- Ensure group participation in "Stories of Solidarity” Alternative Breaks Forum.
- Guide your group in post-trip actions.