Becoming a Trip Leader:

Thank you so much for your interest in leading an American University Alternative Break trip. This page will provide you with some information on the process to becoming a leader. We are looking for graduate or undergraduate students who have ideally been on a trip in the past. If you have not been able to go on an Alternative Break trip yet, it is still possible to become a leader. Students become an Alternative Break leader by proposing a social justice trip partnering with a community organization in a destination of your choice. Most trips are lead by two people, so it is advisable to work with a co-leader, although some people do lead trips on their own.

Writing the Proposal/Application:

Part one of the application asks you to describe your leadership skills and past Alternative Break experience. The second part is a trip proposal focusing on the social justice theme, the learning outcomes, the logistics, budget, pre-departure meeting plan and ideas for post-trip activism. Request the leader proposal form from the Coordinator for Global and Community-Based Learning.

Building Partnerships:

Students are encouraged to continue working with communities they’ve worked with in the past.

The Center for Community Engagement and Service (formerly the Community Service Center) values building lasting partnerships and deepening relationships formed with community organizations on previous trips.
Priority will be given to trip proposals working with communities or organizations the Alternative Break program has worked with in the past.

New trips:

In order to create a new trip, proposals to work with new communities or new organizations must be very thorough and demonstrate that you already have a strong relationship with a social justice movement in that region.
New trip proposals will be especially scrutinized for feasibility, sustainability, strong connections to grassroots organizations and leader knowledge of social justice issue and destination.

Process:

First, you must meet with the Alternative Break coordinator to discuss your ideas.
Second, once you have met with her, she will provide you the  APPLICATION to work on  your proposal.
Third, turn in your proposal by the deadline listed on the homepage.

Once proposals are turned in, the Alternative Break Advisory Board (made up of students and staff), reviews and interviews all candidates during the summer.
Applicants will be notified by August 1^st if their proposal was accepted.

Required criteria:

1. Essential conditions for student trip leaders:

• Leadership skills
• Dedication to social justice
• Participant on an Alternative Break program or comparable travel experience
• Knowledge of area/destination country
• Language ability (if applicable)
• GPA 3.0 is required for all leaders

2. Looking for in a trip:

• Social justice theme articulated
• Social justice theme represented in proposed itinerary and activities
• Proposal well-planned and well-thought out
• Trip is feasible
• Trip is safe
• Students have connections to high quality community partner organizations, individuals or trip service providers

3. Requirements for Staff/Faculty Advisor(students choose appropriate staff or faculty to accompany trip):

• Experience in country or region
• Expertise on the issues being addressed
• Experience with Alternative Breaks and service-learning/social justice a plus
• Full-time staff must have "exempt" status

Trip Leader Resources:

To find out more information about leading a trip, please read the "Guide to Leading an Alternative Break Trip".
Make sure to read the sample proposal and download the budget worksheet.

Please make sure to review additional qualifications:

• Understanding of social justice that goes beyond volunteerism
• Commitment to the 8 Components of Quality Alternative Breaks
• Knowledge & passion for social issues
• Cross-cultural sensitivity
• Self-motivation & organizational skills
• Demonstrated leadership on AU campus
• Ability to lead a group of peers
• Budgeting and monetary skills
• Ability to organize & conduct 8 weekly pre-departure sessions
• Connections to a solid community organization working in important social movements
• Time to plan, organize and arrange all logistics for trip, including recruitment of participants on campus
• Commitment to attend leader training workshops and weekly advising meetings with Alt Break Coordinator
• Commitment to alcohol free policy of Alternative Breaks

Please set up a meeting as soon as you can to discuss your trip ideas in person with the Alternative Break Coordinator.
We are committed to leader diversity, diverse social & environmental issues and diverse regional destinations.

Cost:

There is no cost for you to travel. Student trip leaders’ expenses are covered by the participant fee.  Faculty and Staff costs are covered by the Center for Community Engagement and Service.

Office Hours:

The Coordinator for Global and Community-Based Learning office hours are by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-5pm.

Please email with your proposed time to come in to the office (MGC 273).
Thanks for taking the first step to becoming an Alt Break leader and changing the world one trip at a time!

 

Important Dates:

Winter/spring break trip proposals:  Due on June 15, 2011

Spring/Summer break trips proposals: Due on July 15th, 2011

Leader Interviews: Third week of July

Notification of Trip Approval: August 5th

Leader Retreat Training:  August 26 and September 16-18

Weekly Advising Meetings: To be determined based on your schedule (Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays between 9:00 am to 5:00pm).

Weekly Leader Trainings: Fridays 5:00- 7:00pm

Leader proposal: Please contact the Assistant Director for Global Learning & Leadership to obtain a blank copy of application.

Fill it out in order to obtain preliminary approval for trip. Limit each answer to 250 words per person in Profile Section I and 300 words in Trip Proposal section II.