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Alternative Break Site Leaders
"Site leading has helped me become a better problem solver, facilitator, and team leader. This experience has shaped my college career for the better.
Becoming a Site Leader
The Alternative Breaks Advisory Board and the Volunteer Center are excited about your interest in being a Site Leader for the Alternative Breaks program! We are looking for enthusiastic leaders who are committed to leading a quality community service experience through direct service, reflection, and education.
An Alternative Break Site Leader entails a little bit of everything –leader, follower, accountant, alarm clock, educator, confidant, supervisor, and mostly, a support system. A Site Leader oversees the entire Alternative Break experience, from educating the participants to handling daily logistics and managing conflict within the group. They must know when being a Site Leader means switching roles between delegator, facilitator, or supervisor for the group.
Questions? Stop in the Volunteer Center in the Bovee University Center, Room 106 or email us at abinfo@cmich.edu.
Site Leader application requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 2.25
- Previous participation in at least one Break
- Availability during Weekend, Winter, Spring, or Summer Breaks, and during all training dates
- Completed Application and Interview
Required training dates:
Applications for the upcoming academic year will reopen in the Spring semester! Visit Engage Central under “forms” to apply. Please email us at abinfo@cmich.edu if you have any questions. Stay tuned for updated information about training dates.
Alternative Breaks Site Leader responsibilities:
Site Leaders should anticipate dedicating approximately 3 hours a week to site leading responsibilities. This includes weekly office hours with your Co-Site Leader and weekly group meetings. Additional hours will be expected when there are required trainings, fundraisers, or other AB events.
Pre-Break
Attend All Trainings: Site Leader Orientation, Site Leader Retreat, and Training Workshops
Attend Orientation and Kick-Off
Coordinate and plan meaningful weekly meetings for group, including issue education, group building activities, etc.
Hold a weekly office hour (at minimum) with your Co-Site Leader in the Alternative Breaks Office.
Distribute and collect necessary paperwork from participants (this includes participant policies, hold harmless forms, driving paperwork, etc.)
Contact housing and community partner (which are coordinated by the AB Board) prior to departure
Coordinate and facilitate fundraisers to lower the cost of your break
Complete a Site Overview with the Alternative Breaks Advisor
Check out money bag, pick up reflection supplies, coordinate van pick up from Enterprise
During Break
Lead meaningful reflections each day
Participate and engage in meaningful service with the group
Be the face of AB for the community partner and housing– keep group schedule and times in mind, coordinate daily tasks directly with supervisor at site, manage daily logistics, etc.
Keep track of and organize all money (including credit cards, receipts, cash, etc)
Handle conflict and emergencies in a calm and professional manner
Post-Break
Return vans to Enterprise
Turn in reflection supplies, other materials, and credit cards and receipts in a timely fashion (as designated by AB Board)
E-mail photos and legacy notes to Participant Engagement Chair or designated person within timely fashion of returning back to CMU
Attend Re-Orientation Celebration
Carry out planned Re-Orientation project with group