Adventures in community service
Spring break usually brings to mind images of young people soaking up the rays at southern seaside party places. Concordia’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program offers something a little different.
It’s a chance for students, staff and faculty to foster civic responsibility and enrich their academic experience through a transformative service-learning opportunity, whether in their own backyard or abroad.
ASB community partners range from local groups working on issues of food security and homelessness, to housing reconstruction efforts in post-Katrina New Orleans.
The program is currently looking for staff and faculty leaders — registration is open until October 28.
Faculty, staff and students who are chosen as leaders will attend training on November 11, and will participate in pre-departure sessions with the student participants (January 27, February 3 and February 10).
The workshops cover concepts in service learning, teamwork, leadership and conflict resolution. They also help the teams learn how to work together and understand their role in community development.
‘Great fun and adventure’
Andrea Renaud is a project coordinator for the University Secretariat. She calls her experience as an ASB team leader both deep and meaningful.
“I learned a lot about myself and how to act as a mentor and a friend to the participating students,” says Renaud. “I would recommend the program to anyone who is looking for a leadership experience that also happens to be great fun and adventure.”
The management of a small group of young adults requires leaders to practice and hone a number of skills, including interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, group learning facilitation, introspection and judgment.
Leaders act as the liaison with the community organization, facilitate group reflection exercises and handle logistics with the support of the ASB coordination team.
“It's an incredible way to connect with students,” says Ellie Hummel, a former ASB leader and coordinator of Concordia’s Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre. “It broadened my perspective.”
Apply to be a team leader for Alternative Spring Break by October 28, 2016.
