• Alternative Break Experiences (ABE)
  • The Five Pillars of ABE
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Important Dates 2011-2012
  • Co-Leader Information
  • Participant Information
  • Fundraising Ideas
  • Alternative Winter Break Experiences
  • Alternative Spring Break Experiences
• Caritas Award Ceremony
• Programs
• Catholic Social Teaching
• Upcoming Events
• Student Opportunities

Co-Leader Information

"I thought I had known what it meant to be privileged. This trip was kind of a wake up call for me. I saw privilege in a whole new way." - Carrie Vandelac, Co-Leader, U.S./Mexico Border Awareness Trip

Co-Leader Training

Alternative Break Experience (ABE) programs exist to teach, practice, enhance and embed the charisma and mission elements of the College of Saint Benedict. ABE trips commit to:

• Raising awareness of social issues and injustices, such as poverty, racism, and environmental issues
• Encouraging reflection and questioning about the role of social structures in the perpetuation of poverty, injustice, etc.
• Moving from an awareness of social issues to an integration of justice and service into everyday lives
• Encouraging a polycentric world view which recognizes and values diversity of culture and perspective
• Encouraging shared leadership and individual leadership in the spirit of service.
• Integrating spirituality into the fabric of the experience
• Approaching the trips as a partnership with the people at the site and not simply charity on our part
• Fostering a sense of respect and community among the participants themselves, as well as with the people at the sites
• Providing an opportunity for students to have a fun and safe break, while challenging them to go beyond their comfort zones

Qualities and Characteristics of ABE Co-Leaders

• Openness and concern for the participants
• Willingness to be a co-learner with the participants
• Willingness to give guidance and direction and accept responsibility while encouraging student and group leadership when possible
• Honesty and respectfulness toward the participants and the site community
• Ability to deal with problems and conflicts constructively
• Concern for issues of justice
• Openness to diverse perspectives and faith stances

Responsibilities/Duties as a Co-Leader

• Attend participant information meetings and co-leader trainings
• Interview applicants expressing interest in trip
• Select group members
• Become acquainted with the assigned site and related issues
• Coordinate trip itinerary/logistics/fundraising
• Coordinate specific activities with your site contact person
• Gather group together several times before departure to prepare for trip and build a sense of community
• Attend to ongoing needs and issues as they arise, before, during, or immediately after trip (conflict resolution, group dynamics, required paperwork, etc)
• Respond to emergency situations with students
• Pick-up and return rental vans in a timely and responsible manner
• Integrate the two components of spirituality/prayer & reflection into the experience
• Cooperate and maintain contact with the ABE staff
• Meet all deadlines as outlined by ABE staff (financial, paperwork, etc)
• Handle the financial paperwork/budget/money for group (fundraising, balance expense sheets, receipts, etc)
• Be an informed resource person for your group

Wish to apply?

Fill out the Co-Leader Application online!

*All applications are due September 16th, 2011 at 4 p.m.

Contact ABE if you want have any questions related to being a Co-Leader or would like help in your discernment process at abe@csbsju.edu