Co-Leader Home

 

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
• Encourage 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

Quality/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    (1^st & 2^nd Semester)

• 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 & 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