Student Leadership Development
Alternative Spring Break

Thank you for your interest in Student Leadership Development's Alternative Spring Break Program. Trips take place during Spring break which this year is March 16-23, 2013. This year there are three different trip options. You may select one, two or all three trips to be considered for. If you are not selected for one trip you can still be considered for another one. This trip is not solely a service trip but an immersion experience. You will be exposed to real life conditions of people who live in the different communities and their life realities. All trips may have some component of physical activity such as cleaning, painting, etc. There is no cost for those selected, however all participants are expected to fundraise a set amount that will go towards projects on the trip. There will be opportunities for group fundraising. All participants will be expected to present to the NEIU community on their experiences.

Trip Options

Arizona/Mexico Border
Group will travel to Tuscan, AZ. There is space for ten students. Each participant will be expected to fundraise $200 for the projects at the border. All transportation is provided once we arrive in Arizona. Trip leaves Sunday March 17th and returns Friday March 22nd. All meals and lodging are also provided. Group will stay at the BorderLinks dormitory with exception of one night when students stay with local host families. Some topics that will be covered are immigration, border control, the global market, sweat shops, and the relationship between Mexico and the United States. For more information you can check out the website http://www.borderlinks.org/ under Delegations.

Oklahoma – Cherokee Nation
Group will travel to Tahlequah, OK. We will work with Cherokee Nation, Northeastern State University’s Center for Tribal Studies and Oaks Indian Mission. Some topics covered will be background and history of Cherokee Nation, poverty, mental health issues and policies affecting a sovereign nation. Each participant will be expected to raise $200 towards projects. Group will be driving to Oklahoma. Trip leaves Sunday March 17th and returns Friday March 22nd. Group will stay in dormitory style housing and meals will be provided.

Guatemala
Group will travel to San Miguel Escobar, Guatemala to participate in Community Collaboration’s Fair Trade Impact Exploration. Volunteers will work with fair trade farmers and artisans to explore the impact of fair trade policies and complete projects that benefit the communities. Each participant will be expected to raise $300 towards costs and projects. Trip will leave on Saturday March 16 and will return Saturday March 23rd. All lodging, transportation, meals and interpreter are provided. This trip requires a valid passport or appropriate travel documents (for non US citizens). For more information visit http://communitycollaborations.org/guatemala

Quick Facts to Know:
• Students will be provided with meals, housing, and transportation during trip • No alcohol or drugs will be permitted.
• Students will be expected to fully participate in all activities. There may be some light to moderate physical work. You will also be asked to reflect on each day’s activities, keep a journal and share personal experiences.
• Students should be prepared for the elements of area.
• Group will be required to plan a service project based on the trip to be done once return to NEIU. • Students will be required to participate in a presentation to share their experiences and what they learned. Date will be determined by interview day.

Requirements:
• Have a minimum 2.00/4.00 GPA
• Be an enrolled NEIU student
• Attend all the pre-trip orientation sessions
• Participate in the mandatory fundraisers
• Plan and participate in service project
• Plan and participate in presentation to NEIU community
• Participate in pre and post evaluations

Application Procedures:
Submit Complete Application Packet by October 5th
· Drop off all paperwork to E041B or email to b-cosentino@neiu.edu
· Group interviews will be scheduled week of October 15th – 19th
· Selections will be announced by Oct 28th
· Once admitted, sign all travel paperwork
· Once admitted, attend pre-trip orientation sessions dates to be arranged once group selected.
· Fundraise set amount for projects