Apply to Be a Branch Out Site Leader

About the Position

Site leaders make alternative breaks possible - with a co-SL, you plan and lead them! You develop projects with community partners, build a strong, effective team, prepare your participants with knowledge and skills to use in the community, and guide reflection and critical thinking during the alternative break and as participants integrate the experience into their lives. Site leaders work in pairs, and build collective action with their team and those in your host community.

The experience is intensive, but immensely gratifying. You'll prepare for the experience through a required retreat September 20-21, 2024 and class facilitated by Branch Out’s Education Coordinators and staff, which will meet on Fridays from 1 - 2:20 pm.

The retreat is required for all Site Leaders (new and returning), and the in-person course is required for all new Site Leaders. Returning Site Leaders are welcome to take our online accelerated Site Leader training in lieu of the in-person class (not for credit), but are required to attend the retreat and strongly encouraged to attend the first class of the semester in person.

While unpredictable things may happen in everyone's life, we ask that you seriously consider this opportunity as a firm commitment. When Site Leaders leave their positions mid-year, their co-Site Leaders are left in a tough position. We encourage you to prioritize this role and hope that it will be a rich addition to your experience at William & Mary and in community, and an enhancement to your well-being and sense of community.

What You'll Gain

Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience working with a co-leader in a collaborative style
Group facilitation skills
Intentional growth in your sense of civic identity and ability to engage difference

Position Requirements

Commitment to community engagement, Branch Out mission, vision, and values
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Interest and a willingness to learn about the social issue addressed by your alternative break
Interest in working with a co-leader in a collaborative style
Ability to make the required time commitment to the program, including mandatory retreat weekend, site leader training class, and Branch Out meetings and advising sessions
- Involvement in this program requires an on-going commitment throughout the year. Please consider carefully if participating in this program is sustainable with your other priorities and can be an enhancement to your wellbeing.
Commitment to substance-free policy throughout the alternative break experience

Responsibilities

Plan for and co-lead group of students in an alternative break, during fall, winter, spring, or summer break.

Before the trip:

Attend mandatory Site Leader training class (throughout the Fall) and retreat in September
Become van safety training certified well in advance of your trip
Communicate with host site and lodging contacts before trip to plan quality issue education, direct service opportunities, and finalize logistics
Communicate regularly with and work with OCE staff, Branch Out Coordinators, and your team
Plan four pre-trip team meetings, with group building, education, orientation, and training
Plan your trip budget
Assist with participant recruitment

During the trip:

Work with a co-leader to lead all service activities in coordination with community partner
Manage trip budget and finances, and follow financial procedures
Communicate with your team and build a group dynamic
Facilitate reflection and ongoing education activities daily
Manage travel and transport team to activities in 12-passenger van
Check in via text and/or phone call with coordinators or staff

After the trip:

Plan post-break reorientation, including meetings, activities, and advocacy for your team
Participate in Branch Out reorientation program
Attend post-trip advising meetings with Coordinators
Assist with recruiting participants to be Site Leaders

How to Apply

The application on W&M GivePulse is open until 11:59 pm on April 8.