Dickinson College Service TripsStudent Guide

As a first-year, I naturally questioned “my fit” and frankly first semester discouraged me a little. Left and right all I noticed were drunk jocks and catty girls. Though I began to find some good people before break, this trip has definitely reassured me that there are plenty more “real” people I have yet to find on campus. Many of the people here were strangers to me a week ago, and now, I feel like I’ve known them forever. Knowing that we all came from the same school instill not only comfort, but some pride, too. – Guatemala 2009 team member

I realized that it really did not matter whether we were putting in floor boards or tearing down walls, but any contribution we could give, even just giving up time to be there, means so much to those who were affected (by Hurricane Katrina). -Becky Kestenbaum, New Orleans 2008

She was 9 years old and she told me that the schools in the area were only for boys, so she was excited about the new school that we were building because she would finally learn how to read. I asked her how many siblings she had and told me she had eight brothers and four sisters. Seven of her brothers knew how to read and all of her sisters didn’t. That interview was the first time I felt that the trip to Guatemala was for something much bigger than myself. – Guatemala 09 team member

Personally, I believe that there truly is no better reward in life than to get a smile and a hug from a woman who has nothing, but appreciates everything. -Amanda Crabbe, New Orleans 2008

We went to Guatemala to build a school and have a part in spreading education to children we came to know and adore in seven days. But never did it cross my mind that in attempting to promote education, I would be educated in humanity. I always believed in the statement “we all smile in the same language” but I never knew what that meant; and I did not realize that the universal language also includes crying, playing, and working. Right now our group has a unique opportunity to take what we learned to educate others on the existence and importance of a common, global humanity. –Nell Etheredge, Guatemala 09

Even if they weren’t direct recipients or beneficiaries of our physical work, the fact that they saw a group of American kids working hard to change something for the better certainly made an impression on the community… -Cameron Kerr, Jamaica 2008

Create Change and Be Changed

Through Service Trips, students, faculty and staff exemplify what it means to engage the world and support a useful education. During this service experience, the Dickinson team will move beyond the limestone walls to engage with people of other cultures with differing access to resources and life experiences, in urban, rural or international settings. The environment is often very different than life in Carlisle. For many students, this trip represents their first encounter with a different culture.

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Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced veteran, your experience on the service trip will hopefully challenge you as you make useful what you have learned in the classroom. As you live and work alongside other students for many days, you will also hopefully find joy as you connect with your fellow Dickinsonians. Thank you for your interest in service trips and your willingness to take an active role in seeking to engage and serve others.

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Service Trips with a Purpose A priority of Dickinson is to support students as they become engaged citizens and lay a foundation upon which students will continue to serve as leaders within their communities after graduation. Tied to engaged citizenship is the Student Development divisional emphasis on challenging students to increase understanding and embrace complexity. Through service trips, students are supported to explore the depth of need within local communities in a variety of contexts. Dickinsonians who delve into this experience will be challenged to listen and to share with persons outside of their normal peer group, and in doing so, will grow in their ability to support, encourage, and push each other towards a higher level of thinking and understanding. Each team will emerge from the experience with the ability to concretely connect service with academic class work, potential vocations, and life experiences, thereby enhancing their intellectual life and increasing their social responsibility.

The students, and the staff members who accompany them, must be mindful of their role as ambassadors for Dickinson College and their obligation to uphold the Community Standards during the service experience. For more than a decade, service trips have been a part of the Dickinson experience. Two student-led groups have been instrumental in designing and implementing these trips, under the direction of the Office of Religious Life and Community Services. Alternative Spring Break and Serve the World offers a variety of service trips, ranging from weekend experience, Spring Break trips, and an international winter break trip.

Since January 2006, the Office has sponsored annual trips to the greater New Orleans area for relief work, creating strong connections with the area and volunteer organizations. Other previous locations have included New York City, Washington DC, Wheeling WV, Arizona, Jamaica, and Guatemala. Regardless of the destination, the common goal of each service trip is to immerse students and staff in a new community or a different culture, whether in the U.S. or abroad, in an effort to confront underlying societal needs through purposeful service and reflection.

Service Trip Outcomes

Service trips immerse students and staff in communities throughout the US and abroad to empower others to see their circumstances and help meet their needs without imposing our ideas and methods on others. Students will confront underlying societal needs by asking questions and seeking connections locally, within Carlisle, and from their hometowns. Before, during and after service trips students engage in intentional reflection to clarify values, seek connection to academic work, and enhance their identities as engaged citizens.

Learning Objectives

Understanding of self within issues of class, race, privilege, and cultural context.

Recognize needs of a different population, both culturally and physically, and assist local partners to meet and understand those needs through service.

Develop an understanding of the group process and learn to live and work collaboratively beside individuals with differing perspectives and experiences representing many subsets of campus.

Reflect on this experience through pre trip meetings learning about the culture of site, during trip integrating service with past experiences and class projects, and after trip through questions of different values encountered, impact on personal values, and vocation discernment.

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More Than Just Fun

Going on a service trip is more than just a great time away from campus with other Dickinsonians, although it is that too. Service trips are a time to meet others from all areas of campus who are interested in helping those in other communities and sharing our hope for a better future for everyone. Beyond the commodore, students who have participated in past service trips remark the following:

Top three things learned while on the service trip

54.0% (34) Increased your interest/commitment to community engagement beyond the trip

54.0% (34) Deepened your understanding of self within issues of class/race/privilege/culture 52.4% (33) Met people from another group on campus you would not normally know

47.6% (30) Expanded your view of another community

Dickinson is foremost concerned with supporting the education of the classroom with experiences in the larger community to provide a useful education that will go with you when you leave the limestone walls here in Carlisle. Service trips often provide opportunities to connect class work or class projects in new environments, with other cultures, and putting a face on statistics. Student reflections from 2008-2009 trips on how their goals beyond college or academic classes were impacted:

It has produced two things. 1. The realization that so many people and communities need some uplifting from their poor life conditions. 2. I can actually do something about it other than just saying the world is unfair and unjust. Opportunities to help are everywhere hence I have no excuse.

This trip has made me look at my life and my relationships in a different light, and made me realize what it truly important in life, as opposed to what is unnecessary. It has made me want to continue doing disaster relief for my whole life. In my sociology classes, it has put a face to the relevant social problems in America (i.e. lack of health care, how we treat the poor, etc.).

Because of the trip I have considered taking more teaching classes and am considering doing an Ameri-Corp teaching job in New Orleans when I graduate.

(I am ) inspired to seek out non-profit career opportunities.

At Dickinson a service trip is more than fun, it’s about making your education useful and encountering new experiences that help in your discernment process as a student and as a Dickinsonian for life.

Forming a Serving CommunityRoles of those on Service Trips…

A successful service trip is only possible with many people working together: student team leaders planning and leadership, team participant’s work and collaboration to complete the projects, and administrative support. A service trip requires that everyone on the trip must fully participate in all aspects of the trip, including cooking, service projects, reflection, and community building. As representatives of the Dickinson community through service,

the team members and administrators are carefully selected with high expectations of each person.

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Student Team Members

It is an honor to participate in Dickinson’s Service Trip Program. Due to host arrangements and program costs, a small number of students are accepted for each trip. While we wish we could provide an opportunity for every person who applies to participate in a service trip that is not financially or practically feasible. Student team members must be responsible ethically, morally, and physically when preparing for and participating in a service trip. These students must be willing to work with the student leaders and administrators of each trip.

The greatest strength was how the group was filled with people who were on it are very different, but we ended up like a family by the end.

Student Leaders

The service trips are made possible only by student leadership that is organized, strong, and willing to commit a large amount of time to plan, prepare, and participate in the service trips. Student leaders serve as program facilitators and provide on-site leadership for participants during the course of the service trip experience. Student leaders meet with the Director to prepare a budget for the trip, make the trip itinerary, implement the team application and selection process, prepare team meetings, supply information to all team members, and lead on-site organization and reflection. After the trip, the student leaders will organize a reflection dinner and produce a team DVD and reflection journal.

Trip Administrators

Administrators assist students in drawing the connections between their service, classroom experiences, values, and potential vocations. While the trip administrators are there for support and informal mentoring will be their primary role. The trip administrators are the hands-on co-leaders with student leaders when difficult decisions have to be made especially regarding health and safety concerns. The trip administrator is also the primary contact with campus, and seeking additional support from campus as necessary. The trip administrators will not be leading the trip; however they should be treated with the same respect and values that any administrator on campus would be. Each trip will have a minimum of two administrators, and for larger trips a 1:10 ratio will be used. This ratio may change per the host community partner. The administrators will be selected and trained by the Office of Religious Life and Community Service prior to each trip.

Before this trip I really didn't see administrators as real people. I now realize how close you not only get to fellow students but to administrators. It was a great experience and made me realize how much every person at Dickinson cares.

Expectations of Students on Service Trips

Living and working closely together for 24 hours can be stressful for any extended time if expectations are not established and agreed upon by the team. While some expectations are obvious for safety and well-being of the team, other expectations such as quiet hours are dependent on the service site and housing arrangements. Attached to each application is a list of team expectations. Each team member must agree to abide by these expectations in order to participate in the trip. These have been established by the student leaders and are the foundation necessary for living and serving together during the service trip experience. Enforcement of these expectations will occur by student leaders holding their peers accountable, with trip administrators stepping in extreme cases.

My expectations did not match up to me experience. I didn't know too many on the team, but I became best friends with everyone there! I also didn't think we would be doing as much manual labor, but I loved it!

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Team Expectations

-This trip is not a vacation. The primary purpose of this trip is to provide service to the community, to be a supportive citizen, and to build reciprocal relationships. My main priority is to engage the community that hosts our group and to serve them to the best of my ability.-I will work to build and maintain a cohesive community, among the trip participants and among those with which we work. My work will also go beyond “normal expectations” and I realize that I may be asked to push beyond self-recognized boundaries and work in ways that I have not yet experienced.-I will respect my fellow trip participants in all regards, as well as their ideas, property, and space. I will also maintain a clean and safe living space for all. -I will respect our hosts, their culture, beliefs, and property, and I will behave responsibly and appropriately in their community. -I will put forth my fair contribution to the trip's work and projects, and I will maintain a consistent positive effort in everything we do, from construction to group reflections and beyond. -I will be safe – traveling in buddy teams, using common sense, and following direction provided by Student Leaders, Administrators and on-site supervisors, as well as by complying with all laws that exist where I am serving. -I will respect and abide by the curfews set by the trip Administrators.-I will not leave our assigned areas without the express permission of trip Administrators.-I will not use illegal drugs of any kind or prescription medication not prescribed to me by a doctor. -I will obey local alcohol use and consumption laws. If I am legally permitted to consume alcohol and choose to do so, I will do so responsibly and moderately.-I will not participate in sexual relationships during the trip. -I understand that this is a trip is sponsored by Dickinson College and I will therefore adhere to the Dickinson College Student Code of Conduct. -I understand that if I violate this agreement, trip administrators will reserve the right to terminate my participation on this trip and send me home at my own expense.

Prior to the Trip- Team Meetings and Fundraising

Once the team is assembled, a schedule of team meetings is established. These meetings provide opportunities for team members to meet each other, learn about the project, discuss logistics, and to obtain more information about working with the community partner. During these meetings, the team will become familiar with the area of service and discuss relevant topics related to this community, such as cultural differences and safety concerns. It is very important that everyone be present at the team meetings, as they are the point of contact for dissemination of all trip information. Failure to attend pre-trip meetings can result in ANY student not being permitted to participate in the service trip.

Every team member must contribute to the fundraising efforts or pay independently an additional fee if unable or unwilling to participate in fundraising. Please see below for more information on fundraising below.

During the Trip

Each person is expected to fully participate with the team in all aspects of the trip, including cooking, service projects, reflection, and community building. Team members must be willing, barring any health concerns, to help in every project as assigned. While some tasks may not be the most “joyful” (moving a truck load of cement blocks a block), each part of the project is necessary for the overall success of the project. It only takes one team member with a bad attitude to become infectious to the entire team. Therefore one’s attitude on and off the worksite is critical to the health and success of each trip. Participating in reflections each evening, or at the designated time, is mandatory and missing the meeting will not be tolerated.

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The greatest strength was the openness of the people on the trip. By everyone being so willing to include one another, the trip ran so much more smoothly than if people were cliquey or did not want to talk to people who had never been on a STW trip before.

After the Trip

After the team has returned to campus, the student leaders will organize a dinner to reflect on the service experience. Team members are strongly encouraged to attend the dinner as a piece of final reflection, and talking about how we share the story of the service trip, on campus. This provides time for a discussion on the importance of world views, the needs of the host community, and abundance of the campus culture and “need” at Dickinson.

Student will be asked to complete a trip survey at the end of each academic year sharing their experiences, lessons learned, and ways the trips can continue to be improved.

Basic Team Selection Process

The popularity of service trips has increased greatly in the past two years, as students with a passion for service combine their interest in learning about other cultures in new and exciting ways. Due to host arrangements and costs, only a small number of students can be chosen for each trip. As popularity increases, so too does the need for a very solid selection process for the team. The high volume of applicants requires a competitive review process that yields a well rounded and diversified team for each service trip.

Team Selection- Application Process

After a public information session that students are encouraged to attend, students interested submit an application that includes essays, grade information, and references. In reviewing the application, the following are taken into consideration:

Passion for service to others Interest in cultural experience and becoming an engaged citizenAcademic status (not on academic probation) Conduct issues will be taken into consideration (not on state suspension) Physical ability and health to participate fully in the service and meet team expectations. Not all projects are

physical therefore health restrictions can be easily accommodated. Team diversity including people of class years and interests Team dynamics and flexibility

The team selection process includes a review of the application and completion of an interview with the trip’s student leaders. Final decisions regarding the selection of team members are made jointly by the student leaders and the Director of Religious Life and Community Services. All applicants are notified via email regarding the outcome of the team selection process.

Building A Serving CommunityIt is through the work of many groups of people that service trips are possible. The primary groups are the service team, Dickinson administration, and the community partner. Each service trip could not be possible without a local community partner that opens their arms, organization, and clients for Dickinson teams.

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As our service program has developed there has become a greater sense of the benefits of consistent partnering with the same areas. Through trips to the same communities over several years, the community partner is aware of Dickinson’s commitment and a healthier relationship is built for long-term service. Trip locations are consistent with partners that the school believes can support the needs, education, and service experience that is most valuable to Dickinson students.

The Community Partner

Each service trip works with a local community partner, often a non-profit, that provides essential preliminary information and support for the service trip. The community partner knows the needs of their community the best, and therefore all information about the local situation, additional donations, community concerns, and problems should be vetted through them. Service team assist the local community partner in meeting the needs of their clients, however the service team is never the only focus of the community partner while we are on-site. As guests in their community, teams must be respectful working with the community partners in furthering their work, not our own agendas.

During the team meetings the community partner, their expectations, and our work with them will be covered in detailed based on each site. To assist the community partner, the Office will be the primary contact before the trip and the student leaders will be the primary contacts on-site. Team members are asked to work with these Dickinson leaders before contacting the community partners directly. This enables clear and consistent communication with the community partner.

It’s good to have trips that set you in a different place than you are used to. We tend to get to comfortable with our lives that we forget those who are not as lucky. You also get to understand things much better when you are outside your comfort zone.

Context

The context of the service location may be inner-city Philadelphia, rural Jamaica, uptown New Orleans, rural Guatemala, urban Wheeling; each with its own context that greatly impacts the atmosphere of each trip. When on a service trip, students must pay extra attention to their setting and remember that they are guests in each community. As guests, knowing the cultural expectations concerning gender, age, race, and labor divisions are important. Whenever traveling, students should be conscious of not carrying excessive amounts of money or expensive items. During team meetings, the context of each host site will be discussed.

As in all cities and places facing poverty, attention should be given to keeping safe and with the group at all times. While on a service trip it is necessary that students do not go anywhere without at least two other people. This ensures in the event of an emergency one person could get help and the other could stay the person in need. All non-group related outings must be approved by the student leaders and trip administrators. Since the majority of trips are short, personal outings are highly discouraged to enable team bonding in the evenings.

For international trips, information concerning safety and medical concerns should be gained through the local US Embassy. This can be found online which will have the most updated information about each area to be visited. Reviewing this information will also be included in a team meeting.

In each situation attention should be given to do projects as suggested by the community partner unless safety is a concern. In the case of safety concern team leaders and trip administrators should be notified immediately.

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Direction of local contractors, directors, and those in leadership should be respected. They are the local experts, we are the GUESTS.

I think that I learned a lot more than I had planned - I talked to the people that we were helping and was struck by how different and privileged my life is.

Team Meetings

As a part of the team, every participant is required to attend pre-trip meetings. As outlined in the above expectations these trips explore the local context and clientele, responsibilities, service projects, and other important information. These meetings are the main conduit for the distribution of information. Failure to attend pre-trip meetings can result in ANY student not being permitted to participate in the service trip.

Beyond formal team meetings sometimes teams (or crews within larger teams) also gather for informal activities. This is a great opportunity to know those you will be closely working with and every effort to attend should be made. The relationships you have with these people prior to the trip will ease tension in the beginning of the trip.

During the trip, team meetings are normally held daily in the evening. These team meetings include a reflection time and also logistics for the upcoming day. These meetings are mandatory for every participant. Only through this group interaction and reflection period can everyone together address concerns, needs, and logistics effectively.

After returning from the service trip, a final team meeting is held as a final reflection and de-briefing period. During this trip pictures and team journals are distributed.

The trip may have made me more judgmental since I realized how selfish people at college can be -- especially students at a school as wealthy as Dickinson. But I met people who I want to stay involved with, who I found inspiring, interesting, exciting and I learned that the Dickinson community is so multi-faceted beyond Greek life.

Reflections

Reflections are a great time to learn and collectively process the day’s work and events. This time will often focus upon the team’s experiences, struggles, and joys. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences the service and the trip in a different way. Some students will like the open dialogue during reflection; others will gravitate to the team journal to process and reflect on their experience. Reflections can, and will, be serious, fun, introspective, and emotional; even sometimes all once. This is a vital time for the team members to learn from each other, to challenge perceptions and stereotypes, and to push the boundaries of personal comfort zones, as well as affirming each person on the team.

I was surprised at how useful the reflection time was. I initially thought people weren't going to take reflection time seriously, but it ended up being incredibly rewarding in helping me clarify my values.

This is exceptionally important because it not only helps synthesize the group into a bonded whole, but also because it allows one time to develop by learning the thoughts and feelings of others in similar situations.

Another method of reflection occurs through the team journal. Each team member will be assigned a day(s) to write a personal reflection of thoughts, feelings and reactions. It is strongly encouraged that you write the same day you are assigned, this prevents confusion and allows you to share your day or thoughts with others in the moment. At the team dinner after returning to the campus the team journal is published with a copy for each participant. This is

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a useful and meaningful reminder of the service trip experience and a lasting way to capture the perspectives of team members once everyone is back on campus.

Necessary Paperwork

For the safety of the community and team while traveling away from campus, there are many forms that must be completed by each team member before going on a service trip. These forms will be covered in a pre-trip meeting and each team member will be required to complete the forms well in advance of the trip. The forms have been approved by the College and a copy will be left on campus in the event of an emergency.

Indemnity Release, Medical Information, and Expectations

The Indemnity Release is necessary for every participant on the trip. This release recognizes the responsibility of each student on the trip and your personal decision to participate. The Medical Information requires emergency contact information. In the event that we need to make contact, this person will be the primary contact for the student. Information for phone, email, and address are necessary in case multiple methods are needed to contact the person. Also to help us know what time zone the contact resides within. Additional information on this form concerns food allergies and any information on relevant medical condition(s). Information about food allergies will be shared with the team leaders as this impacts food purchases and preparation. Medical information does not have to be given, however in the event of an emergency may be helpful during initial treatment. Information about medicines and medical conditions will be kept confidential with trip administrators. The Expectations paperwork is behavioral based and must accompany every application so basic standards are known by all who may participate. Regardless of the number of trips a student participates in, new paperwork is required for each service trip.

Confidentiality of Trip Documentation

Again, personal and medical information will be confidential and kept by the trip administrators. This information will only be shared in the event of an emergency. Applications that contain personal information are kept by the Office. While on the trip, each trip administrator has a binder with all trip information and releases of every participant on-site. These documents with personal information will be shredded after each trip.

Sustaining A Serving CommunityFunding Service Trips

Service trips are funded through Student Senate, the Office of Religious Life and Community Service, and the Dean of Student’s Office. Service trips include the following fees: transportation, most meals, housing, project costs, site donation, and cultural experiences related to the area. With this there is always a need for fundraising and student fees. Due to the great disparity of trips, each trip has a separate student fee and fundraising expectation associated. Through Dickinson funding 60% of all trip costs are paid. Students are responsible for the remaining 40%.

Deposits

Upon invitation to join each service team, team members must pay an initial deposit. This deposit is not refundable if the student chooses or is unable to attend the trip. For each trip the student contribution is determined by the team

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leaders and will be shared at the public meeting about service trips. Deposits must be paid on time so funds are available for use by the team to cover expenses. Checks should be made to Dickinson College with a memo of the trip name.

Fundraising

Within each trip, fundraising is essential. In the past sponsorship letters have been used heavily and due to the continued push for alumni donations this can no longer occur. Therefore the College has worked to make these trips financially feasible. Team leaders will determine the amount to be fundraised and the methods to raise the funds. Team members are required to participate in fundraising. This is a time of team bonding and also raising awareness on campus about the trip. During team meetings the budget will be shared with the team and the fundraising efforts will formally be coordinated.

If someone is unable to participate in fundraising, and the student leadership and director permit, then an additional fee may be paid to cover those expenses. However this option is not optimal.

Teams are encouraged to think creatively about fundraising that connects education on the area or needs with raising money. An excellent example was Katrina: The K Work which was a play about 12 residents of New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. In two showings this play raised $1000 and raised awareness of the plight of those the team served.

All fundraising must be completed two weeks before the trip to ensure time to have the funds accessible during the trip. All fundraising must be approved by the Office and obey all Campus Life rules for fundraising. Funds raised should be turned into the Office so it can be deposited correctly.

Extreme Need Scholarships

In the event of extreme need, the Dean of Student’s Office through the Office is able to provide limited scholarships to ensure any student can participate in a service trip if chosen for the team. If you experience extreme financial need please see the Director to talk about this possibility.

Trip Logistics

For each trip, specific information will be given concerning all the logistics at team meetings. Trips are planned with attention given to service time, educational connections, cultural activities, team dynamics and safety. Student leaders work with the Director and community partner to plan each day.

Transportation

One of the largest expenses and concerns revolves around transportation. When possible, Dickinson vans are used for transportation. In these cases, every student eligible to drive must be approved by DPS prior to the trip and willing to take a turn at driving. To be eligible you must have a license for two years and no major accidents. For mini-vans you must watch a video and present a copy of your license to DPS. For large vans, the video and a driving time are necessary. If unable to drive, these students will be co-pilots. The co-pilot is to entertain and assist the driver, therefore being attentive is necessary. As co-pilots one cannot be listening to iPods, reading, or sleeping. Guidelines for driving in a convoy of vans and other van protocol will be covered in team meetings. If Rental vans are

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necessary only those over the age of 25 will be permitted to drive. In this case, student must co-pilot as trip administrators over 25 are limited.

For some service trips flying is necessary. In this case the team will be expected to fly together and arrangements will be made through the Office. When going through the airport process students are expected to act with appropriate maturity. Each student is responsible to be at the gate at the time determined.

When not in Dickinson vehicles, arrangements will be made with the local community partner to have transportation that is safe and works in their area to keep the entire team together. A vehicle for emergencies will also be available at each work site.

Team Meals

To help reduce costs the teams cook meals together instead of eating meals out. Each team determines the menu and prepares the meal for the entire group. Small groups within the team (crew) are often used. Crews set out breakfast and lunch materials. Individuals are responsible to eat breakfast and make their lunches for the day by the set time. Food will be purchased by the trip leaders previously. For dinner, crews will choose a menu (with attention to allergies) and cook the meal. They are also responsible for clean-up that night.

In addition team members will be required to bring a mess kit (plate, silverware, cup, bowl, etc) on the trip. This should be plastic and washable after each meal. This also reduces the cost and our impact on the local community’s environment.

While traveling, meals are paid independently and not covered in the trip expenses. Through team meetings the number of meals paid for independently will be discussed. This permits everyone to eat where they want and the quickest method while traveling.

Group Dynamics and Resolving Conflict

Group Dynamics

Many factors affect the cohesion of a group. Chances are your team members will each be meeting for the first time through this service trip experience. In such situations, it is easy to make assumptions that do not accurately reflect the true character of each person. Being patient is the best key for success in every stage of the trip. Group development is normal and typically follows this basic pattern:

Stage One: Forming

When the group initially meets, many members will feel insecure. Even those who outwardly appear to be calm and collected may feel very insecure because they are not surrounded by the familiar faces of close friends. Usually everyone is quiet and engaging in simple discussion. Each student will move through the forming stage at a different pace, depending on personal experiences and group dynamics.

Step Two: Storming

Spending 24 hours a day together with the same people for many days can cause tension. (Think about your home during a blizzard, and how tensions rise.) Participants many vent anger, become disillusioned or lose sight of the

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purpose of this service experience. Be aware at this stage that some people need to more time alone, while others need time to talk through this tension.

Step Three: Norming

Team members begin to find their identity within the group and become comfortable. Cliques may form, particularly on larger trips, and power struggles may occur. As a team participant the most important thing is for you to be patient and talk with others directly. The ability to work fluidly with anyone in the group will also help alleviate tension.

Step Four: Performing

Once the team begins to work as a productive team, you will notice people taking responsibility for themselves; they are happy, productive, and have a strong feeling of group identity. They are often quick to encourage and help others on the team.

Step Five: Transforming

After the trip, or on the way home, team members will often feel anxious about returning to campus. They might be nostalgic and afraid of losing the intimacy gained on the trip. They also may be aware of the misunderstanding of some on campus about service trips, which are not just a vacation. The anxiety could lead to withdrawal, detachment or denial of the trip’s success. In this stage reflection with teammates about this anxiety and thinking about ways to reconnect periodically with the team is best.

My expectations did not match up to me experience. I didn't know too many on the team, but I became best friends with everyone there! I also didn't think we would be doing as much manual labor, but I loved it!

Addressing Social Issues and Bias Basics

Social Issues

Service trips can be a life-changing experience; it is a time for teamwork and friendship, as well as learning and personal growth. Cooperating as a group to achieve a common goal can reduce prejudices against age, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, economic status and culture. What may appear to be a simple act of service becomes an opportunity to address social issues by putting into practice your beliefs, some of which may be newly discovered. It is important to raise awareness and promote sensitivity to social issue on the work site and in the host community. Your team will encounter many people from homeowners, site coordinators, local residents, and other groups. As you interact with these different groups you will cross boundaries, which can result in friendship or potential conflict. While your team may not be confronted with prejudice or discrimination during this trip, it is still important to be aware of these potential biases before you depart.

Before discussing specific biases, here are some definitions. A bias is a preference or inclination that inhibits impartiality; prejudice. An assumption is a statement accepted as true without proof. Discrimination is the act of distinguishing on the basis of preference or prejudice.

Basics bias

Age: During service trips you will meet and work beside people of all ages, skills, and abilities. It is important to remember that although you have different generational and life experiences, everyone has chosen to devote their

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time to assist in the service trip. Every person, regardless of age or skill level, significantly contributes to the building of not only a house, but a community. Be open to learning from others and value the experience of others, regardless of age.

Gender: While our gender assumptions have come a long way, in some communities bias based on gender may be clearly visible and expected. It can present itself in words or actions, such as not delegating tasks to women or completing tasks for women instead of permitting them to do the work. Similarly, men may not be expected to prepare dinner or perform housekeeping tasks. The way you interact as a team, you will show the local community that you value the contributions of each person, as you work together and serve side-by-side.

Culture: When you are traveling to a new place, you will very likely be subject to new, exciting, fun and occasionally challenging cultural differences. Every neighborhood in every city is unique. Cultural differences, within the team and within your site, can occasionally lead to misunderstandings. In these situations, it is important to remember that you are a guest. As a guest, it is valuable to make every effort to learn about a new culture and attempt to discover common experiences rather than to dwell upon differences.

Religion: It is essential to respect each individual’s right to believe what he or she chooses. We must remember that no matter the reasons for our service, we are working together to impact this community. When appropriate, the team should offer options for different religious services or practices in the local community. This is often a very good way to meet community members and learn the stories of the people whom you are serving. It is also often a time that may immerse the team in a new cultural and/or religious experience as they are comfortable.

Sexual Orientation: As in any community, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning individuals may be involved in any service trip. Whether on campus or at the service site, disrespectful and disempowering comments, jokes, and actions are not tolerated. Regardless of a person’s sexual orientation, every team member, community member, and staff member does the same work and deserves the same level of respect. Inappropriate comments, jokes, and actions should not be permitted and addressed immediately.

Socio-economic Status: People of all social and economic backgrounds will be working alongside of you on this service project. During the course of your interactions with community members, homeowners or agency representatives, you may encounter bias in regard to a particular socio-economic status. As the years pass, the gap between economic classes in the United States grows wider. This often leads to cultural differences and assumptions based on income level of a person or family. The team’s experience may challenge many on the team who are now placed in the economic struggle in a new way. The community, as well as the individuals, will be grateful for sensitivity and respect of socio-economic differences. Please be mindful that team members are guests in a home or a community and should accordingly behave in a respectful manner, in both word and deed.

It’s good to have trips that set you in a different place than you are used to. We tend to get to comfortable with our lives that we forget those who are not as lucky. You also get to understand things much better when you are outside your comfort zone.

Communicating with Campus

Service trips at Dickinson College are a team effort. Under the guidance of the Office of Religious Life and Community Services, many people contribute time, energy and resources to make these trips a reality. Various departments and offices across campus, along with numerous community partners, participate in this service experience by providing logistical and staffing support. Prior to the trip, the Director will meet with the trip administrators to review

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responsibilities, logistics, expectations, and the crisis management plan. The Director will also brief the Dean of Students and the On-Call Dean of the logistics of each service trip.

Emergency Situations and Crisis Management Plans

In the event of an emergency situation, the trip administrators are empowered to make decisions on behalf of the College to protect the students and make all necessary arrangements. Trip administrators are provided resources concerning emergency situations and crisis management plans during their training. In situations where local emergency agencies, law enforcement, or regulatory agencies have jurisdiction in crisis matters, the trip administrators will need to act as a complementary support body. The primary goal is to preserve the security and integrity of the team. The trip administrators will work with the student leaders to determine the action plan after contacting the campus and Office. Team members are expected to work with the student leaders and trip administrators to assist in any situation.

Serving Beyond the Limestone WallsService trips provide an opportunity for Dickinson students to engage the world through new communities, new experience and with new friendships. The team will learn more about the culture, situation, and concerns of a community. Through this experience, team members will become more fully engaged as citizens, having gained valuable insights regarding the connections between self-identity, vocation and academic work. Often students return to our community with eyes that see our community and its needs in a new light.

Continuing Community Engagement

Service trips are only one part of community engagement at Dickinson. Just as service trips work with local community partners who will continue to work after we return home; engaging the Carlisle community through service is needed as well. The Office offers many opportunities for one time service opportunities (Day of Service), weekly service programs (CommServ) and connections with community partnerships. Throughout the college there are many opportunities for community engagement: service learning courses, Community Studies Center, internships, federal work-study placements, Bonner program, and ALLARM. Topic sheets connecting a passion with community volunteer opportunities and course work are available. For information on these opportunities visit the website or Office.

This trip was awesome. I learned so much about myself and others on campus that I probably wouldn't have met before. It was really cool to see how even though we were all different, we could all get along and even call each other friends. I also learned so much about community service, and being able to get to know a person that was being helped through the program really made me realize what a great thing we were doing.

Questions and Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about service trips, please contact the Director of the Office of Religious Life and Community Services. The office is located in the basement of the HUB in the Student Life Suite.

In closing, here are a few reflections from students of previous service trips. Thank you for stepping up, and outside the limestone walls, to participate in a service trip. Go and serve.

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I asked her (a little girl) to dance and we instantly bonded. We danced and danced and giggled, it was awesome. They (the children) are so loving and energetic. We also went to church tonight and greatly enjoyed all the singing. They are so grateful for our help, which has really affected me. I no longer believe in “just mailing the check” there is so much more going into this experience for the town and us. -Guatemala 2009 team member

New people, different country, different activities-this is unfamiliarity at its best. Yet I am convinced and somewhat amazed at the ability of human beings to adapt to new environments. Someway, somehow things will work out. We have a unique and diverse group and seem to be getting along very well only after a few hours of hanging out. Each of us will surely learn something significant from everyone else-that is the essence of diversity. Today, therefore, I can confidently claim, is a beautiful day. –Atandi Anyona, Guatemala 2009

Working in the soup kitchen yesterday was such an amazing experience. It was incredible to have people, in situations much worse than ours, who were saying things to us like: “Have a great day!” “God Bless” and “It’s a gorgeous day, isn’t it?” It really made me stop and put my life into perspective a little bit. –Anya Settle, Wheeling 2008

This trip has given me the opportunity to fell like I have been a blessing to others, by giving 11 congregations of youth their place of fellowship again. This trip has given me the opportunity to interact with administrators outside their offices and to see that they are real people too! Most importantly, this trip has given me the opportunity for the first time in my life, to work with a group that works together. –Shenisa Clarke, Jamaica 2008

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