MAlt is Middlebury’s alternative break program. In 2013-2014 MAlt will offer three domestic and two international student-led service trips over February break.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Middlebury Alternative Break Trip Leader?
MAlt trip leaders are responsible for trip logistics, group dynamics, education, and reflection before, during, and after the break. Logistical responsibilities include helping to recruit and select participants, choosing appropriate worksites for the trip’s theme, initiating and maintaining ongoing contact with worksite coordinators to ensure rewarding service work for both participants and the community partner, drafting and maintaining a budget, creating a daily itinerary, arranging travel plans (e.g., plane reservations, car rentals, College van reservations, accommodations, etc.), and planning meals. Trip leaders work closely with MAlt tri-chairs and the MAlt advisor (Ashley Calkins in the Center for Education in Action, EIA). Trip leaders are also responsible for coordinating group fundraising efforts and ensuring that fundraising goals (which may be substantial) are met. Please Note: Leading a MAlt trip is a rewarding but demanding opportunity. You should expect to devote a significant amount of time to your trip pre-departure, including some level of research and planning during the summer.
Information Session: If you have a great idea for a trip or are interested in creating one, attend the MAlt leader info session on April 11th, 7pm in BiHall 219.
Application Information: Complete this application with a co-leader and e-mail it to middalt@middlebury.edu, by Wednesday, April 24th. MAlt trips can be domestic or international, but this year we will also be looking for strong applications in the New England region. This past year MAlt traveled to El Paso, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, New York City, and Tennessee.
Here’s how some MAlters described their trips in one word: community, warmth, eye-opening, growth, intense, challenging, humbling, real, soulful, marvelous, robust, refreshing, fantastic, and unforgettable.
Questions? Visit go/malt or contact co-chairs Charlotte Zelle and Maya Neria at middalt@middlebury.edu.