Center for Democracy & Civic Life Affiliate Positions [paid]

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 13:01:47 -0500

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate students to play leading roles in its 2022-23 programs as affiliates of the Center. Affiliates include Alternative Spring Break leaders (up to six positions), ConnectionCorps facilitators (up to eight positions), and STRiVE coaches (five positions).

Applications for all three positions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022. Apply here.

Alternative Spring Break leaders

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a six-day immersive learning experience. ASB participants explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore. Each small group focuses on a specific topic, but the groups also consider overlaps among their issues. ASB groups work with community partners, elected officials, and scholars to identify pathways to long-term local engagement. Past ASB groups have explored challenges and solutions relating to housing, access to nutritious food, education, and health care, criminal justice, and a variety of other issues in Baltimore. Applicants can choose to explore these topics or propose new ones.

Each leader works with a co-leader and as a member of a leadership team organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff during weekly meetings in the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters. Together the leaders develop plans for a holistic, empowering ASB experience for all participants during the week of UMBC’s Spring Break, March 19 - 24, 2023.

The overall time commitment is approximately 100 hours over the course of the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters. For specific dates, see the application.

Leaders receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 096-08) on their transcripts for winter and spring 2023. Leaders also receive a graduation cord to recognize the contributions they have made to the education and growth of their peers. The Shriver Center coordinates PRAC 096-08 and the distribution of graduation cords.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in ASB or a similar multi-day experiential learning program.

ConnectionCorps facilitators

The ConnectionCorps is an initiative through which UMBC students learn to foster democratic participation and authentic connection among participants in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s workshops and programs (e.g., Change Makers Dinner, Changing Maryland, and Dinner with Friends). ConnectionCorps facilitators participate in bi-weekly and ad-hoc training sessions to build community, develop skills, and prepare to facilitate.

The overall time commitment is approximately 30 hours in each of the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters. For specific dates, see the application.

ConnectionCorps facilitators receive a $400 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 096-08) on their transcripts for spring 2022. They also receive a graduation cord to recognize the contributions they have made to the education and growth of their peers. The Shriver Center coordinates PRAC 096-08 and the distribution of graduation cords.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in Center for Democracy and Civic Life workshops or programs.

STRiVE coaches

STRiVE is an intensive, five-day leadership for social impact program organized in partnership with the Student Government Association. The STRiVE coaching team prepares for and facilitates STRiVE, which will take place January 9-13, 2023. STRiVE coaches meet weekly during the fall 2022 semester to practice sessions and make plans. Coaches also prepare to facilitate small and large group sessions. By the time of the retreat, all coaches have received all the training and practice needed to succeed as a STRiVE coach.

The overall time commitment is approximately 100 hours over the course of fall 2022 semester and winter 2023 term. For specific dates, see the application.

STRiVE coaches receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 096-08) on their transcript for winter 2023. They also receive a graduation cord to recognize the contributions they have made to the education and growth of their peers. The Shriver Center coordinates PRAC 096-08 and the distribution of graduation cords.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in STRiVE or a similar multi-day experiential learning program.

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Use this form to apply to be an Alternative Spring Break leader, ConnectionCorps facilitator, or a STRiVE coach for the 2022-23 academic year. Again, applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022.

If you have any questions, you can contact us directly at civiclife@umbc.edu.