Please see the FAQ below to better understand the trip application, if you even need to fill it out, and how to ensure your app is the best it can be. If one of your questions isn't answered below, feel free to comment or email gbumbc@gmail.com for more info!
Why is there a trip application?
Simply put-- financial limitations and logistical limitations. We have grown exponentially as an organization during the last two years and are facing new problems along with that amazing growth. We have capped all the programs' brigade volunteers so that, at most, we are looking at mobilizing 150 volunteers to travel, and estimating 100 at the very least. As a closed student organization, we created caps because we can only afford to bus so many students to and from campus to the airport(s) we'll be using for travel, and that has to be feasible amount for us to fundraise (we're looking at around $4,000 for this brigade cycle).
But also, if for some reason we got all that transportation money donated to us, there are logistical reasons for the caps. The leadership team feels somewhat responsible for all of our members while on brigades, and to ensure everyone can easily be kept track of, we have to limit the amount of people on these trips. Also, there is a limit to how many people we can take and still deliver efficient service. We don't want to overwhelm the community with a bunch of volunteers and we also don't want our volunteers to feel like they aren't doing much because tasks get spread too thin among brigade volunteers.
Dental/Medical cap: 25-50 people
All other programs: 25 people
When is the application due?
The application is currently open and can be found in the "Documents" section of our myUMBC group page. It is one application for ALL programs.
The final due date, unless otherwise stated by your program director, is Wednesday, September 9th, 2015 at 11:59PM.
How can I make sure my application is the best it can be?
Hint: Essay portions will be more important than any other section. So before you write, reflect on why this organization is important to you, what you want to get out of participating with us, and make sure you understand the mission and vision of Global Brigades for better context. (see www.globalbrigades.org for a refresher)
Hint: Proof-read. It will leave an impression if your basic grammar and syntax is off or if there are a lot of little mistakes. We will expect you care enough to proof-read your work and make it sound professional and appropriate, but also personalized!
Who reviews the trip applications?
The GB UMBC Executive Board which includes all the program directors, the executive officers (Campus Chairperson, Alumni Director, and Media Director) and our GB Faculty Advisor will be collectively reviewing applications during a special executive board meeting.
There is a set process for reviewing applications as well as a rubric used for initial sorting. If you have further questions, email gbumbc@gmail.com and/or your program director.
When will I know the results of my application?
By the third week of September, at the latest. As the the application cycle ends, you will be notified of the results of your application and will accept your trip membership by signing your program contract that outlines financial commitment and participation, or understand that you did not get chosen for this brigade cycle, or have the option to be involved in a different program's brigade trip or wait-listed for your first choice program.
What are my options if I am not chosen for my program's brigade trip?
On the application you have the option of choosing a 2nd or 3rd choice brigade trip. For example, you are applying for the Public Health program's brigade but if you didn't get a trip member spot for that, you'd also love to be a part of Human Rights of Microfinance because you have interest in those programs too.
On the app, you can pick (or not pick) these 2nd and 3rd choice options. Should you be picked for your 2nd or 3rd choice program though and accept that trip membership, you must also commit to being a member of that program for this brigade cycle--attending meetings, helping fundraise, etc. This is because we only allow you to be a member of one brigade program per brigade cycle because of how involved planning and prepping for brigades can be.
If you don't want to do any of the above, you can continue to support the brigade through helping with fundraisers and events, collecting donations, and being informed about Global Brigades mission and work!
Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of our trip application. Remember, you must be ready to financially commit to the trip to feasibly apply. That doesn't mean you have all the money now, but that you are confident you can pay for the trip by the deadlines.
