NASST: Be a Participant
To be a participant, one must be enthusiastic, eager to learn, and be open to a whole new experience. Participants should be interested in the mission of social justice and be willing to expand his/her comfort zone. Participants will be driving out in vans/cars provided by us to a community, and become immersed in that community for either a week or two (depending on the site), working with a large variety of people. The participants will also have an opportunity for giving preference for their sites, based on what kind of community service they are interested in. The experience is extremely rewarding and worthwhile. This trip gives you the opportunity to not only learn about a community in which you have never been, but also to learn a lot about yourself and issues you may be passionate about but have never been exposed to. Apply to be a participant today!
PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT
Participant groups meet throughout the winter semester to become oriented to and educated about the issues they can expect to encounter once on-site. In addition, site groups are responsible for fundraising goals to be met prior to the trips. NASST participants have an obligation to their host communities to be appropriately prepared – mentally, physically, and emotionally -- for whatever might arise. Site groups are responsible for scheduling meetings as a team throughout the semester, leading up to their departure in May. Participants should expect to meet for approximately two to three hours each week during the winter semesters for a combination of community service, fundraising, educational, and social activities.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
Alcohol and drug use and/or possession on any UM-NASST trip is STRICTLY PROHIBITED due to University policy, liability and legal issues, respect for the members of your group and – most importantly – the individuals and organizations with whom we are working. If you are found to be under the influence of/in possession of alcohol or drugs, you will immediately be asked to leave your group and travel home at your own expense.
COST
The cost per participant is $125. This non-refundable participant fee is due to the SERVE office on January 17th, 2010. This amount helps cover site fees, transportation costs, the cost for food while volunteering and general expenses for the NASST program. Some out of pocket expenses may also be incurred during the trip to cover meals and any personal expenses. Additionally, each group will be responsible for raising funds to be donated to the site, as well as to cover transportation costs and educational/training fees. Some need-based financial assistance will be available.
To learn more about NASST, see site descriptions, and to access an application on-line visit our website: ginsberg.umich.edu/serve/nasst
Participant Application Deadline: 11:59 pm, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 2009
