Pre-Break Info: Education & Training

Post-Break Info: Reorientation

Participant Responsibilities and Group Agreements:

Each group is asked to establish its own group agreements during its first ore-departure meeting. At a minimum, AWOL participants are asked to:

• Be a good team member. Be respectful of others' time and mindful of your actions.

• Be an active participant in all scheduled activities.

• Always include your site leader(s) as the first point of communication if you have concerns or need to discuss a problem. They are the ones who know the most about the alternative break and are on site. Discussing the concern or problem with people who are not members of your group or USD AWOL leadership can increase stress and conflict rather than properly address it.

• Abide by all AWOL policies.

• Utilize the educational materials provided for your group and share additional ones if you find them. Adopt a growth mindset and remember this is an educational opportunity.

• Know the community partners that you are visiting before you arrive. Do a deep search on their website/social media, and bring questions to ask. It is disrespectful of their time and shows a lack of interest if you are unprepared.

• Ask your site-leaders questions about what you will be doing, what you should and should not bring, where to find more information, etc. You will have a better experience if you are active and not passive in the process.