2016: co-leader for hunger and homelessness in washington, d.c.
In my sophomore year at Hamline, I had the chance to return to Washington, D.C., but this time as a co-leader. Our group participated in the 48 hour homelessness plunge for the first two days. After some much needed reflection and recuperation time, we spent the following three days volunteering at valuable organizations fighting homelessness in D.C., such as Charlie's Place, SOME, Bread for the City, and D.C. Central Kitchen.
Throughout the week, our group reflected on what we did and could learn from these organizations and people experiencing homelessness, how systemic oppression leads and perpetuates homelessness, and how our own social identities operate in these systems. We also reflected on what we can do about it, both in Washington, D.C., and back home in the Twin Cities.
To learn more about our experience, and hear perspectives from all involved on the trip, please visit our blog.
Throughout the week, our group reflected on what we did and could learn from these organizations and people experiencing homelessness, how systemic oppression leads and perpetuates homelessness, and how our own social identities operate in these systems. We also reflected on what we can do about it, both in Washington, D.C., and back home in the Twin Cities.
To learn more about our experience, and hear perspectives from all involved on the trip, please visit our blog.
Being a leader was much more intensive process, and involved the following:
- Monthly training meetings with executive board and all leaders
- Attending a three-day long training retreat
- Selecting group of 10 students
- Planning 5-7 pre-trip meetings for our group
- Coordinating all experiential learning on the trip
- Planning meals, reflections, team builders for the week
- A service project before and after the trip to connect experiences to the Twin Cities