Hey all,
We hope that you are getting excited to go on your trips! We want you to reflect in this blog about the "potential volunteer problems" that might come up on your trip.
These include: being bored, tired, snowed out, or discouraged about the type of the work you are doing. How might these questions apply to your site and how might you deal with these issues?
Tonights blog only needs to be 200 words.
We can't wait to hear all about your trips. Please be in touch (via email at albreaks@ku.edu) if you are planning on live-blogging your trip and we'll figure out logistics. If you are planning on this option, please be in touch before Stop Day.
Thanks,
Julia and Stephanie
As far as potential volunteer problems, I'm most worried with my trip (Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency) about being tired. We'll be serving food to the hungry community in Atlanta, so I'm not too worried about being bored because we'll either be cooking or serving the community directly. I also don't think I'll become discouraged about the work we're doing, because hunger is such an immediate issue and we're providing immediate, direct relief. As far as tiredness, though, I can only hope that the people we'll be working with will keep us energized through their stories and insights (Five Hour Energy might play a role as well...). We can also be sure to support each other as a group, so that on our day off we can come to an agreement about how many activities we really want to do (as opposed to resting, perhaps). I'm not exactly sure what we'll be doing other than cooking and serving, so another potential problem might be wanting to plan ahead and not being able to. Our site leaders told us tonight that we'll probably spend the mornings split into two groups, and in the afternoons, we'll be together - beyond that, there's very little information on what we'll be doing! For someone like me, that might be hard to grasp, but we'll get through it!
ReplyDeleteReflecting upon, and framing our breaks, is an important exercise. I want to commend the Alternative Breaks coordinators and directors for leading this discussion, as I have never thoroughly considered this before myself. Many of the volunteer trips that I have previously participated with would certainly have benefited from a similar discussion, as I, and many other participants, have often felt as if we were not doing enough to help. However, I now realize that these concerns could have easily been assuaged through a simple shift in attitude. There are several things that I will try to bear in mind, in order to prevent similar worries from occurring during my trip to Denver, Colorado. During our trip, my group and I will be performing a wide variety of activities that will assist our organization, One Colorado, as it tries to advocate, and garner support for a Senate bill that would ultimately create the “Colorado Civil Union Act”. During my trip, I must remind myself that this form of political and social activism isn’t always glorious or glamorous. Advocating for, and changing various laws, is certainly not like it is in the movies. I will, most likely, not be pacing the halls of the capitol, meeting with congressmen, or participating in law-changing sit-ins, protests, or demonstrations. However, I must continue to remind myself that political and social movements are large, complex systems, consisting of a wide array of jobs, tasks, and participants, each of which are equally as important. After all, eliminating one cog from a well-oiled machine would cause all other parts to grind to a halt. By keeping this in mind, I hope to remind myself that the work that I perform, and the tasks that I accomplish, are still vitally important to the success of the overall organization, despite the level of glory or prestige that the jobs themselves may bring.
ReplyDeleteWhen considering these possibilities that may occur while on my own volunteer trip I feel that these problems are very important because it can hinder the overall experience of the entire trip. For instance I feel boredom is a definite possibility while volunteering perhaps it will seem as though we are just doing the same tasks over and over and maybe we'll become bored with doing the same thing, in order to make sure this does not happen maybe if someone else is working on something else I could help them or we could trade tasks. This would also be helpful should I feel like the work I am doing is not as useful as I thought it maybe, since I am doing the same thing I may feel as though it is of no importance but If I am able to change up the kind of work I am doing maybe I will feel as though I am making a better contribution. If I begin to feel tired the best thing for me to do would try to make sure that I get enough rest the night before making sure that I do not go to sleep at a late hour. If I do this and still feel sleepy the next day I could try to make some coffee or tea that would allow me to feel awake and alert.
ReplyDeleteThough I am extremely excited for my Alternative Breaks trip to Give Kids the World, I am sure that there will be a few problems I encounter during the week. I am not very concerned about feeling tired or our trip getting snowed out. Furthermore, I do not think that I will find my work to be trivial, even if I am only emptying trash cans all day for five days. My opinions about volunteering in general will definitely help keep these thoughts at bay. I believe that when volunteering it is important to maintain an attitude of servitude and usually have no difficulty doing so. One of my main concerns with the trip is a fear that I will be experiencing an overwhelming mix of emotions. Working with terminally ill children obviously can cause volunteers to become depressed, especially when they allow themselves to consider how little time the children could have left. On the other hand, I will feel like it is my job to be upbeat and full of smiles. I am there to help give children who could possibly die very shortly a chance to have a dream vacation. Besides, how is it my place to feel sorry for families who are not asking for my pity but are simply looking for an enjoyable escape? I think that these conflicting feelings will be the most challenging part of our break.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think being snowed out will be a problem. Does it even snow in Texas? I also could never be bored when I am doing what I love, which is being involved with animals. I am super excited to see all of the large cats and wildlife. I have always wanted an up close and personal encounter with an elephant, zebra, or any number of the other fabulous creatures! I heard from one of my site leaders that we will get to wash the guard dogs at the zoo. I am excited to see what breed of dogs they are. It will also be comforting to have dogs around, a small reminder of home. I think that one of my issues on the trip will be getting homesick. I’m sure I will get over my homesickness though as soon as we get to start interacting with the animals. I want to focus on the experience and all the rewards of being able to go on a trip like this. The only other volunteer problem I can think of would be getting tired. I know on my other Alternative Break we would all come back to the church exhausted, but it was a good kind of tired. The kind of tired that comes with knowing that you have done something worthwhile with your day, and I’m sure that’s how I will feel about this trip as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm most concerned about being discouraged, tired, and snowed out. I've spoken to a few friends who have volunteered with the homeless before and their biggest issue has been discouragement. I know, however, that because of the strong support of the group being discouraged wont be that large of an issue. Second, it's quite possible that we will be snowed out, even though we're in Atlanta. I'm not worried about being snowed out in Atlanta, but on the way there it could be a serious issue. I suppose we will have to keep a watchful eye on the weather and hope for the best. Finally, I'm most concerned about being exhausted. I'm the president of a different not for profit here at the University of Kansas. I have to attend a conference in San Francisco the week before, with only a 2 day break in between trips so it's quite possible that I will be very tired from leading my members all the way to California. Yet, I'm very confident in my group's ability to motivate and maintain energy! Potential roadblocks aside, I’m very optimistic about the prospect of driving cross country to lend a helping hand and If I had to guess, I’d say my group probably feels the same! Let’s make this an awesome experience!
ReplyDeleteI think that some potential problems for the break might be that everyone is going to be exhausted and I’m personally nervous that we might all get grumpy and take it out on one another. I think to prevent that it is important to remember what we are there to do. I know that we all want to help and that is why we are doing this alternative break. Another thing that might discourage people is that the children might not respond to us as we want them to. Another problem that might arise is that we disagree on what to eat, or people just get irritated with one another but we just need to rise above and realize that we are doing this for the children and then I think that things will be fine. I think that being snowed out in Colorado is a viable concern and that it is something we need to think about. The good thing is that we are staying in downtown Denver near our site, so it would be easier to get around the city. I think another issue might be that we are staying with another group in Denver from KU. We are doing completely different things, and are going to have different experiences but we are all using the same facilities and cooking in the same place so it might be tight. We just need to utilize the little space we have. All in all, I think that everything will work out and no matter what we will make it work and have a great time! I cannot wait to go work with the kids in Denver.
ReplyDeleteAfter the group meeting on Thursday I’ve been thinking about two potential volunteer problems: being uncomfortable with certain tasks and being overwhelmed and exhausted. Being uncomfortable is definitely a possibility because we will be interacting with individuals who have stories that we couldn’t even begin to imagine. However, I feel that that is the exact reason that we’re there. The hope is to break out of the relatively privileged shell that we live in. With that in mind, perhaps the best way to handle this would simply be to listen and let them know that even though I can’t say that I can relate to their experiences, I can do my best to understand. Second, there’s definitely a risk that we will become exhausted and overwhelmed with all of our tasks. We may begin to feel that they aren’t important and meaningless. The thing that we must remember is that we’re not there for ourselves; instead, we are there for them. If we have that frame of mind I bet we will be able to get everything done and do it in a way that benefits everyone involved. If we don’t view it as a task, but rather as a learning experience I’m sure that all of our worries will be alleviated. I have no doubt that we’re going to have a blast!
ReplyDeleteWhile I am super excited to go on my trip in a few weeks to the Cumberand Trail, there are several potential trip issues that I need to be prepared to deal with if they arise. Last year, this trip was snowed out and left the group bored and feeling useless. If this happens again, my group needs to discuss and suggest different activities to do to pass the time. We could contact Julia to possibly get involved with other volunteer opportunities in a neighboring community, play board games, watch movies, and, most importantly, ask our cite leaders questions about the issues surrounding our trip. If we become discouraged by the work we are doing on cite, which might include carrying tools out to the trail for the trail builders, we should remember that we are putting a piece in a large puzzle that requires every person to play a piece of the puzzle. We can also talk to our cite leader again about all the issues and the importance of the trail to feel more encouraged by our work. Thinking about solutions to common problems that may occur on my trip before they happen has me feeling confident and excited to leave and try to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty much guaranteed that there will be issues of some magnitude on every single trip. One of the things that I have realized over time is that you must anticipate them and prepare for them in order to know what your options are when dealing with them. I have decided that on this trip I am going to try to be very observant as to how everyone is working together, especially in regards to body language and tone of conversations. If I see that there may be an issue arising I will try to “head it off” before anything serious becomes of it. Also, our group has decided that we will do a daily reflection after dinner every night, and if anyone decides to go out for dinner we will just do it after the work is done for the day. Another way to deal with any issues that may arise is to keep the right mindset. It is especially important as a site leader that we realize we need to stay positive and keep everyone else in the proper mindset as well. I think that if we remind ourselves that it is only a week, no matter how bad it gets we will get through it.
ReplyDeleteThrough many past volunteer experiences, I’ve realized that I can start to have a resentful attitude if I don’t see the direct fruits of my labor or if I don’t feel that I am being 100% productive. But I think that this realization is one of the best ways to combat potential negative reactions when volunteering. During my mini-break, which I really didn’t know what we would be doing, I even warned my group that I struggled with this sort of thing. Yet I had a great time serving, even though we weren’t actively doing something the entire time. I attribute that positive experience to the fact that I went in without expectations and with the conscious awareness of my tendency toward a slightly negative attitude if things didn’t go as planned. Also, talking about it with my group beforehand made me even more aware of it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Fifty Forward site, I am confident that if we go in without expectations but just with a servant’s mindset, we will be helpful and have a fulfilling experience as well. Also, being open with the group about thoughts or reactions will be beneficial so that we can help encourage one another and remind each other if need be. If inclement weather is an issue, we could do something helpful at our housing site or explore options with other organizations in the area.
Before being prompted with these questions, I hadn't previously spent much time considering these that could potentially go wrong on my group's trip to Denver, Colorado. In class this past Thursday, we spent a lot of time discussing the logistics of our travels, and also eating full sized candy bars courtesy of #kualbreaks. We joked a lot about the potential issues surrounding the one-shower-for-fourteen-people situation, which I'm sure will work itself out in the end. On a more serious note, I can say that I do have some worry about every keeping their game face on each day, and not forgetting the reason that each of us wanted to apply to be a part of Alternative Winter Break in the first place.
ReplyDelete(continued) Our group will be working with One Colorado, an organization working to legalize civil unions in the state of Colorado. Our site has not given us many set in stone specifics of what our duties will entail, but it will be important to work as a team no matter what the task may be, and motivate one another to not get bored or discouraged. Overall, I am confident in my group members, and can't wait to begin!
ReplyDeletePlayworks! Denver Colorado will be empowering and encouraging children to be healthy and playful. Going in I anticipate the trip to be very exciting and fun, but those lingering thoughts of being bored, tired, snowed in , or discouraged are possible. Let me rephrase that, they are possible only if we let it.
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it is we are in power and control of how we make our experiences. We are driving all the way from Kansas with the fuel of youth rushing in our veins pumped by hearts of compassion. This alone can take us there. But what will keep us there?
Anticipation. What will it be like? Will we be given babysitting jobs? Or will we be given the opportunity to inspire, grow, cultivate,empower, nurture or teach? If we are anyway discouraged, we must remember we have each other! All seven people in the group are completely fabulous and capable of doing amazing things including supporting each other. If everyone else gets discourage, I will not allow it. I would like to uplift the team with encouragement and hope. If we get bored, we must remember what we are doing is important and imperative for the children.
The best thing to do is be positive. Always expect the best. And focus on the big picture. Well the past three sentences were really cliche. But I really mean it. In my own words: Always have a running spirit filled with eagerness to learn, teach, and laugh.
(I'm sorry this is a little late, but my internet has been down all day)
ReplyDeleteI am so excited and cannot wait to head to Arizona for my Alternative Breaks trip! Although, I think it is important that we all be prepared for potential problems and such so that we may address them appropriately.
Weather is always a potential problem in Kansas. Hopefully, we won't be snowed in or anything like that, but once we get closer to Arizona the weather shouldn't pose too much of an issue! However, I am mentally preparing myself for being tired and sore from our work on the ranch - my site contacts warned me that we'll be working pretty hard, so hopefully we won't be too sore! I like to take that as a challenge and face it head-on, I'd rather look at it as an opportunity to help the land and get some exercise at the same time (I'll need it after all those Christmas cookies...). By anticipating the feelings of fatigue and the physical soreness that may be present, I hope to be able to better deal with the challenge when it presents itself.
Group work always presents itself as a possible source of issues, so I think it's important to be prepared to deal with those as they're brought up. A long car ride and physically demanding work on a hot day are fuel for short tempers and bad moods, so it's important for myself and my peers to try to demonstrate a tolerance for these times. As a site leader I am prepared to be a calming mediator if conflict or stress arises. Furthermore, our group has decided to reflect on each day over dinner, and I am hoping this helps get our thoughts out in the open and create a stress-free environment for the week!
Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary will have no problems and run really smoothly every day all day. So... actually. I think regardless of the situation, it is most important to remember why we signed up for the Break in the first place. We were selected, out of over one hundred applicants, to participate in the Alternative Break we applied for. This means that we were the most compassionate about the issues. It is important to remember this when frustrated with scooping animal poop, cleaning reptile cages and washing various critters. The work may be tedious, but as volunteers, we can help make a difference in the lives of these animals and their caretakers for the short five days we are there. It is also important to remember that we were lucky enough to be selected, and to make sure we are acting as compassionately about the animals as well as our privilege to be selected. I think that we will have long days, and after returning to our housing, reflection and dinner, it will be a quick trip to bed. I’m mostly worried about seeing situations and the way animals are treated that I do not agree with, including animal care. Hopefully that won’t be an issue! Overall I’m very excited and can’t wait to head out.
ReplyDeleteI think one potential issue that could come up while volunteering at the Austin Zoo is getting discouraged about the type of work we are doing. It sounds as if mostly we will be shoveling poop and cleaning animal cages, two very practical and unglamorous jobs. After hours of shoveling poop, it would be easy to get discouraged and it will be part of our challenge to keep enthusiasm up. What we need to realize, as a group, is that these unglamorous jobs are some of the hardest jobs to complete. However, working as a group of seven, we can complete them far faster than any one zoo employee could. We will need to focus on the time and effort we are saving. Also we could make these jobs more fun by talking with each other, playing games while working, or turning it into a friendly competition. The more we work together, the better time we will have. I believe our group can handle the jobs that the zoo has assigned for us and by working as a team; we will grow stronger as a group and as individuals. We will be each other’s motivators and supporters and learn more about how to be a good team members.
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