Wichita State University
Greek Service Immersion Trip
Ile-a-Vache, Haiti
July 11-20, 2014
Information Packet
Men anpil, chay pa lou – Unity creates strength
With many hands, the burden is light
What is the Greek Service Immersion Trip?
The Greek Service Immersion Trip (GSIT) is an opportunity for you to engage in community service during your summer break. GSIT is a great way to explore social issues and discover new things through education and purposeful action. As part of GSIT, you will have the opportunity to join forces with other members of the Greek community to engage in making a difference in complex social issues. By providing some much needed assistance, you have the chance to learn from the people and organizations you encounter and gain a broader understanding of the world around you. Through holistic learning and by showing respect and commitment to achieving shared visions, you will experience meaningful service, develop new friendships within the Greek community, learn about different cultures, further your education or career goals, and have the opportunity to explore social change.
Who can go on these trips?
Space is limited on the trip and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. In order to be eligible for the trip you must be a member of a fraternity or sorority recognized by one of the three Greek governing councils at Wichita State University. You must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, a positive attitude, and a willingness to serve others.
What company will be used to book the trip?
“Elevate Destinations is unique among small group adventure travel operators. We go beyond sustainable tourism to what we call transformative travel. Every trip benefits local communities and conservation. We help you connect with people and projects that matter. 5% of the net costs of your trip go to non-profit partners in the destinations you visit. We'll even help you volunteer where it will make a difference to people and wildlife. We offer flexible departure dates, and custom itineraries for groups, honeymoons, and family adventures.
Founded in 2005, Elevate Destinations books custom journeys for individuals and groups.”
We will be utilizing Elevate Destinations Volunteer Trip option, Elevate Haiti
www.elevatedestinations.com
What Foundation will the group work with?
“The EDEM Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to opportunities to communities in Haiti through sustainable education, agriculture, community development and reliable partnerships (Edem is Haitian Kreyol for "Help Me"). The EDEM Foundation isa project of United Charitable Programs, Inc. and is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.” There are four pillars within the Foundation: Youth Development, Community Development, Environment and Partnership.
www.edem2.org
What is the role of a participant?
The Greek Service Immersion Trip offers students the opportunity to serve outside of the Wichita area while deeply exploring a social issue and building lasting relationships. For participation in the experience to be rewarding, it requires commitment and dedication. Participants are required to attend regular trip meetings where they will get to know their fellow trip members and become educated about the social issues addressed by their service. After returning, students will participate in a post-trip reflection activity. Two WSU staff members will serve as the trip’s facilitators throughout the year and lead all of these events.
All participants must be a Wichita State University student in good standing (no current sanctioning) with the University
All participants must be a member of Greek lettered organization recognized by one of the three governing councils: IFC, MGC, and WPA
All participants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA by the end of the Fall 2013 semester
All participants must carry major medical insurance and will be required to purchase one month of Global Emergency Services insurance
Important Dates and Commitments
The following items are important events to ensure quality preparation for the Greek Service Immersion Trip experience.
_____ 2014 Participant Application Due December 3, 2013 5:00pm
While participants will be placed on the trip on a first come first serve basis, we reserve the right to limit no more than three people per organization until this date. Since only a limited number of positions on the trip are available, it is important that as many chapters as possible have the opportunity to be represented. Applications can be found at wichita.edu/GSIT and must be completed by 5:00 pm. A hard copy of the application may be made available upon request. Participants will be notified no later than December 4 at 5:00 pm of their acceptance.
_____2014 Participant Kick-Off: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:00 pm RSC TBA
Participants will come together to meet their site leaders and other participants. During the kick-off participants will begin to familiarize themselves with both the issues of the service immersion trip and other participants. A non-refundable $100 deposit is due at this meeting.*
_____2014 Project Discussions 7:00 pm RSC TBA
Throughout the fall and spring semester, the team will meet regularly on Tuesday nights at 7:00pm to better understand the cultural background of the site we will be visiting as well as familiarize the team with the type of service we will be conducting. Below are the dates and tentative topics which will be discussed. Participants MUST be present at all meetings in order to attend the GSIT. Unexcused absences will cause forfeiture of participants spot and all deposits made.
January 21: Trip Detail Overview and Packing Preparation, SGA funding requests, Fundraising discussion
February 4: History of Haiti
February 18: Creole Language and EDEM Foundation background
March 4: Discussion of Service Project
March 18: Creole Language and Safety in Haiti
April 15: Service Project Determined
May 13: Creole Language
June 10: Trip Walk Through
July 8: Final Trip Details
Additional Session: Franz Augustin, a WSU Cultural Ambassador and Haitian Native, will be presenting “The Other Side of Haiti” on December 4, 2013 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Ablah Library, Leisure Reading Room, 1st Floor in the Reserve Area. All participants are strongly encouraged to attend this session. You may bring your lunch.
Trip Costs
The cost of the trip includes food at the site, transportation in Haiti and housing in Haiti. The cost of the trip does not include flight, meals during transit, or any additional expenses one my individually incur
The cost of the trip includes food at the site, transportation, housing, and other program costs for the week. The cost does not include meals during transit. Final cost will be announced at the January 8th team meeting. The estimated cost of the GSIT is:
$1,350 to Elevate Destinations
$500 donation to the EDEM Foundation
Flight
Meals traveling to and from location and two dinners during the trip
One month of services for the Global Emergency Services insurance
Because this is an international trip the price is variable until flights are confirmed. Fundraising is possible to decrease the cost of the trip; however, fundraising is completely contingent on the team selected and their desire to coordinate such efforts with their site leaders.
Payment Information
Participants will be responsible for submitting their payments by the stated deadline. If a participant has not paid the total amount of the trip, they will not be allowed to participate in an Alternative Break. Participants who do not meet payment deadlines risk being dropped from the trip without refund.
_____ A $100 non-refundable* deposit (check or money order) is due at the Kick-Off meeting on December 10
_____ A $750 non-refundable payment (check or money order) is due at the January 21 team meeting.
_____ A $750 non-refundable payment (check or money order) is due at the March 18 team meeting.
_____ A $250 non-refundable payment (check or money order) is due at the May 13 team meeting.
Checks must be made out to Rhatigan Student Center Union Corporation with the subject line as Greek Service Immersion Trip
Passports
Passports are required for this trip since we are traveling outside of the country. Passports should be obtained at the first available moment. Copies of passports will be collected at the January 21 team meeting. Participants who do not provide a copy of their passport by this meeting risk being dropped from the trip without refund.
Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance is required for this trip since we are traveling outside of the country. Copies of medical insurance cards will be collected at the January 21 team meeting. Participants who do not provide a copy of their medical insurance card by this meeting risk being dropped from the trip without refund.
Immunizations
Participants are responsible for their own immunizations. Participants will be provided with a list of the recommended, but not required, immunizations needed when traveling to Haiti.
*If less than 12 students complete the application and attend the Kick-Off meeting, the trip will be cancelled and the $100 will not be collected from the applicants. A minimum requirement of 12 students must be present in order to move forward with the trip. Trip is contingent upon approval of contract.