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VOLbreak Leader Application

VOLbreaks

VOLbreaks students posing in front of The Rock, painted with "VOLbreaks Fall '23"

The University of Tennessee has held VOLbreaks community service trips for students since 1993.  VOLbreaks are trips, typically held over fall, winter, and spring breaks, where students engage with various social issues through service and education. All trips are student-planned and led. By participating in a VOLbreaks trip, students will develop empathy, examine their assumptions, explore social problems and their root causes, and strive to become active citizens in their own communities.

VOLbreaks Leaders (VBLs) are the back bone of planning a VOLbreaks trip. VBL responsibilities include researching a trip theme, coordinating with a community partner for the group to serve alongside, planning nightly reflection activities, and planning a reorientation event for their participants. VBLs are required to participate in a training program to prepare them for the above responsibilities.

All VBLs are required to attend VBL Training throughout the fall semester.

If you have any questions, contact Grace Hicks, VOLbreaks Educational Specialist, at gracehicks@utk.edu

Fall VOLbreaks Leader Application

Thank you for you interest in being a VOLbreaks leader! Please note that this application is only for students interested in leading a trip in Fall 2024. Applications for Spring 2025 VOLbreak Leaders will open in March 2025. Please contact Grace Hicks at gracehicks@utk.edu with any concerns or questions.

"*" indicates required fields

2024 Fall VOLbreaks Leader Application

In addition to submitting an application, you must sign up for a 30-minute interview here:
Name*
(XXXX@vols.utk.edu)

About You

Previous participation is not required to be a VOLbreaks leader.
Year, trip season, location.
What issues are you most personally and educationally invested in? Think about social themes that you'd be comfortable leading.*

Self-Rating

In the section below, please rate yourself as it relates to these qualities.
Organization*
Conflict Resolution Skills*
Communication*
Time Management*
Critical Thinking*
Flexibility*
Please note that serving in the VOLbreak Leader is more than 4-day commitment. You will be expected to prioritize your VOLbreak Leader position from May 2024- November 2024.

Additional Information

VOLbreak Leaders are responsible for driving 12-passenger vans to their trip locations. Exceptions are made as long as one of the co-leaders is able to drive.

Availability

Interviews will take place Monday April 22nd to Friday April 26th unless other accommodations are made with VOLbreaks staff.*
VOLbreaks Leader trainings will run from August 2024 to October 2024. Leaders will also be enrolled in ELPS 350 for 2 credit hours on Tuesdays from 4:05pm-5:20pm.

Confidentiality Agreement

I understand that all documents to this application are confidential and the property of the Jones Center for Leadership & Service. I further understand that I will not have the opportunity to personally review or inspect any of these documents. However, in an effort to promote a valuable educational experience and to improve interviewing skills, feedback concerning reasons for selection or non-selection will be provided at the applicants’ request. This procedure is in compliance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. I wish to submit this application for a position in the Jones Center for Leadership & Service. I am aware of the responsibilities of this position(s) for which I have applied as specified in the Position Description, and I fully intend to fulfill each one to the best of my ability if selected. I possess the minimum qualifications required for this position as specified on this form and all information provided herein is accurate. I understand that my initials below serve as an electronic signature which authorizes the Jones Center for Leadership & Service to review my disciplinary file in the Office of Judicial Affairs and my academic transcript for verification of my grade point average. This is necessary for the purpose of screening applicants. The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap or veteran status in provision of educational opportunities or benefits. The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of sex or handicap in the educational programs and activities which it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Public Law 92-318; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, respectively. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University. Inquiries concerning the Title IX and Section 504 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 should be directed to the Office of Affirmative Action, 2110 Terrace Avenue, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3558 or call (865) 974-2498. Charges of violations of the above policy should also be directed to the Office of Affirmative Action.
Waiver*
By clicking "I consent" you hereby give the reviewers of your application authority to access your student conduct and academic records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).