Global Brigades is proud to report that another successful Student Leadership Conference wrapped-up in Chicago! From August 12-14th, over 75 students attended the event (14 of the attendees were Global Brigades Campus Chairpersons). The purpose of the Student Leadership Conference is to bring student leaders together to share ideas, resources, and information about international aid and development, to learn more about the work of Global Brigades, and to provide feedback and input on our programming.
This year, the theme for the Conference was: What can one student accomplish? Global Brigades highlighted the incredible impact that one volunteer can have in helping to transform under-resourced communities. Did you know that:
- For every one volunteer that comes down on a Medical Brigade, 55 patients are seen.
- For every one Dental Brigades volunteer, 62 teeth extractions are performed.
- For every one Business Brigader, 17 hours of Business Consulting are provided.
This is just a sample of the impressive statistics that highlight the impact that one volunteer can have in the rural communities we work with–and this impact further highlights the need and importance for involving more students as volunteers!
During the conference, students had the opportunity to participate in various break-out sessions on programming, development challenges, education on brigades, fundraising and leadership. As a student-led organization, these sessions provide a platform for student leaders to have a direct input and say on Global Brigades’ programming.
Students also heard from Program Leads about ideas for supplemental initiatives that complement the mission of every program. Campus Chairpersons then voted on the project initiatives they thought would be best for Global Brigades. We are excited to compile the results and will report back with a final tally in October.
Universities still have time to elect a Campus Chairperson and to attend the Student Leadership Conference in Seattle, which will take place September 9th-11th. All costs associated with the conference are covered, except for airfare to and from Seattle.
Network with other student leaders, learn about our new initiatives, and have a direct input on Global Brigades’ programming!
If you are interested in participating, please contact Michelle at michelle@globalbrigades.org.
