Department of Student Engagement

YourStory International

YourStory International is an American and Haitian co-founded and co-run organization that focuses on public health education, primary care, and community development initiatives in Pont Morel, Haiti. We value local Haitian perspectives while working hard to empower our undergraduate advocates. We welcome all majors!

Brandeis Hillel

Brandeis Hillel serves as the umbrella organization for Jewish life on campus. At Hillel students forge new friendships, meet dedicated mentors, celebrate the Jewish calendar, engage in service to others, and are inspired by Jewish texts and traditions. Hillel is for every Jew, of every color, from every country, studying every subject, and welcomes students of any sexual orientation, gender identity and physical ability, as well as those affected by mental illness, trauma, and abuse.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity works towards alleviating the housing crisis through hands-on service and community engagement. 

Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC)

FIMRC provides access to medical care for underprivileged and medically underserved families around the world.

Service Without Borders

Service Without Borders is a branch of Waltham Group that provides students with the opportunity to volunteer in different locations while educating them about the local communities they are volunteering in. 

Center for Spiritual Life

The Center for Spiritual Life deepens students' spiritual identities and calling to make a difference in the world.

Global Brigades

Global Brigades empowers and provides supplies to impoverished communities in Honduras. Global Brigades works to ensure the sustainability of these communities to see long-lasting improvements.

Volunteers for Israel: Jerusalem & Tel Aviv - February 2019

Brandeis students participated in an ASB trip, "Volunteers for Israel" in which they explored the historical sites of Jerusalem and were immersed in the culture of Tel Aviv. These participants spent several days volunteering on an IDF (Israeli Defense Force) army base, completing small tasks in the communications dept. and helping soldiers to accomplish their duties. Students from various backgrounds were able to learn about the rich history and culture of Israel while sharing their experiences and identities with each other. This trip was coordinated by Brandeis Hillel staff, Sydney Brenner, and was funded by the Boston Jewish federation--CJP.

Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County: Winston-Salem, NC - February 2019

Habitat for Humanity returned to the Forsyth County affiliate in Winston-Salem, NC over February break for a week of volunteering, building, and bonding! Volunteers worked on five different sites, installing flooring and constructing walls.

Brandeis' Department of Spiritual and Religious Life Trip to Miami, FL - February 2019

Shrestha Singh (Brandeis’ Hindu Chaplain) and Matt Carriker (Brandeis’ Protestant Chaplain) led a transformative experience with nine students during February break, learning about social justice in Miami. The students served at various social service agencies and non-profit organizations such as Lotus House and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association. This trip was organized by Brandeis’ Department of Spiritual and Religious Life.

Service Without Borders: 7elements - Dominican Republic - February 2019

Service without Borders partnered with 7elements over February Break, working on global and eco health initiatives in the Dominican Republic. 7elements uses United Nations’ Seven Elements of Human Security to guide their work, emphasizing community empowerment, dual development of the community and volunteers, and sustainable projects. Service without Borders worked alongside a Haitian doctor to provide individualized care in local clinics, repaired a water tank, and built a structure out of recycled water bottles.

YourStory International: Haiti - December 2018

Brandeis's YourStory International club went over December break to Haiti to work with the nonprofit YourStory International. One participant remarked, "Haiti was an amazing and memorable experience for me! When there we participating in running a free clinic, field work, and teaching public health for the people of the Leogane area. I made great friends there and the staff had amazing people. I would love to go back for sure."

A one stop shop for alternative break leaders! This handbook (pdf) includes guidelines on topics including university requirements, logistics, planning, reflection, and risk management. It also includes sample participant applications, reflection questions, and more.

The Alternative Break Need-Based Financial Assistance Request Form (pdf) is a form for undergraduate trip members to fill out and submit to the Program Coordinator for Service Initiatives to apply for need-based travel support for Alternative Break Trips. Graduate students do not qualify for this need-based trip funding provided by the undergraduate Student Union.

Any student who volunteers MUST fill out a Student Waiver and Release of Liability Form (pdf). Participants who have volunteered before their trip may have already completed this form.

The Trip Waiver Form (pdf) includes a trip-specific agreement to abide by the Student Rights and Community Standards and release of liability. All participants must complete this form.

Complete the Community Service and Learning Agreement (pdf) with your community partner, with help from the Department of Student Engagement. This document clarifies the responsibilities and rights of Brandeis and your community partner.

The pre-departure form should be completed prior to the pre-departure meeting with Department of Student Engagement staff, at least one month before your departure. Please contact Taisha White for a copy of the pre-departure form. 

Fill out the Trip Summary Form (pdf) form at the end of your trip to reflect on and tell others a little bit about your experience!

Break Away is a national membership-based organization provides useful information for alternative break coordinators, including sample documents from universities across the country and a domestic housing database. Email the graduate assistants for login information.

The Department of Student Engagement's Utilizing Community Engagement and Service Resources page is your toolkit for any service activities. Find resources on topics like relationship-building, funding, and professionalism in volunteering.