CISV Jacksonville

CISV educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world.

Leader Information

CISV programs aren’t just for children—they offer valuable educational experiences for adults as well. Adult leaders are integral to the success of all CISV programs.

In a Village program, leaders, alongside junior counselors, manage day-to-day activities, plan the camp agenda, and shape the experience for 11-year-old participants. In a Step Up program, leaders act as facilitators, guiding participants as they plan camp activities themselves. During an Interchange, leaders collaborate with parents and delegates to organize group schedules and activities, while also hosting the delegation leader from the partner country.

While leaders focus on enriching the children’s daytime experiences, the late-evening hours provide an opportunity for leaders to have their own meaningful CISV experiences. After-hours activities often enhance cultural understanding among the adult facilitators, fostering lasting friendships with colleagues from around the world.

A leader’s day is full and involves facilitating activities, connecting with delegates, and dedicating time in the evening to debrief and plan for the next day. Leaders also use this time to connect with peers, problem-solve, and learn from each other. Though leaders have time off from the camp, they can choose to explore the local community or enjoy some downtime for reading and relaxation. In the Village program, the middle weekend offers leaders a chance to relax as a group while the children stay with host families.

CISV Leader Responsibilities:

Demonstrate commitment to CISV by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the organization and adhering to its goals and philosophy. Exhibit mature, responsible behavior consistent with the CISV philosophy and the role of a youth leader.

Mandatory attendance and active participation in local and National Leadership Workshops preceding the CISV program are required. Failure to attend results in cancellation, necessitating selection of an attendee as a replacement.

Submit any necessary dues or fees to the Chapter within one month of selection. Foster positive relationships with program participants and their families to encourage a sense of group cohesion.

Ensure timely and accurate completion of required CISV forms for both child-delegates and leaders. Responsiveness to pre-program communications, meeting requests, and deadlines is essential.

Take charge of travel preparations, communicating and addressing any health issues that may arise among participants. Provide assistance to host families and program staff as needed.

Maintain accountability for group finances, offering general and emergency money accounting to the Chapter and families. Keep the Chapter contact person informed about delegation or individual plans and readiness progress.

Organize and lead at least one post-program activity involving participants and their families. Embrace feedback from CISV at local, National, and International levels.

Actively promote CISV and remain engaged in the Chapter for the year following the CISV program.

Qualifications:

Volunteers serving as Adult Leaders in all CISV programs undergo a thorough selection and training process. Primary qualifications for individuals aged 21 or older include a genuine passion for working with children, a commitment to the CISV philosophy, travel experience, and the requisite flexibility and maturity to guide a delegation of dynamic young individuals.

Leaders engage in frequent meetings with their delegations, playing a crucial role in preparing them for the CISV program experience. Their leadership serves as a catalyst, fostering cohesion among the delegation members, who form a unified group of friends with a shared purpose. CISV strictly mandates extensive local and National training for leader preparation. The volunteer leader pool encompasses diverse professionals, such as teachers, parents, clergy, business professionals, graduate students, and others.

This is a “volunteer” position. What are the costs involved?

Following your return from camp, Jacksonville provides leaders with an honorarium. CISV covers your training fees, travel expenses, as well as food and lodging during the program.

What is the time commitment?

CISV programs vary in duration, typically spanning three to four weeks, contingent on the specific program. In addition to the program itself, leaders are involved in the following activities:

  1. Conducting approximately 5-6 pre-travel meetings with delegates and their families.
  2. Attending a weekend-long training session focused on the organization and program.
  3. Engaging in organizational tasks to ensure the delegation is well-prepared for travel.

Leadership Application and Responsibilities:

To apply, candidates must:

  1. Demonstrate a commitment to acquiring a comprehensive understanding of CISV and adhere to the organization’s goals and philosophy.
  2. Exhibit mature, responsible behavior consistent with the CISV philosophy and the role of a youth leader.

Selection Process:

  1. Submit the application form and undergo background checks. Two references are required (see links below).
  2. Participate in personal interviews conducted by the chapter.
  3. Successfully pass background checks.

Pre-Program Responsibilities:

  1. Attend mandatory local and National Leadership Workshops preceding the CISV program.
  2. Foster positive relationships with program participants and their families to promote group cohesion.
  3. Ensure timely and proper completion of required CISV forms for both child-delegates and leaders.
  4. Respond to pre-program communications promptly, adhering to requests and timeframes.
  5. Oversee travel preparations, including obtaining passports, visas (if required), and information on required immunizations.
  6. Be open to suggestions from CISV at local, National, and International levels.
  7. Keep the Chapter contact person informed about delegation plans and progress toward readiness.

During the Program:

  1. Fully participate and engage the delegation in the CISV program, collaborating with program staff and other delegation leaders.
  2. Be aware of and communicate any health issues among participants, assisting host families or program staff as needed.
  3. Provide a general accounting of group finances and specific accounting of emergency funds to the Chapter and families.

Post-Program Responsibilities:

  1. Plan and conduct at least one post-program activity with participants and their families.
  2. Remain active in the Chapter for the year immediately following the CISV program, contributing to the ongoing Junior Branch.
  3. Promote CISV whenever possible.
  4. Maintain connections with new CISV friends worldwide.

Contact Information:

If you have questions or wish to speak with someone, please provide your contact information on our Contact Us page, and a chapter member will reach out to you. Additionally, we can connect you with past leaders for further insights.