Frequently Asked Questions about starting a Global Brigades Chapter
If you haven't connected to someone on our team yet, we'd love to walk you through the process and answer any specific questions you may have. Please use this link to sign up for a meeting with a member of our team!
What Steps Should I Follow to Start My Own Chapter?
Focus on the steps below and keep your Global Brigades contact updated with your progress:
- Build Your Leadership Team: Identify up to 2 individuals to support you during the Chapter creation process.
- Become a Club on Campus: Find out how to set up a student organization on campus and look into any relevant campus policies.
- Set Brigade Dates: Start to think about a start date for your first Brigade or TeleBrigade and identify the partner country you would like to partner with.
How Do I Plan a Brigade?
Once you've completed the above steps, your Volunteer Engagement Associate will transition you to a Program Associate, a Global Brigades staff member who will walk you through every step of the Brigade planning process. They'll send you a list of all major deadlines, connect you with our travel team, and brainstorm recruitment and fundraising ideas with you. They're meant to be a source of support, so please don't hesitate to reach out in case you experience any challenges.
Are There Any Global Brigades Scholarships Available to Fund My Brigade?
As a thank you for your planning efforts, you could be eligible for a scholarship. Many of our Chapter leaders fund their donation goals this way. The scholarship is valued at $1,500 and would be allocated toward your donation goal. Your Program Associate can tell you more about this opportunity.
What Brigade Country Do You Recommend?
All of our partner countries would benefit from your support. The medical itineraries aren't that different from country to country, but what makes it a unique experience are the populations you would be serving. In Honduras and Ghana, you'll work with impoverished rural populations. In Guatemala and Panama, you'll collaborate with indigenous communities. In Greece, you'll work with refugees and asylum seekers.
What Brigade Dates Should I Choose?
With the exception of Guatemala, Brigades happen year-round, so it's up to you to decide what dates work best for you. You may choose to go on a Brigade during your winter break, before your spring semester starts, during your spring break, or during the summer after your academic year is over.
How Does Global Brigades Guarantee My Safety When Traveling to One of Your Program Countries?
We take volunteer safety very seriously. You can read more about our safety protocols here.
How Much Money Do I Need to Fundraise for an In-Person Brigade?
Please review our donation goals here. Keep in mind that donation goals are assigned per volunteer and include personal expenses like support to our communities, accommodations, meals, transportation while in-country, PPE, and insurance. You're welcome to use our travel team at no extra cost to help arrange flights to and from your Brigade. If you'd prefer to book flights on your own, that's not a problem.
How Much Money Do I Need to Fundraise for a TeleBrigade?
Our TeleBrigades are a more affordable option than in-person Brigades. You don't have to worry about flights or accommodation while still shadowing local healthcare professionals. Unlike our in-person Brigades, TeleBrigade donation goals are not assigned per volunteer but as a group regardless of how many people attend your TeleBrigade.
How Do I Recruit for My Chapter?
Please review our recruitment resources here.
How Do I Fundraise for My Brigade?
Please review our fundraising resources here.