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Defining the Alumni Network

Author


Riley Campbell

12th of December, 2024

Category


Featured Blog

Featured Image: (L-R) Shoulder-to-Shoulder alums Carter Thomas, Mollie White, and Emmanuel Daudu co-host a student session at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado, 2024. Mollie White and Emmanuel Daudu also serve on the organization’s Board of Directors.

Defining the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Alumni Network: Building Ethical Leadership After the Initial Field Study 

For Shoulder-to-Shoulder alumni, the ethical leadership journey begins with a field study that marks the beginning of a lifelong connection to a community dedicated to personal growth through meaningful impact. 

The Shoulder-to-Shoulder Alumni Network provides a pathway for alumni to evolve as ethical leaders, reflecting and contributing to Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s mission.

As alumni advance from high school to college, early career stages, and eventually seasoned professional roles, the Shoulder-to-Shoulder Network offers various opportunities to stay involved (outlined below) while providing valuable benefits such as service hours, letters of recommendation, internships, supporting material for college and scholarship applications, professional development, and meaningful connections.

Opportunities by Life Stages

High School Students

1. Become a Shoulder-to-Shoulder Alumni Ambassador

Ambassadors serve as representatives of Shoulder-to-Shoulder on their campuses, leading recruitment strategies to inspire their peers to apply for field studies in ethical leadership.

2. Provide Peer Nominations

By nominating peers who would benefit from a Shoulder-to-Shoulder experience, you can inspire them to embark on the same transformative journey. You can submit nominations online or by meeting new students in person and guiding them through the application process.

3. Volunteer at the Ethical Leadership Forum

Join the planning and execution of the annual Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado—a cornerstone of Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s mission and a chance to connect with fellow leaders. Alumni volunteers have taken on roles such as event coordination, public speaking, and leading workshops, all while honing their leadership skills. The forum also offers valuable networking opportunities, fostering lasting connections that support both personal and professional growth.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder alum Tristan Choi co-leading a session at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado 2024
Shoulder-to-Shoulder alum Tristan Choi co-leading a session at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado, 2024

4. Collaborate on Shoulder-to-Shoulder Network Projects and Initiatives

Engage in various projects with Shoulder-to-Shoulder and our NGO partners to deepen your impact.

Here are some examples:

  • Create content to share about your Shoulder-to-Shoulder experience that can be posted to social media or online.
  • Invite and host Shoulder-to-Shoulder Staff and NGO Leaders for visits on your campus.

5. Complete the Applied Ethical Leadership (AEL) Certificate Internship

This 6-month program for juniors and seniors builds on field study experiences to deepen ethical leadership skills and create change in your local communities.

As an AEL Intern, you will:

  • Take the lead on a meaningful project that addresses a local issue, applying the ethical leadership principles learned through the Shoulder-to-Shoulder program.
  • Grow your ethical leadership and entrepreneurial skills in group sessions with fellow AEL Interns across the U.S. and Mexico to help you develop your project.
  • Receive coaching from older Shoulder-to-Shoulder alumni, NGO leaders, and staff who will offer advice, feedback, and support as you navigate your project.
  • Collaborate with a faculty advisor of your choice who will support you weekly with setting goals for your project and connecting with relevant school and local partners.
  • Present your project to your school, sharing lessons learned with your school community and others you hope will take action with you to expand and sustain your project’s impact.
  • Receive an Applied Ethical Leadership Certificate! Upon completing the internship, you’ll earn a certificate from Shoulder-to-Shoulder, recognizing your commitment and impact as an ethical leader. Our team will also support you as requested by including this honorable achievement in college, scholarships, or employment applications. 

This internship deepens your leadership abilities and provides tangible, real-world experience that can be a powerful asset for college applications, future internships, and beyond. For more details, contact Riley Campbell at [email protected].

Shoulder-to-Shoulder alumni serving as a course instructor intern. She is part of the alumni network.
Carter Thomas serves as a course instructor intern in New Orleans with Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder.

College Students and Early Career Professionals

1. Intern as a Course Instructor

Assist course instructors during a field study and gain hands-on leadership experience, often recognized by college institutions. This opportunity helps develop skills in group leadership, teaching, and facilitation while also strengthening your resume with valuable leadership experience for future career endeavors.

As a high school student, attending a Shoulder-to-Shoulder field study in Panama shaped my future in ways I never expected. Afterward, I was inspired to stay involved. I served as a course instructor intern in New Orleans and later interned with the communications team during my final year at Tulane University—an internship formally recognized by the university. Then, in a full-circle moment, I led an SStS student group back to where it all began for me, Panama. Now, I work part-time directing communications for Shoulder-to-Shoulder. I am so thankful for all the opportunities that opened for me after attending that first field study. ” —Carter Thomas

2. Interview Applicants

Join the admissions team to onboard prospective Shoulder-to-Shoulder participants. As an interviewer, you’ll help shape the community’s future, connect with passionate individuals, and enhance your interview and communication skills.

3. Mentor the Next Shoulder-to-Shoulder Generation

Mentor first-time participants as they prepare for their Shoulder-to-Shoulder experiences. By acting as a mentor and resource for students, you enhance their readiness, deepen your own understanding of ethical leadership, and at the same time, leave a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders.

4. Attend Regional Alumni Meetups

Stay connected by attending Shoulder-to-Shoulder alum meetups hosted across the nation. These events are an opportunity to strengthen the Shoulder-to-Shoulder community, expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships with fellow alums who share your passion for ethical leadership.

5. Volunteer and Participate in the Forum

Contribute to the annual Ethical Leadership Forum while expanding your network. Volunteering at the forum offers hands-on experience in event planning, leadership, and facilitation, all while supporting this cornerstone event for the Shoulder-to-Shoulder community.

Program alum, and current member of the Board of Directors Mollie White co-leading a session at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado 2024.
Program alum and current member of the Board of Directors Mollie White co-leading a student session at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado, 2024.

6. Intern with Shoulder-to-Shoulder or NGO Partners

Explore professional development opportunities with Shoulder-to-Shoulder or its NGO partners. Interning provides hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, helping you build valuable skills while contributing to impactful global projects.

Some past examples include:

  • Carter T., an alumni who interned on the Shoulder-to-Shoulder communications team during her senior year of college.
  • Thomas H. attended a Shoulder-to-Shoulder field study with our NGO Partner, Give and Surf, in 2022. After graduating from high school, he returned to volunteer for several months with Give and Surf! 
  • Nicole A. is a high-school student who went to Kenya with Shoulder-to-Shoulder in 2017 and returned to work with Dr. Karambu Ringera at Kithoka Amani Children’s Home in her postgraduate year following college. 

7. Become a Philanthropist

Support Shoulder-to-Shoulder by making monthly donations that directly fund financial aid, supporting the next generation of students to embark on transformative field study experiences with Shoulder-to-Shoulder.

8. Collaborate on Shoulder-to-Shoulder Network Projects and Initiatives

Stay involved with Shoulder-to-Shoulder projects that align with your interests and skills. By contributing to ongoing projects, you can continue to apply your leadership experience, stay engaged in the community, and build connections with like-minded alums and partners.

Some past examples include:

  • Alumni Joe Bandoni, owner of his own production company, attends the Ethical Leadership Forum annually as our lead photographer and videographer. He also recorded a field study with our partner school, Comp Sci High, in Puerto Rico. Watch Joe’s incredible videography here. 
  • Princess A. collaborated with Shoulder-to-Shoulder staff to create a short video about their field study experiences, which was intended to inspire other students to get involved! 
  • Alfonso L. helped create a short video submitted to 1% for the Planet as a thank-you to a business partner who gave him a scholarship. 

Career and Beyond

1. Interview Applicants

The fun doesn’t have to end once you graduate college! Join the admissions team (or continue working with us) as a volunteer to onboard prospective Shoulder-to-Shoulder participants. As an interviewer, you’ll help shape the community’s future, connect with passionate individuals, and enhance your interview and communication skills.

2. Mentor the Next Shoulder-to-Shoulder Generation

As a college graduate and early career professional, your guidance for first-time Shoulder-to-Shoulder participants is more needed than ever. Mentor first-time travelers as they prepare for their international experiences. By acting as a mentor and resource for new students, you enhance their readiness, deepen your own understanding of ethical leadership, and leave a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders.

3. Become a Peer Coach

Mentor rising juniors and seniors in the Shoulder-to-Shoulder community through the Applied Ethical Leadership Internship Program. This is an excellent opportunity to practice leadership coaching one-on-one and in groups and support younger peers in creating positive change in their local communities through a self-directed project. 

Alumni student session hosted at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado, 2024.
Alumni student session hosted at the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado, 2024.

4. Volunteer and Participate in the Forum

Early career and college alums can contribute to the forum by leading planning and logistics, facilitating sessions for high school students, and presenting at discussions.  

5. Become a Course Instructor

Step into a leadership role by leading a Shoulder-to-Shoulder field study, and inspire the next generation just as somebody inspired you!   

6. Attend Regional Alumni Meetups

Stay in touch with the Shoulder-to-Shoulder community by participating in networking events in your area. These regional meetups offer a chance to reconnect, continue building relationships, and share experiences with other alums, helping you stay connected as your personal and professional life evolves.

7. Become a Philanthropist

Support Shoulder-to-Shoulder by making monthly donations that directly fund financial aid, supporting the next generation of students to embark on transformative field study experiences with Shoulder-to-Shoulder. 

8. Work for Shoulder-to-Shoulder

Explore part-time and contracted roles within the organization, such as video editing, photography, or alumni interviewing. As your career develops, working for Shoulder-to-Shoulder allows you to apply your skills to meaningful projects, offering a unique opportunity to stay involved with the organization while furthering your professional growth.

9. Sit on the Board of Directors

Take a leadership role in shaping the future of Shoulder-to-Shoulder and guiding the organization’s mission. Serving on the Board of Directors offers alums a unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions, ensure the organization’s continued growth, and use their leadership experience to make a lasting impact on Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s direction and the broader community it serves.

I first did the San Diego-Tijuana Border Field Study in 2019 alongside Bob (Shoulder-to-Shoulder executive director). I was in the middle of a summer internship at the Manhattan District Attorney at the time and remember returning to my job with an even keener awareness of the privileges that I had. I then headed to college and saw an email from Shoulder-to-Shoulder asking for help interviewing applicants for our field studies. I happily supported. Eventually, Bob asked me if I would like to be a college board member, and I agreed. I got to help support generating ideas for connecting with other Shoulder-to-Shoulder alums. Upon graduating from college, I started contributing more as a donor since I had a job. I also converted to becoming a regular Board Member.” —Emmanuel Daudu

Shoulder-to-Shoulder alums, members of the Board of Directors, educators, and business and community partners attend the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado 2024.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder alums, members of the Board of Directors, educators, and business and community partners attend the Ethical Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado 2024.

Stay Connected

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? The Shoulder-to-Shoulder Alumni Network offers countless opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. 

Whether you’re looking to mentor the next generation, expand your professional network, or continue contributing to Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s mission, there’s a place for you to make a difference with us. 

To explore the many ways you can stay engaged and become an integral part of this dynamic community, reach out to our Network Director, Riley Campbell, at [email protected].

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