The Portland Plunge is a week-long opportunity for high school students to learn about homelessness and poverty in Portland. The Plunge is a safe space for students to:
• Listen to the stories of our neighbors living on the margins
• Serve at organizations working for social justice
• See the city in new ways
• Meet new friends
• Step outside their comfort zone
• Experience a simpler lifestyle
• Engage in deep conversation and reflection
The Plunge is a week of intense learning, hard work, and challenging experiences, but it also is full of fun and joy. For most, it becomes a rewarding and exciting experience they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
WHAT: The Plunge is a week-long service-learning experience facilitated by JOIN that is designed to provide high school students exposure to issues such as homelessness, poverty, barriers preventing people from getting the support they need, and cultural differences. During the week, you will have volunteer experiences working in agencies such as St. Francis Dining Hall, Blanchet House, and many others.
WHERE: You will stay in a facility in Northeast Portland with 25 other youth and an adult staff. The emphasis of this community will be reflection, discussion, simple living, service, and recreation. A qualified staff will assure a safe and meaningful experience.
WHEN: Friday evening, June 14th to Friday evening, June 21st, 2019. You must commit to the entire week experience, both the day and evening times (overnight).
HOW MUCH: There is no cost for this program, but personally it will be the price of a week of intense learning and confronting tough issues. If individuals would like to make a donation to support the Plunge, please make checks payable to JOIN.
TO APPLY: The application packet needs to be filled out and emailed or mailed back to JOIN by Friday, April 30th, 2018. Students will be notified within 14 days if they are accepted.
APPLICATION: Three things are needed for a complete application: 1) a permission slip signed by you and your parents, 2) the application, which can be downloaded here: Portland Plunge Application 2019, and 3) TWO recommendations filled out by adults such as teachers, coaches, youth ministers, etc. Recommendations filled out by relatives will not be accepted. Mail completed application packets to Sean James at JOIN, PO Box 16490, Portland, OR 97292 or email a scanned copy to [email protected] by May 13, 2019.
Questions? Email Sean at [email protected] or call (301) 466-3659.
2019 Paid Summer Internship Opportunity
Now you’ve got the experience, apply for JOIN’s paid summer internship here!
