Frequently Asked Questions
If I don't want to go on the trip, can I still join Global Brigades?
Absolutely! We are always looking for volunteers that are willing to give their time to help us with our cause. You just need to let the executive board know that you do not want to go on the trip. Also, if you cannot travel for this trip, you can start saving for the next trip. Starting early is recommended.
What is the Pot-Luck System?
This is our unique system designed to help with the individual cost of the trip. If you participate in 10 of the fundraising events we offer throughout the year, then you qualify. This means that once we raise our fundraising goal, all additional earnings will be split evenly among the top 6 members who qualify. It is difficult to tell how much money each person who qualifies will receive until closer to the trip, but the more fundraising events we have, the better! We are always looking for ideas.
If I can't make a volunteer event, what do I do?
No worries! You just need to contact the GMB Lead Team at [email protected] before the event or contact us through the GroupMe app. We ask that you notify us three days before the event if you've already signed up. We rely on participation for successful events, so failing to do this will result in a two point deduction from our Pot-Luck System. However, if an emergency does come up closer to the event, we will definitely consider this.
How do I sign up for fundraising events?
We have a calendar on our Weebly website. Locate the Calendar tab and choose the more details option. From here you have a link to a Doodle Poll. The polls have descriptions of the event indicating the event type, time, and location. Add your name to the event and check the boxes of the times you want to volunteer and click save. If at any time before the event you need to change your hours, you may edit by clicking the pencil beside your name. Our Fundraising committee will send out a weekly fundraising email with reminders about upcoming events.
Do I have to volunteer at every event?
No, of course not! If you want to, then we're happy to accept your help. It is beneficial to volunteer in as many events as you can to qualify for our Pot-Luck System and reduce the cost of your trip. Remember, volunteering can mean different things. For example-Bake Sales, we need bakers. If you cannot physically attend, you can certainly bake OR donate baked goods for the event. We also need supplies for our events such as tablecloths, containers for the baked goods, etc.
Note: If you decide to bake, we would need to collect the goods the night before. Contact [email protected] for specific instructions.
Do I need to be pre-med?
Of course not! We accept all majors and people of all fields of interest! We have members that range from criminal justice, engineering, and biology, so come and join!
When are your meetings?
Because we host so many events during the month, we have an independent approach that allows us to check in only once a month. Our meetings take place one Wednesday and Thursday every month, unless stated otherwise. We offer a Wed/Thurs meeting approach- so everyone has the option to attend at least one membership meeting a month. You can only miss a total of 3 meetings throughout the academic year to maintain active membership.
Why am I not receiving the emails about the events or meetings?
If you're not receiving emails, it is because you're not on the official member list. Send an email to [email protected].
I am not a student at UNC Charlotte, can I still go on the trip?
Yes! You can definitely go on the trip with us. We would need your contact information to put you on the official member list to receive updates and trip information. Further information will be required of you throughout the course of the semester. Please be sure to get in contact with the faculty advisor, Amanda Dexter ([email protected]).
Absolutely! We are always looking for volunteers that are willing to give their time to help us with our cause. You just need to let the executive board know that you do not want to go on the trip. Also, if you cannot travel for this trip, you can start saving for the next trip. Starting early is recommended.
What is the Pot-Luck System?
This is our unique system designed to help with the individual cost of the trip. If you participate in 10 of the fundraising events we offer throughout the year, then you qualify. This means that once we raise our fundraising goal, all additional earnings will be split evenly among the top 6 members who qualify. It is difficult to tell how much money each person who qualifies will receive until closer to the trip, but the more fundraising events we have, the better! We are always looking for ideas.
If I can't make a volunteer event, what do I do?
No worries! You just need to contact the GMB Lead Team at [email protected] before the event or contact us through the GroupMe app. We ask that you notify us three days before the event if you've already signed up. We rely on participation for successful events, so failing to do this will result in a two point deduction from our Pot-Luck System. However, if an emergency does come up closer to the event, we will definitely consider this.
How do I sign up for fundraising events?
We have a calendar on our Weebly website. Locate the Calendar tab and choose the more details option. From here you have a link to a Doodle Poll. The polls have descriptions of the event indicating the event type, time, and location. Add your name to the event and check the boxes of the times you want to volunteer and click save. If at any time before the event you need to change your hours, you may edit by clicking the pencil beside your name. Our Fundraising committee will send out a weekly fundraising email with reminders about upcoming events.
Do I have to volunteer at every event?
No, of course not! If you want to, then we're happy to accept your help. It is beneficial to volunteer in as many events as you can to qualify for our Pot-Luck System and reduce the cost of your trip. Remember, volunteering can mean different things. For example-Bake Sales, we need bakers. If you cannot physically attend, you can certainly bake OR donate baked goods for the event. We also need supplies for our events such as tablecloths, containers for the baked goods, etc.
Note: If you decide to bake, we would need to collect the goods the night before. Contact [email protected] for specific instructions.
Do I need to be pre-med?
Of course not! We accept all majors and people of all fields of interest! We have members that range from criminal justice, engineering, and biology, so come and join!
When are your meetings?
Because we host so many events during the month, we have an independent approach that allows us to check in only once a month. Our meetings take place one Wednesday and Thursday every month, unless stated otherwise. We offer a Wed/Thurs meeting approach- so everyone has the option to attend at least one membership meeting a month. You can only miss a total of 3 meetings throughout the academic year to maintain active membership.
Why am I not receiving the emails about the events or meetings?
If you're not receiving emails, it is because you're not on the official member list. Send an email to [email protected].
I am not a student at UNC Charlotte, can I still go on the trip?
Yes! You can definitely go on the trip with us. We would need your contact information to put you on the official member list to receive updates and trip information. Further information will be required of you throughout the course of the semester. Please be sure to get in contact with the faculty advisor, Amanda Dexter ([email protected]).
Carowinds Frequently Asked Questions
Why is volunteering at Carowinds important?
UNCC Global Brigades makes the most money with this fundraising event. We also receive a cash bonus by having at least 10 volunteers. If we make more money within a shorter amount of time for our group contribution, we have more opportunities to fundraise for individual contributions and the potluck system. It is mandatory that each member volunteer at least one time at a Carowinds event; however, two times would be ideal.
What is the work uniform?
We wear white shirts with a collar and tan or khaki pants (no cargo style pants/shorts). Nails must be a natural color and you must have a clean shaven face for Carowinds shifts, but not Scarowinds shifts.
What do I need to bring?
You must bring a driver's license that indicates that you are 18 years and older.
Bring a debit card to purchase lunch or dinner at a discounted price (though, sometimes it is free). No cash, please.
How do I get the free ticket for the season?
After volunteering, you will receive a ticket at the beginning of the next year for the upcoming season.
What will I be doing?
You will most likely be working in merchandise or games. You'll be handling cash or working at a register. You will receive a 30 minute break where you're allowed to purchase discounted food.
Where do I park?
We like to do a carpooling system. We tend to all meet at the Student Union and go as a group to Carowinds. The employee parking lot is two traffic lights down from the main entrance to Carowinds on Carowinds BLVD. The entrance is on the right and there is a sign that indicates employee parking.
UNCC Global Brigades makes the most money with this fundraising event. We also receive a cash bonus by having at least 10 volunteers. If we make more money within a shorter amount of time for our group contribution, we have more opportunities to fundraise for individual contributions and the potluck system. It is mandatory that each member volunteer at least one time at a Carowinds event; however, two times would be ideal.
What is the work uniform?
We wear white shirts with a collar and tan or khaki pants (no cargo style pants/shorts). Nails must be a natural color and you must have a clean shaven face for Carowinds shifts, but not Scarowinds shifts.
What do I need to bring?
You must bring a driver's license that indicates that you are 18 years and older.
Bring a debit card to purchase lunch or dinner at a discounted price (though, sometimes it is free). No cash, please.
How do I get the free ticket for the season?
After volunteering, you will receive a ticket at the beginning of the next year for the upcoming season.
What will I be doing?
You will most likely be working in merchandise or games. You'll be handling cash or working at a register. You will receive a 30 minute break where you're allowed to purchase discounted food.
Where do I park?
We like to do a carpooling system. We tend to all meet at the Student Union and go as a group to Carowinds. The employee parking lot is two traffic lights down from the main entrance to Carowinds on Carowinds BLVD. The entrance is on the right and there is a sign that indicates employee parking.