General FAQs:
- Q: Why is it called Seven Mile?
- A: The first community center we worked with in Detroit was on Seven Mile Road! While we've expanded to several other locations in Detroit, we still kept the name.
FAQs for Interested Students:
- Q: Do I have to be good at music, arts, and coding?
- A: Nope! You only have to join one of the three branches (music, arts, OR coding). You also don't really have to be good at whatever branch you choose, because we're usually working at an introductory level, and our lessons focus more on fun, exposure, and experimentation, rather than strict learning. It certainly helps if you have a basic skill set or understanding of the branch you'll be joining, but you don't have to worry that too much. If you have more questions about this, feel free to contact the branch directors.
- Q: Do I need to have experience working with kids or teaching?
- A: Nope! Again, it can't hurt, but it's not required. That's why we have teacher training and monthly meetings, where we often learn more about how to work with kids. We also don't ask you to lead lessons until you've been on a few trips and have a better understanding of how everything works. We're all college student volunteers, so it's more about learning as you go, and interacting with the kids in a genuine and caring way. Our leadership is always available to help you with any questions or issues you may be having as well.
- Q: What are the trips and branches you keep talking about?
- A: Trips and branches are key terms in Seven Mile lingo! Branches are what we call the three different subjects we teach--music, arts, and coding. Each branch has its own board and director(s), who are in charge of planning lessons and managing that branch's trips. Trips are what we call the actual trips we take to Detroit each week. These include the drive to and from Detroit, as well as the time spent in the community center working with kids.
- Q: How often are trips to Detroit?
- A: Each branch goes on two different trips each week, to two different locations (for example, arts goes to Conant Avenue UMC on Friday afternoons, and to Mission:City on Saturday mornings). However, we only ask all of our members to go on one trip a week, otherwise it would be a really big time commitment! We also ask that you pick your trip when you join and stick with it, at least for the semester, so the kids can get to know you better. For example, this might look like going on Friday afternoon trips for the Conant arts trip each week.
- Q: What is the time commitment like?
- A: We have a lot of different events members can or have to attend, but it doesn't end up being a huge time commitment. Most of your time will be spent on weekly trips, which vary, but are usually 2-4 hours. It's about a 30-60 min drive each way, depending on how far away the community center is, and lessons are 1-2 hours. Each new member is also required to attend teacher training before going on trips, which is one event that's about 1-2 hrs. Besides the weekly lessons, we have mandatory monthly meetings, ~1 hr, where we can have speakers and activities, and can give any club-wide updates. Finally, we have optional social events once a month where we do fun, club-wide events like ice skating or going to cider mills! These are a great way to get to know your peers better and do some really fun things for free, but attendance is not required.
- Q: Can I be in multiple branches/switch between branches?
- A: You can, but we don't recommend it. Usually, being in one branch is enough of a time commitment on its own. If you find you want to get more involved, there are also lots of opportunities you can look at before joining another branch (most branches offer positions as community coordinators, lesson planners, and some have a membership position as well. On top of that, the club has a large executive board with different leadership roles). However, if you're really interested in being involved in multiple branches, go for it! Just make sure you can keep up with the commitment.
- Q: Can I switch between different trips in one branch?
- A: We would prefer if you didn't! It's important that you can attend the same trip consistently so that you can form relationships with the kids and they can get to know you. So instead of simply going on whichever trip works better for you week by week, we ask that you choose a trip and treat it as a scheduled time commitment each week.
- Q: Do I have to find my own transportation to Detroit each week?
- A: Nope! We'll never ask you to find a way to get to Detroit on your own. Our trip leaders and community coordinators are in charge of managing trips, and we'll make sure there is always a car available for you to carpool in. For most trips, everyone will meet the driver at the Union at a specified time, but we'll always communicate with you about that ahead of time.
- Q: What do I do if I can't make a trip?
- A: If you can't make a trip, we just ask that you let your trip leader know ahead of time! The sooner you know the better, but try to let them know at least 24 hrs in advance. Our attendance policy asks that you only miss 3 events each semester, including trips and monthly meetings. However, we totally understand that things happen and that college is busy and exhausting, so we also recognize that school and personal health come first! Just make sure to communicate with us as best you can.
- Q: Is this a good club for volunteering or service?
- A: While this is a volunteer club that works with community members, we advise against joining strictly to be involved in a community service opportunity. It is incredibly important that our members understand that the students we work with do not need us, and that we are privileged to be able to work with them. Because of that, we do not tout ourselves as a community service club, and instead encourage people to join who have a passion for working with kids, as well as music, arts, or coding.