"I grew to understand that service is not only a way to benefit a community in need, but also to develop immensely powerful character traits and a renewed passion for the things that matter most in life."
Global Service Initiative
Part philanthropy, part service, GSI builds global communities and better men.
GSI 2023
Delta Upsilon is excited to announce it is returning to Jamaica in March 2023 for the Global Service Initiative. This will mark the first time since GSI has been back on the island since January 2020. The March GSI trip was scheduled to correspond with many of our chapters' spring break.
March 11-18, 2023
Negril, Jamaica
Thanks to funding from the DU Educational Foundation, the cost to attend the March 2023 GSI is $100 for undergraduates and $500 for alumni. These costs include meals, lodging and transportation while in Jamaica. Travel cost to and from Jamaica and other miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of each attendee. Applications for the March trip are now closed.
While in Jamaica, DUs will take part in hands-on service working on construction at a local school; interact with students, teachers and day laborers; engage in nightly reflection/group discussion; and experience the Jamaican culture.
If you have questions about GSI, contact Director of Educational Programs Kody Rother at rother@deltau.org.
About GSI
The Global Service Initiative (GSI) serves a dual role for Delta Upsilon: our international philanthropy and an international service project.
DU believes in creating a fraternity for the modern college student. This includes preparing them for success in an ever changing and growing global environment by developing global awareness and cultural competencies. Recent studies indicate that employers are seeking people who have experience with cultural diversity in America and other countries. GSI allows our members to gain that experience while helping others. And after all, Diffusion of Liberal Culture is one of our Four Founding Principles.
Service
Since 2011, DU and GSI have taken students to Jamaica for a service immersion trip where they are engaged in direct, hands-on service. Each day of the seven-day trip includes a reflection designed to help participants explore how they have been impacted and influenced by the experience, as well as how their work relates to each of DU’s Principles. Jamaica was chosen because of existing relationships with the local government that help connect DU to local schools and engage in the local culture.
Service projects vary from year to year. The GSI offers you an opportunity to explore a new culture, put our values into action and build connections that will last a lifetime.
While in Negril, Jamaica, GSI participants immerse themselves in the culture, interact with locals, provide manual labor for various construction projects, and participate in daily discussion facilitated by trained DU staff. These discussions center on global competencies and connecting the GSI experience to personal and DU values.
Philanthropy
To help fund the GSI experience, each DU chapter is asked to raise money for the program. Philanthropy events such as chili dinners, car shows, bowl-a-thons, haunted houses and more raise money for various GSI expenses. These expenses include building materials, cement, lumber and tools, as well as pay for local laborers.
Our chapters collectively raise and donate approximately $100,000 to GSI each year.
- Will Drury, Cal Poly '22
GSI Resources
Want to learn more about GSI and see what the experience is like? Here are some helpful resources.
