Background

Q: Why the name "iLEAP: The Center for Critical Service "?

A: Our programs encourage students to develop ideas, take risks and pursue learning with a humble passion as they work with others, or put another way, to diminish the "i" and to push forward with a big "LEAP" guided by creativity, inspiration and the support of others. While it might appear that we are trying to capitalize on the visibility of such products as the 'iPod', alas the iLEAP iPod is many generations away. The idea of critical service is a concept which utilizes two understandings of the word critical: First, the kind of service that iLEAP engenders is critical in the sense that service for the public good is of vital importance. Second, our approach to service is also critical in the sense that it is not simple minded, but thoughtful and informed by constant reflection and dialogue with theory and our own ways of viewing the world.

Q: How was iLEAP started?

A: iLEAP emerged out of a sustained conversation (spanning six years and a number of e-mails, beers, long runs, and the occasional Genki Sushi) between Britt Yamamoto, iLEAP's Executive Director, and J.B. Hoover, iLEAP's President, regarding issues of education, service, development and social change. It was their belief that there was a need for a program that dealt with these issues in a rigorous manner, employing the intellectual tools of a formal education simultaneously with the hands-on, (in more ways than one) messy practice of working with others toward improving the lives of people. Yet this program would need to challenge our own assumptions within this kind of service-oriented work, particularly what we mean when we say things like 'doing good work' and 'helping others'. Through an emphasis on critical thinking skills and an engagement with theory, they believed that we could push beyond simple and largely ineffective models of charity, philanthropy and service and re-imagine alternatives. In February 2004, iLEAP moved from being an ethereal concept to a tangible plan and in April 2004, the first student began the iLEAP program.

Location

Q: Why are you based in Seattle, Washington (USA)?

A: In addition to its unrivaled beauty and rich cultural diversity, the City of Seattle maintains an active civil society sector and boasts one of the premier public institutions of higher learning in the United States, the University of Washington (UW). Both in the city and in surrounding areas, there are myriad opportunities for iLEAP students to build relationships with organizations and movements as well as to take advantage of the academic resources at the UW.

Organization

Q: Are you a nonprofit organization (NPO) and/or a nongovernmental organization (NGO)?

A: Yes and yes. We are a nonprofit corporation, registered in King County, in the State of Washington. In March of 2005, we received our federal tax exempt status from the United States government under section 501c3 of the federal tax code. This exemption is important because it allows us to receive support from foundations and other funding sources. For our purposes, nonprofit organization (NPO) and nongovernmental organization (NGO) are the same thing.

Q: If I make a donation to iLEAP, can I receive a US tax write off?

A: Yes, if you file tax returns in the United States.. Because of the aforementioned 501c3 federal tax exemption, you will be able to take a tax exemption if it is appropriate to your financial situation. Our Federal Tax ID number is 20-1347313 (needed for tax purposes). At the end of the tax year we can provide you with the necessary paperwork that will verify your donation. As for other countries, you will need to contact the appropriate administrator there.

Programs

Q: Do you have to be a university student to participate?

A: Yes and No. People from all backgrounds and activities may participate in most programs, but we have some programs that are geared specifically for university students.

Q: Is there an age limit to participate in your programs?

A: No. However, currently all programs are not suited for those younger than 18 years of age.

Q: How do you select your International Faculty members?

A: Thus far, all of our International Faculty (IF) members have been selected due to their long friendships and working relationships with iLEAP staff and board members. Each of these people embody the iLEAP vision of risk taking, service to others and humility and are people who have committed their lives to working directly with socio-economically marginalized groups in some of the most geographically remote areas in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Some possess advanced degrees and have years of formal education, yet what is of highest value is their years of inspired efforts working for change at the community level. Participants in the iLEAP International Fellowship program are also eligible to become IF members.

Q: Are these faculty members affiliated with a university?

A: As far as iLEAP's working relationship with them goes, no. In fact, some of the faculty members do not have formal degrees, but they have the kind of experience and insight that iLEAP is looking to expose its students to.

Financing

Q: Do you offer scholarships/fellowships for the instructional programs?

A: We are actively working to acquire funding for all of our programs, with the aim that this support will enable program students to participate at little or no cost. Information on how to apply will be available on the 'participate' page of the website.