Suitcase Clinic Application Link- http://tinyurl.com/SuitcaseAppSpring24

The mission of the Suitcase Clinic is to promote the health and overall well-being of underserved individuals through service provision, cooperative learning, and collective action among community and professional volunteers, students, and participants. We value the principle of “starting where people are" in utilizing clients’ strengths and resources in order to meet their needs and empower them to make their own choices. The educational experience of our volunteers involves cooperative learning and personal reflection to foster personal growth through the sharing of ideas, resources, and support.

In order to volunteer with our organization, you must first take our Suitcase Clinic DeCal class that we offer every fall and spring semester. During this class Suitcase students will learn about wealth inequality and the complex causes of poverty as well as how to best serve our unhoused neighbors in Berkeley. This class functions like a regular decal, assigning readings, projects, and write-ups. There is a final exam and no midterms for the class. Students may have two unexcused absences, and excused absences include things like midterms, sickness, etc. During this class students will also be able to shadow in our three clinics in Berkeley in different roles that allow them to serve and build relationships with underserved populations in Berkeley. Upon successful completion of this class, Suitcase students will be able to join our clinics as leaders and caseworkers and work weekly with our unhoused clients.

Because of high rates of interest, our interested decal students must go through an application and interview in order to join our class that will take place this semester. If you have any questions please email us at suitcaseclass@gmail.com or look on our website https://www.suitcaseclinic.org

Applying to Suitcase Class consists of two steps: 1) The online application due by 01/31, at 4PM. Late applications will not be considered! Apply here: http://tinyurl.com/SuitcaseAppSpring24 2) A 15-minute interview on 02/03-02/04 if you move to the second round. Accommodations can be made if this time doesn't work. You will be notified by email if you have been selected for an interview no later than 02/01. For those who are accepted, instruction will begin on 02/08 and will last through 04/25. Class is on Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM, and will be conducted in person. More information will be provided for those who are accepted.