The Center for Civic Engagement sponsors an Alternative Winter Break (AWB) and Alternative Spring Break (ASB) every year. Past Alternative Winter Breaks have included various trips to New Orleans working with Hands On New Orleans, Common Ground, and Habitat for Humanity on hurricane relief projects, and a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama volunteering with Compassion Coalition, Volunteer Reception Center, and Habitat for Humanity on tornado relief. Alternative Spring Breaks have included an international trip to Guatemala, two trips to Savannah, Georgia, one working with nonprofits in the City of Atlanta, and our most recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina.
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What is an alternative break?
An alternative break is a service trip in which a group of students tackles a community issue by spending a school break learning about the issue and serving the community. Alternative breaks provide affordable, fun, and rewarding options for school breaks while donating time and talent to communities.
Photo on left: Amanda Frotscher '12 and Ally Hayden '14 take a break from volunteering during ASB 2011 to practice their Spanish with their host family's children in Lake Atilan, Guatemala. |
What do I need to know about alternative breaks?
- Alternative breaks are primarily about community service. While we want students to have fun, we ask that participants prepare themselves to serve the community first, and enjoy the community second.
- Alternative breaks are Alcohol & Drug Free trips, regardless of age. The Alcohol and Drug Free Policy provides a healthy and safe alternative to the pressures and overconsumption of some Spring Break opportunities.
- Reflection is an important component of alternative breaks. Reflection sessions before, during, and after the trip will provide an opportunity to explore and articulate what you’ve learned and to share your experiences with others.
Upcoming 2012-2013 Alternative Break Trips
January 2013: New Orleans, LA
March 2013: Guatemala
For more information on our upcoming trips or to apply, please stop by the CCE or contact Heather Staniszewski.
Past Alternative Breaks
Alternative Spring Break 2012: Charleston, South Carolina
During ASB 2012, volunteers worked with Keep North Charleston Beautiful planting flowers, turning garden beds, and distributing 150 bales of pine straw in three area parks; Dream Mission Center painting facilities, delivering food to people in the community, and assisting residents with access to the free food pantry, clothing closet, and medical clinic; Ronald McDonald House cooking dinner for families living there; and Charleston Miracle League helping mentally and physical challenged adults play baseball. Students rested from volunteer projects by leading group games of Pictionary; participated in reflection sessions, cooked meals, heard a presentation by a Gullah Storyteller; toured The Avery Center at the College of Charleston; explored the market in downtown Charleston; played football on the beach, and enjoyed a low country boil at a current OU student’s house. Throughout the week, students met peers with different majors and classifications, learned from nonprofit leaders addressing serious community needs, and challenged themselves and their ability to help others.
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Alternative Winter Break 2013: New Orleans, Lousiana
During AWB 20123, students and staff members traveled to New Orleans, Lousiana to help with Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts. Volunteers gave a week of service helping remodel damaged homes in the lower 9th ward with Habitat for Humanity; packaged food items for families in need with Second Harvest Food Pantry; and prepared fun activities for the United Saints Recovery Project afterschool program. Throughout the week, students learned about the importance of cooperation, patience, accepting others and appreciating the basic necessities we frequently take for granted. Students toured the Columbia Parc area (modeled after Atlanta's own East Lake community), and discussed how the community has changed since Hurricane Katrina; heard a presentation by the Terrebonne Parish Chairwoman; and spoke with an educator from KIPP Elementary School in New Orleans Parish. Students also explored downtown New Orleans, participated in several teambuilding activities, and enjoyed Lousiana-style dining.
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