By the Volunteer Resource Center
Have you heard about ? It's an organization at CU-Boulder committed to creating an environment of active citizens, who put their community first. The program, which is part of the , sends students, faculty, staff and alumni on service-learning trips into various communities across the nation and internationally to focus on social and environmental justice issues. Many participants say it was one of their most memorable experiences because it had a profound and lasting effect. We would like to include you in this amazing experience.
Alternative Breaks is centered around education, service and reflection. This is where you come in. To achieve the goal of active citizenship,Ìýwe hope you will join us in educating ourselves on different issues, volunteering in communities to help alleviate those issues, and reflecting on the whole experience to learn how we can continue to be active citizens every day. Ìý
for Winter Break 2014, Spring Break 2014 and Summer Break 2014 trips are now posted, and are accepted on a rolling basis with suggested deadlines.Ìý Applicants may choose their three top preferences for trips, and should review the entire list to determine which social or environmental issue they are most interested in addressing.
After applying, participants will be interviewed and assigned to one of their top trip choices. Once in their groups, participants will prepare for their trips through leadership training during the spring semester, unless participating in the Winter Break trip. We hope that participants will return from their Alternative Break and use the knowledge gained during the trip to positively affect their own communities.
Winter Break 2014: Jan. 3 - 10
- Understanding Fracking in Colorado (Western Slope & Weld County, Colorado)
Spring Break 2014: March 22 - 29
- Out of the Storm: Restoring Estes Park in the Aftermath of the Flood (Estes Park, Colorado)
- Bridging the Gap: HIV/AIDS and Youth Empowerment (Los Angeles)
- Where the Wild Things Are: Wildlife Rehabilitation in Coastal Carolina (Hubert, North Carolina)
- Open Your Eyes: Exploring Homelessness, Urban Poverty & Social Justice (Cincinnati)
- The Perfect Storm: Rebuilding Community Eight Years Post-Katrina (New Orleans)
- Science in the Sequoias: Educating Youth in Boulder Creek (Boulder Creek, California)
- Preventing the Destruction of America’s Most Beautiful Destination: Environmental Conservation in Catalina Island, CA (Catalina Island, California)
- Clownin’ Around: Bringing Fun, Friendship, and Joy Back into Healthcare (Hillboro, West Virginia)
- Beyond the Wall: Education on the Border & Personalizing the Impact (Tucson, Arizona)
Summer Break 2014: May 14 - 28
- Construir por la Futura: Urban & Rural Community Development in Nicaragua
The Alternative Breaks team looks forward to meeting everyone who is dedicated to making our world a better place through strong, direct service.Ìý Any questions or concerns can be directed toward the Alternative Breaks staff through email: alternativebreaks@coloado.edu, phone: 303-492-7632, or by stopping by the Volunteer Resource Center office in UMC 358 on campus.
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