Center for Civic Engagement

Alternative Spring Break

An alternative break is a trip where a group of college students engage in volunteer service, typically for a week. Alternative break trips originated with college students in the early 1980s as a counter to "traditional" spring break trips. Each trip has a focus on a particular social issue, such as (but not limited to) poverty, hunger and homelessness, education reform, health and wellness, refugee resettlement, and the environment. Students learn about the social issues and then perform week-long projects with local non-profit organizations. Alternative breaks challenge students to critically think and react to problems faced by members of the communities in which they are involved (adapted from Break Away, http://www.alternativebreaks2011.org/). The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program enables students to immerse themselves in a new and different community to learn its historical, sociological, cultural and/or political background.  Each ASB experience is crafted unify community in order to explore the unique culture and social or environmental issues of a specific location.  Teams of 12 to 20 students will spend the week of March 24^th to March 31^st on three different trips in Oregon, Washington, and California.  Teams will engage in pre-trip planning and education and post-trip debriefing and reflection; a structure that promotes continuous learning through the emphasis on reflection and reciprocity.  

The ASB experience encourages students to critically analyze their assumptions and mindsets through learning about the complexity of social problems. The learning occurs for students as they are asked to be willing to engage in difficult conversations, ask questions, examine their beliefs, make mistakes, and confront challenging issues.  The ASB program values holistic education and creates opportunities that inspire personal growth with focus on sustainable social change. 

Participating in an Alternative Spring Break will be an opportunity to dedicate spring break to transforming the world around you, while having fun with fellow OSU students who have made an active commitment to learning and growing through service. Such experiences often have lifelong impacts on participants and the communities in which they serve. It is also a unique opportunity to participate and help to shape a legacy of student service here at Oregon State University. Visit www.oregonstate.edu/cce to learn about each trip or visit the Center for Civic Engagement in Snell Hall 158 to discuss your interests with the staff.

Benefits of participating in an Alternative Spring Break:

• Engage in meaningful service to impact change relate d to an issue you care about.


• Learn about and reflect upon the complexity and interconnectedness of social issues and problems.


• Develop leadership skills and gain real world experience.


• Understand how to continue community engagement and active citizenship work upon your return to OSU.


• Build meaningful relationships and a new community of service-minded OSU students.


• Travel to and learn about new places.


• Learn, challenge yourself, and have fun!

Participant Expectations:

• Participate in ALL pre- and post-trip meetings (there will be 3 before and 1 after the trip).


• During the experience, process the Alternative Spring Break individually and as a group through organized reflection, journaling, and other activities.


• Serve as a positive role model and representative of Oregon State University while on and off campus.


• Commit to being a full part of your team and show respect for fellow team members, community partners, and populations with whom you are completing service.


• Be willing to explore diverse perspectives and opinions.


• Be willing to be flexible.


• Be in good university standing (grades and discipline).


• Be willing to advance cultural competency.


• Embrace experiences working independently as well as with a team or group.


• Be organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.


• Refrain from the use or possession of alcohol or any controlled substance/drugs.

2012 Alternative Spring Break Trips (Saturday March 24^th to Saturday March 31^st)

The 2012 Application

Deposit and Trip Fees for Alternative Spring Break Trips

Every participant is responsible for paying the trip fee; estimated trip costs are above. The actual trip cost may be lower than estimated. Non-refundable trip deposits of 50% of the total trip fee will be due by March 1st, 2012. If we do not reach at least 8 trip participants for a trip by March 1st, 2012, the trip may be cancelled. In this case, you will be refunded your deposit.

Checks will need to be made payable to “Center for Civic Engagement—MUNCSC” and dropped off to MU 215 in the Auxiliaries & Activities Business Center (AABC). In the memo line, please write your name and ASB. Final payment due dates will be communicated after trip selections have been made.

Questions?

For questions regarding the Alternative Spring Break Trips for 2012, please feel free to contact the Oregon State University Center for Civic Engagement at: beaver.volunteer@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-3041.

Accommodations for disabilities may be made by calling 541-737-4098.