Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB) Alternative Spring Break Applications Available Soon! Leader Applications will be due November 17 so be sure to check http://ohiounion.osu.edu/activityfee/asb.asp soon!
All ASB 2009 Sites are listed below.
Mission The SERV (Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) Team and the Ohio Union work together each year to plan between 20 and 30 Alternative Break Trips to different cities across the nation and the world. Each year our goal is to add number of participants and trips in order to ensure every student who would like to have this experience has the chance to participate. Trip Basics Include o A week-long service project outside of the Columbus area during Winter, Spring and Summer break o Groups of students work alongside one agency to learn more about the needs and capacities of that organization and its social issue in that community and how it connects to their home community of Columbus, Ohio o Through service projects, group team-building experiences and reflection activities students participate in a broad service-learning experience o Opportunities to participate in local tourist attractions and activities Vision Through extended hands on service experiences in diverse places around the country and world, we aim to inspire student leaders to have life-long dedication to service to others and social justice activism in their current and future communities. *Note: This year we will be selecting 4 leader applicants per site to interview. Based on that interview and the students' applications we will be selecting the two-trip leaders per trip. What is the Alternative Breaks Program?
Alternative Breaks are weeklong, community service trips to a city outside of Columbus during the university's breaks at Winter, Spring, and Summer. Students volunteer for the entire week with one agency to learn more about the needs and capacities of that organization and its social issue. Training is provided for all Participants and Leaders. No previous experience is necessary to participate in Alternative Breaks!
When are the Alternative Breaks?
Alternative Break Trips take place during each University Break period – Winter, Spring & Summer. During Winter and Summer the break trips always take place the week following finals week. This year’s trip dates are listed below.
Alternative Winter Break: December 13-20, 2008 Alternative Spring Break: March 21-28, 2008 Alternative Summer Break: June 14-21, 2008
Where will the Trips go?
Each year the trips go to a variety of different places and focus on a number of different social issues. Places we have visited in the past include New York City, Washington DC, Charleston, SC, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay. See list Above
Each trip period will have a different set of locations and specific location information will be available on the application page as well as the Ohio Union article about the specific break period. Information about Alternative Winter Break locations can be found above.
Trip Leaders
Each AB trip is led by two student Trip Leaders. Trip Leaders are responsible for managing all trip logistics, training participants, and leading reflection. Trip Leaders candidates will have a strong value for community service, appreciation of differences, ability to lead a group of peers, professionalism in dealing with community partners, good oral and written communication, and a sense of humor.
Trip Participants
AB trips are open to all students, undergraduate, graduate, and professional. Participants must apply each year to attend an AB trip. Participants with a variety of experiences, skills, and interests are invited to apply to attend AB.
Trip Expenses Each AB trip is funded by the Student Activity Fee and by Participant Fees. Participant Fees are relative to site location. These Fees cover training, transportation (to, from, and around the service city), lodging, service site fees, and t-shirt. Meals and personal expenses are not covered by these fees unless indicated under site descriptions. Trip fees range from $175-$325 and are listed under each site description above. *With the exception of the International Service trip which is $1500 and does include the airfare to Belize City, Belize.
Faculty/Staff Advisors
Each AB trip is staffed by a Faculty or Staff Advisor. Advisors participate fully in all training, service projects, and reflection with the rest of the trip. Advisors are also encouraged to bring an "educational component" to the trip based on the service project, host city, or other personal/professional interest. Please see the advisor application to the right of this page.
Contact Us!
For more information about the Alternative Breaks Program, please contact Rosie Holmes in the Ohio Union at holmes.443@osu.edu , Chelsey Baughard.2@osu.edu, Eric Langenderfer.22@osu.edu, Zack Caldwell.458@osu.edu, and Joe Barone.34@osu.edu or call us at 292-8763. Or Check out the SERV Team blog at http://osuservteam.blogspot.com/
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