Participating in an Alternative Break (AB) is a great way to get involved and make a difference through community service. Alternative Breaks, a student organization supported by Leadership and Community Connections, provide Illinois State students with an opportunity to enact social change. These trips are held in and outside the U.S. during the academic winter, spring, and summer breaks.
“We engage students to take part in strong direct service while learning more about social justice and the impact civic engagement can have on the world around us,” Leadership and Community Connections graduate assistant Josh Marron said. The main goal of AB is to encourage participants and leaders to step outside of their own life experiences and develop a passion for service learning work.
“We engage students to take part in strong, direct service while learning more about social justice and the impact civic engagement can have on the world around us.”—Josh Marron
Marron is excited about this year’s trips, which will address a number of different social justice topics, including youth development, environmental restoration and conservation, homelessness, addiction, sustainable living, and animal care.
Currently, the Alternative Winter Break (AWB) domestic trip is still accepting applications. This trip is set for January 9–14 with travel to Montgomery, Alabama. Alternative Break participants will be focusing on youth development and affordable housing. Students who are interested or want to sign up for this trip should fill out the application.
If students are unable to attend AWB, there are limited spots available for Alternative Spring Break (ASB) domestic trips. ASB will consist of five separate trips occurring over the academic spring break, March 11–18: Atlanta; Memphis, Tennessee; Boone, North Carolina; Pargould, Arkansas; and Salina, Kansas. Each trip will integrate a different social issue depending on location. Due to limited spots available, those who are interested in attending should apply as soon as possible.
For more information about Alternative Breaks, call Leadership and Community Connections at (309) 438-7346.
