This year marks the 25th anniversary of the university’s Alternative Breaks Program. Since the first trip in 1993, more than 2,500 students have participated in service in different communities during their fall and spring breaks.
The Center for Leadership and Service wants to let you know three ways that you can get involved with the Alternative Breaks program as a faculty or staff member.
Apply to be a Learning Partner
A learning partner is a UT faculty or staff member or graduate assistant who does not plan the trip, but rather serves in an advisory capacity throughout the duration of the trip. Learning partners aid the student trip leaders if any issues were to arise on the trip, but otherwise get to fully experience an Alternative Break trip while serving alongside students. Learning partners attend Alternative Break trips at no cost.
Donate
If you are not able to attend an alternative break trip as a learning partner, you can make a gift donation to go towards the trips. The Alternative Break Program was able to offer eight full scholarships to students in need to cover their expense of the trip last year. The Center for Leadership and Service wants to expand their scholarship offerings to more students in the near future as the program continues to grow.
Encourage your students to participate
Encourage your students to learn more about the Alternative Breaks program. The trips give students the opportunity to engage in meaningful and collaborative community service in an effort to increase awareness of social issues and strengthen the communities they serve. The trips also foster a strong sense of community among trip participants.
Remind your students that the lottery to sign up for this year’s Alternative Spring Break trip is at 7:30 p.m. January 30 in the Panhellenic Building Multipurpose Room. They will need to bring the completed lottery packet, cash or check deposit, and copy of their drivers license to the lottery.