9 Quality Components of an Alternative Break

Prior to departure, participants engage in a continuous cycle of learning and reorientation about the communities before and during the engagement experience. They gain an understanding of, and consistently align with, the mission and vision of the community, community partner, or organization(s) they will collaborate with.

Addresses a genuine, community-identified need through effective communication, humility, and authenticity.

Capacity building involves providing participants with comprehensive education that includes facts and opinions from all perspectives on the issue, illustrating how their personal life choices intersect with the social issue. Additionally, throughout the entire engagement experience, participants receive sufficient training in the essential skills required to effectively undertake tasks and projects related to service.

Alternative Breaks allows students learning opportunities to develop a heightened awareness of one's own power, privilege, and personal identity, and how these factors manifest in community interactions. It involves acknowledging the influence of identity—such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and more—on perspectives and experiences within community settings. This awareness prompts participants to critically reflect on their roles and responsibilities, fostering empathetic engagement and respectful collaboration with diverse community members.

Participants are strongly encouraged to reflect on their community engagement experiences, integrating service, education, and community immersion components. Dedicated time, both individually and in groups, is allocated for these reflections, fostering organic and structured opportunities for introspection.

IDEA - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism.

Alternative Breaks programs are structured to include participants from across the diverse campus community. Coordinators intentionally recruit, design, implement, and evaluate programs with a strong emphasis on inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism. These programs foster dialogue that enhances understanding of how systems of power, privilege, and oppression intersect with social issues in communities, actively working against racism in all its forms. This heightened awareness empowers students to engage in service work that is not only responsible and impactful but also actively promotes equity and justice.

We expect participants to fully commit to serving with their group and community partner. The consumption of alcohol and other drugs during an Alternative Break raises concerns about community impact, legality, liability, personal safety, and group cohesion. Alcohol and drug consumption is therefore prohibited during the AB experience.

Alternative Breaks aims to offer students environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable experiences. This commitment extends to providing low-cost housing that emphasizes minimalistic living.

Furthermore, sustainability within Alternative Breaks encompasses minimizing environmental impact. AB prioritizes establishing enduring partnerships with community organizations to ensure the program's long-term sustainability.