Bryan Do of Wichita, Kan. Volunteers with Alternative Breaks through the University of Kansas

2012 Mar 9

Eager to lend a helping hand, 95 students from the University of Kansas, including Bryan Do, of Wichita, Kan., spent part of their winter breaks volunteering across the nation.

KU's student-run Alternative Breaks program centers on service-learning trips that provide opportunities for students to include volunteer efforts in their educational experiences.

This winter, students worked with 13 different agencies in 10 different states ranging from chilly Michigan to sunny Florida. Students supported a variety of agencies' efforts, including rebuilding homes for natural disaster victims, preserving natural habitats, and encouraging children to live healthy lifestyles. Each group volunteered for one week from Jan. 7 to Jan. 14.

Students Max Clarkson, Kansas City, and Hannah Vick, Lawrence, were the Alternative Winter Breaks co-directors. Alternative Breaks Co-Directors were Julia Barnard, Lawrence, and Stephanie Jian, Lawrence. The Alternative Break faculty adviser is Sarah Crawford-Parker, and the instructors of record are Linda Dixon and Amanda Schwegler.

Following their admittance to the program, students attended weekly classes to prepare for their Alternative Winter Break sites. The classes provided more information about the role of a volunteer, how the nonprofit sector works, social justice issues, and the importance of diversity and cultural awareness.

The program was established at KU in 1995 with a spring break trip to El Paso, Texas. Since 1995, it has expanded to include fall, winter, summer and weekend breaks.

An Alternative Winter Break counts as one honors unit for the University Honors Program, and, if taken as a class, can count toward service learning certification. The program costs participants $275 ($225 for site leaders) and covers their transportation, housing and meals.