- pre-social welfare and political science
- Columbus, KS
Nicole Gilmore Volunteers for KU's Alternative Breaks Program
2013 Jan 24
Ninety-eight students from the University of Kansas spent part of their winter breaks volunteering across the nation, including Nicole Gilmore, of Columbus.
Gilmore, a sophomore in pre-social welfare and political science, volunteered with Freedom House from Jan. 12-20. Freedom House in Detroit is a safe haven for global survivors of persecution that are seeking legal shelter in the United States. Freedom House employees believe that people deserve to live free from oppression, so participants offer care and a variety of services to immigrants and refugees living in the shelter to ensure that they are treated with justice. Participants work with and amongst the residents to promote their safety and help them seek asylum.
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. KU Alternative Breaks places a strong emphasis on education and personal growth and encourages students to continue their service work beyond the break itself.
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, under the direction of Professor Glen White in partnership with KU students. 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.
To learn more, visit www.kualternativebreaks.com.