“Even though I’m one person, I hope to make a big difference.”
— Abby Johnson, Alternative Spring Break site leader
Instead of hitting beaches and bar hopping, students like Johnson are spending spring break participating in service projects through the University’s Office of Student Volunteerism. Their trips are planned for March 14-20.
Home renovation programs have included trips to New Orleans, where students aided victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program encourages students to apply what they learn in the classroom toward a volunteer experience. This year, 11 teams of more than 100 participants — a mix of students and faculty or staff advisers — are involved.
This year’s “Go Alternative” theme emphasized such issues as poverty, homelessness and sustainability, said Monalisa Amidar, assistant director of student life programs in the Office of Student Volunteerism.
The trips were designed to address those issues.
“We wanted to challenge our students to go outside their comfort levels and explore something new while being of service to others,” Amidar said. “The trips we offered this year were a direct response to what our students had been asking for: to travel farther, have a chance to impact more communities and tackle more social issues.”
“I’m very impressed at how hard they’ve worked in preparing for their trips, and that they’re reaching out to so many communities that need help,” she said.
The Student Volunteerism staff and this year’s ASB participants worked closely with agency partners to plan the trips. Participants studied their issues, partner agencies and the sites they would be visiting.
Individual teams began holding fundraisers in the fall, and the Office of Student Volunteerism hosted its own events to help raise money for the trips. Activities included the “Buy A House for the Homeless” drive, a gaming tournament, bingo, a book drive, Valentine’s Day carnation sales and a pancake breakfast.
The environmental conservation team secured a $250 grant to aid its cause.
The Office of Student Volunteerism works closely with agency partners to plan the trips.
The groups held weekly meetings to discuss trip logistics, related readings and topics that related to their trips’ focus. Team members also performed at least one service project related to their issues before departing for their trips.
“There’s a whole lot more involved than simply signing up and going on a trip. Hence the reason we call it ‘alternative’ spring break,” Amidar said. “Our ASB participants are true examples that Comets do care.”
All trips are filled for this year, but any UT Dallas student can participate in ASB. Students identify trips they want to attend and register online. A non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration, and fees cover transportation, lodging and food. Student cost varies based on location and fundraising efforts.
“The past two years I’ve gone to New Orleans to help build homes following the devastation from hurricane Katrina,” said Josh Mello. “The chance you have to grow in friendship with your team members, work together in community service and explore places you’ve never been forges memories you will not forget.”