Alternative Breaks deadline approaching

Interested in getting away from the cold Wisconsin weather while also doing something good for the world?

The Alternative Breaks program at UW–Madison offers students an opportunity to spend spring break helping economically, culturally and environmentally diverse locations across the United States. All of the trips involve service-learning and volunteering opportunities that deal with important issues such as the environment, education, immigration, poverty and other unmet human needs.

Last spring break, 119 students traveled to 12 sites across the country. Sites ranged from the Everglades to a border town in Texas to post-Katrina New Orleans. Trips are inexpensive, ranging from $320-$480.

The application deadline to participate in an Alternative Break is 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6. Spring break is March 14-21.

The program is open to all UW–Madison students, including international students. The trip is based on a collaborative leadership model, where everyone works together equally.

Sophomore Kaitlin Koehler participated in an alternative break program last winter break in Boston, where she volunteered in a homeless shelter for people with substance-abuse problems.

“This certainly was an eye opening experience and incredible hands-on learning experience,” she says. “Every student should take advantage of these incredible volunteering opportunities offered here on campus.”

Pick up applications here or at the Morgridge Center for Public Service on the first floor of the Red Gym. If the upcoming break doesn’t fit your schedule, additional trips are planned during weekends, summer and next winter.

The Alternative Breaks Program is a student-run committee of the Union’s student programming board, the Wisconsin Union Directorate.