What are Alternative Breaks?
Alternative Break programs are immersive service oriented experiences for VCU students. Each program will focus on specific social issues that are relevant for the VCU community and greater Richmond area. These social issues will be the core focus of the program and reflection opportunities embedded into the week long experiences. Alternative Breaks focus on service led civic engagement, partnerships, and civic action through the social issue component.
FAQ Alternative Breaks
Each program includes 2 pre-trip meetings intended to be used for training, discussion, and preparation with your Alternative Break program group. As with in-person experiences, pre-departure is in preparation for an immersive and short term engagement with community partners that work in the specific theme or social justice issue of the program.
All programs and students work with their group to implement a service, advocacy, or activism project to share their learnings with our broader community post-trip.
Any full time undergraduate or graduate student that wants to learn more about domestic and global issues through community development, civic engagement, leadership, and service.
- You will be given the opportunity to connect with a community of peers from across campus and create new friendships and colleagues.
- These trips will also help you develop and practice personal and group leaderships skills such as active listening, reflection, critical thinking, communication, as well as civic engagement through in-person service.
- Active engagement in personal reflection, listening, small group dialogue, and small group activities.
- Thought-provoking questions and dialogue around social issues.
- Making connections between social issues and your academic, personal, professional, or civic life.
- Learning directly from community leaders and partners.
- Engaging in direct service alongside community leaders and partners.
- Participating in meaningful reflections to understand the impacts of community service on social justice.
- Identifying at least one action step to take towards a social issue you are passionate about in your home community.
Alternative Breaks were founded as an alternative to the typical spring break experience. We believe the use of substances takes away from our goal of being fully present and engaged in our program activities.
The Alternative Break program makes every effort to ensure that students with disabilities can participate successfully in Alternative Break programs.
Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that facilities or support services will be available at each location in the same range and quality as on VCU’s campus.
We encourage students with disabilities to meet with staff at Accessibility Resources to discuss accommodation needs and identify appropriate sites.