Alternative Spring Break
Program Overview

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APPLES Civil Rights Alternative Spring Break 2011 - New York City

The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) experience includes a two-credit hour, pass/fail course in which students examine theories behind community service, coalition building, community asset development as well as specific issues relative to the communities where they volunteer.

This mandatory course will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Mondays during the spring semester (room TBA). A one-hour recitation will follow and will be planned based on participant schedules.

During the week of spring break, students apply what they have learned into action at different sites through direct service, indirect service, and advocacy work. An emphasis is placed on trip reflection both throughout the trip and following the students' return.

APPLES sponsors five ASB experiences:

Latino Issues: Students explore issues affecting migrant workers and Latino communities in North Carolina including labor rights, pesticide use and access to healthcare. 

Native Issues: Students work with local officials to gain a better understanding of issues of federal recognition, assimilation and culture of the Lumbee Indians.

Urban Poverty: Participants learn about poverty and homelessness in a larger urban area.  Issues explored in previous trips include hunger and food access, addiction and health.

Civil Rights: With long-time partner, The Coalition for Burned Churches, participants examine civil rights in both historical and contemporary settings and work to rebuild recently burned churches.

Disaster Relief: An experience that can vary based on storm season, disaster relief participants explore many aspects of disaster management including policy, access to aid and rebuilding efforts.

A $60 participation fee is required at the start of the semester to aid APPLES in covering housing, transportation, supplies, and food.

When applying, students may indicate a preference for Native Issues, Latino Issues, Urban Poverty, Civil Rights and Disaster Relief.

2012 Alternative Spring Break Timeline

  • October 7, 2011: Participant application opens
  • Oct 27, 2011: Participant application closes
  • Oct 24, 5 – 6 p.m. : Alternative Spring Break interest session
  • November 1 – 3, 2011: Conduct interviews
  • Nov 11, 2011  or earlier: Finalists notified

Course begins in the spring semester

APPLY HERE: Due October 27, 2011.

To obtain contact information for the current AFB Chair, please refer to the APPLES' Organizers directory.