U of I student Lauren Haynes fondly remembers her first trip. “It was really exciting—we drove to Gallup, New Mexico to learn about Native American culture. We participated in a wide range of service projects, [including] painting a trailer, sorting food at a food pantry, folding and sorting clothes for a clothing drive, and helping kids who had been expelled from school create a garden…to teach them about plant life. We were able to explore modern Native American culture outside of the classroom and textbooks; talking about Native Americans in class is often past-tense, rather than openly talking and learning about what is currently going on. We had a lot of time to explore the surrounding area, which included a lot of hiking. But the most powerful event we saw was an authentic Zuni religious ceremony. We were the only non-Zuni people in the crowd aside from a handful of other locals—I can’t even put into words how amazing that was or how privileged I felt to be allowed to watch.”

Though all ASB participants have unique experiences, the program itself is systematic. Once participants are identified for a program, the group coordinates a fundraiser to raise 200 dollars, which is donated to the site they will visit. They participate in pre- and post-break service projects, which help tie the social justice issue they will be exploring back to the local community. These projects can be educational or service-related, from attending lectures by U of I faculty, to undertaking projects with organizations such as Eastern Illinois Foodbank, East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center, or the Greater Community AIDS Project. Participants also attend a “coffee-talk” where students from two different programs come together to share information and discuss social justice issues. These aspects make ASB stand out from other organizations; trips do not only provide service, but also a strong educational component for their members.

Laura Yarber learned about this educational component when she traveled to the Farm Sanctuary in Elm Mott, TX. “Last winter break I spent a week on a farm which sends interns to countries [such as] Guatamala to teach them about sustainable farming. While on the farm, my group milked goats, harvested organic vegetables, dry walled an apartment for interns to live in, and participated in various other chores. The most memorable day was when the interns at the farm surprised us with a ‘day in the life of’ scenario. Our group was split in two, and spent the day gathering water, hoeing a field, making a fire, and even slaughtering a guinea hen. That definitely made everything more real for us and increased everyone’s commitment to the cause. When we got back to Champaign, many trip members became more involved in social and environmental justice issues. I especially remember the time I went to a talk on the genocide occurring in Darfur (something I would never have done before ASB) and ran into two other people from my trip, who also said that they were there as a result of ASB’s influence.”

In the past few years, international students have increasingly participated in ASB. Since the trips are low in cost, this offers students an opportunity to travel beyond campus to learn about issues that may not be discussed in their home country. Satoshi Abe, a Japanese student and participant on the fall 2006 disabilities trip to Nashville, TN commented, “In Japan, we do not focus much on philanthropy. I am hoping my ASB experience will allow me to bring that characteristic back to Japan.” Many international students build long-term friendships with their ASB colleagues. Lauren remains close with two exchange students from Great Britain who were on her trip to Gallup. “I’ve kept in touch with them ever since, I visited them both when I was studying abroad in France, and one of the girls came and stayed with me for 10 days two years after our trip.”

Alternative Spring Break is open to all University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff. Applications are available approximately 3-4 months prior to the trips. For more information, please visit the Web site.