2020 Wake Alternative Break Destinations Announced
Wake Alternative Break (WAB) is a week-long alternative spring break program for WFU undergraduate students, that allows students the opportunity to visit cities outside of Winston-Salem, and provide direct-service while visiting. During WAB, students will learn about a particular social issue, while creating lasting friendships with fellow trip members.
The Office of Civic & Community Engagement is happy to announce six Wake Alternative Break destinations for the 2019-20 academic year.
- Atlanta, Ga. | Animal Advocacy: Furkids is the largest no-kill animal shelter in the state of Georgia. Their mission: to rescue homeless animals, provide them with the best possible medical care, and support them in a nurturing environment while working to find their forever homes. Students will work alongside Furkids staff to renovate their new shelter location, organize and renovate the thrift store, exercise and care for the dogs/puppies, and socialize the cats/kittens.
- Chicago, Ill. | Latinx Community Services: Casa Central is the largest Hispanic social service agency in the Midwest. Since 1954, Casa Central has delivered evidence-based, award-winning programming in response to the needs of the Hispanic Community. Students will volunteer with elementary and middle school students at Casa Central, where they’ll be helping with tutoring, preparing meals for students, and learning about the needs of the Latinx Community in Chicago.
- Johnson City, Tenn. | Housing: Appalachia Service Project seeks to eradicate substandard housing in Central Appalachia.Students will perform construction projects with a family in need of critical home repair. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about Appalachia communities and how they can be a part of a long term effort to eradicate substandard housing.
- New Orleans, La. | Disaster Relief: United Saints Recovery Project is a grassroots, volunteer-based nonprofit working to restore and strengthen communities affected by natural disasters. Students will assist with rebuilding homes and engaging homeowners, while also reflecting on the national and local response to Hurricane Katrina through the lens of race, class, and social justice.
- Otway, Ohio | Sustainable Agriculture: Hurricane Run Farm is a small farm in an isolated valley near Shawnee State Forest that produces a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, jams, jellies, baked goods, and granola. Students will volunteer on the Farm, and learn about the importance of sustainable farming.
- Shenandoah Valley, Va. | Mindfulness and Environmental Conservation: Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia. Home to a rich Appalachia natural history and known for its conservation efforts, students will work alongside park rangers in their conservation efforts, engaging largely with climate change and environmental conservation.
Participants will leave for their destinations the weekend leading into Spring Break (March 7-8), volunteering at their sites throughout the week (March 9-13), and returning to campus the following weekend (March 14-15).
All students must apply to participate in the trip of their choice. Applications are open and close on February 7, 2020. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance to the program, and counts toward the cost of the trip. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. It is $350 to participate in the alternative break programs, however the OCCE is happy to assist students who need additional financial support, by connecting them with scholarship opportunities.
If you are a WFU undergraduate student interested in becoming a trip leader, applications are due by January 24. Trip leaders are responsible for recruiting participants for their WAB site; facilitating pre-service orientation; managing daily reflections during their respective trips; and handling the logistics of their trips during the break. Due to the responsibility, trip leaders, attend WAB at a reduced rate of $175 per trip.
If you are interested in learning more about Wake Alternative Break, please contact Deb Marke.