Alternative Service Breaks

The ASB Program
The Alternative Service Breaks (ASB) program brings students together and gives them the chance to challenge and develop as leaders while helping others in communities across the U.S.  Alternative Breaks allows students to reflect on the impact they can have by engaging in community involvement and hands-on service.  The ASB program places a heavy emphasis on critical thinking and reflection, which allow meaningful service to turn into a passion for civic engagement and action-based problem solving.

In 2006, more than 60 students had the opportunity to travel to Waveland, Mississippi to participate in Hurricane Katrina relief.  Waveland, a small community located on the Gulf of Mexico, was severely hit by Hurricane Katrina. Shortly after Katrina hit, CNN.com reported that according to state officials, Waveland “took a harder hit from the wind and water than any other town along the coast, and that the town was obliterated.”  Upon arrival on site, the students were quickly overcome with the extent of the destruction. It was something that a news camera could never capture.  After a week of intense work, the group returned to Idaho exhausted, but changed forever.

In the spring of 2007, the ASB program expanded dramatically. Over 100 students and advisors spent Spring Break in two sites in the Gulf and one site in the Appalachian region of Tennessee.  The growth of this program has been very exciting for the Volunteer Center and the University.  In the years to come, the ASB program hopes to become an established and well-funded entity so that many more students can experience the challenge and growth that these kinds of service trips bring.

International Service Break Trip
This winter ASUI and the ASUI Center for Volunteerism will be sending out the first winter break international Alternative Service Break team to Peru.

The team will be comprised of approximately 25 team members, including three trip advisors and two trip leaders. Our trip will most likely be departing for Cai Cay, Peru for 2 1/2 weeks to help construct a youth center in the small rural village. In addition to the construction, the team will be designing and implementing youth activities and sports for the children of the village. Because of the recent natural disaster in Peru, the nature of our work may change. The trip will be a life changing experience for both participants and the Cai Cay community. While rewarding, participants will be pushed beyond their comfort zones. Check back for more information as the team is selected and embarks on an amazing service experience.

Alternative Service Break Gallery

Video of the 2008 ASB trips during Winter and Spring Breaks