Breaking for the better
From hunger and homelessness to science and technology education, there are endless possibilities for Central Michigan University students to immerse themselves in an alternative break this winter and become active citizens addressing social issues they are passionate about.
CMU ’ s Alternative Breaks program offers weeklong national and international breaks, along with weekend breaks each month. They are comprised of 12 students, including two student site leaders. There will be 19 domestic winter breaks and one international break this year, including many social justice issues like historical preservation, food injustice, LGBTQ, animal endangerment, suicide prevention and youth at risk.
Why go on an alternative break? This is a common first question that students ask before going. However, after taking the plunge and signing up, students realize how life-changing this experience can be, which then ignites a passion for the program and active citizenship.
Each alternative break allows you to see the world from a different viewpoint. Within the program, we like to say that each experience adds a different lens to your view of the world, and each experience offers a unique way of understanding our world.
If I were to describe why I love the Alternative Breaks program, I would sum it up in one word: Community. The community begins with all of the CMU students on your break. Everyone is linked together to help with a certain cause, either for direct service or to learn more about it. Next, there is the community you are involved with at your service site, the area where you will be doing the most work.
Finally, there is the community you spend the most time in – Mount Pleasant – or the town you are from. After each break, you will take what you have learned and adjust your "lens" to continue working and advocating on behalf of social justice causes.
Signups for our winter breaks will occur today on the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center Orgsync page. Spring break signups are Monday, Oct. 13, and summer break signups are Monday, Jan. 26. Make sure you are prepared because they fill up fast. If you have questions, visit the Volunteer Center on the lower level of the Bovee University Center, go to volunteer.cmich.edu or email volcen@cmich.edu.
Please consider signing up for a break. I promise that the experience will be life-changing and instill passion in you to make the world a better place.
Dana Blankenship is a Canton sophomore and the co-chair of the Alternative Breaks public relations department.
