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Alternative Breaks|Service, Leadership & Community Engagement

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SLCE OFFICE
Rooms 006 & 011 In the lower level of the Wyoming Union
Dept. 3625
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-3117
Email: slce@uwyo.edu
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About Alternative Breaks:

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Alternative Breaks allows students the opportunity to work on community-based service projects both nationally and internationally.  Through this unique program, students spend their winter, spring, or summer breaks performing volunteer service that addresses pressing social and environmental issues in a variety of locations across the globe. Trips focus on issues ranging anywhere from education to conservation to economic development.

The AB program is distinct in its students-leading-students model.  Every year, students are selected, by an application process, to serve as Team Leaders for the service trips.  Their responsibilities include planning and organizing the trips, team building activities, as well as overseeing the group's needs while at their host site.

2013 Alternative Break Trips:

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2013 Domestic Trips:

  • San Diego, CA - March 16-23 - $750
  • New York City, NY - March 16-23 - $750
  • Kanab, Utah - March 16-23 - $300

2013 International Trips:

  • Guatemala - March 16-23 - $1,500
  • Trinidad and Tobago - March 16-23 - $1,500
  • Jamaica - March 16-23 - $1,500

Trip Requirements, Policies & Procedures :

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Trip Requirements:

  1. International and domestic trips are open to any full or part time University of Wyoming student.

  2. A deposit is due at time of sign up.

  3. Payments can be made with check or credit/debit card. Please do not try to pay with cash.

  4. Sign up for each trip is on a first come, first serve basis.

Why should you participate?

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Need further convincing that participating in Alternative Breaks is right for you? Here are five reasons that you should get involved with AB:

  1. A sharpened sense of civic duty
  2. A deeper understanding of issues facing the world
  3. Make lifelong friendships
  4. A greater appreciation for diversity
  5. Inspiration to make a difference in your community

Team Leaders:

Each Alternative Break will be lead by one or two students and anyone has the opportunity to be that leader. Domestic trips will have two Team Leaders on each trip while international trips will have one team leader. Team Leaders will be involved in researching information about their trip, recruiting and selecting students to accompany them on the trip. Team Leaders must be able to complete a minimum of four hours of service each week, with a minimum of two hours in the SLCE Office. In addition Team Leaders will participate in fundraising programs. Trip cost for Team Leaders will be covered through the AB Program. As a bonus Team Leaders will enroll in a Spring Semester course, CNSL 2800: Fundamentals of Alternative Break Leadership, a 1 credit hour class taking place Monday nights at 5pm. If you are interested in becoming a Team Leader complete this application, if you have questions about team leaders please stop in the SLCE Office. Applications are due September 21st, 2012.

Policies & Procedures:

All Alternative Breaks policies and procedures are addressed in the Alternative Breaks Policy Manual. All the staff, Team Leaders, and participants are expected to read and abide by all policies and procedures addressed in the manual.

Participant Selection Process and Deposits/Payments:

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Participation in the Alternative Breaks program is on a first come, first serve sign-up basis. A deposit is required at the time of sign-up to reserve a space. No participant is guaranteed a spot on a trip until payment is received. After a deposit is received, the remainder of the balance for each trip will be divided into two equal payments due on specific dates (outlined below). Payments for participants with late admission will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis. Payments may be made in the form of check or credit/debit card. All payments are non-refundable and students without payment in full at the time of the trip will not be permitted to go.

The cost of the trip covers all transportation costs, food, lodging, and service activities. Other costs, such as free-day activities, tourist activities, and souvenirs are the responsibility of the participant. Additionally, if a participant breaks the alcohol and drug free policy (see Policy Manual) they will be sent home immediately, will be responsible for the cost of their return trip home, and they will also be subject to the UW Code of Conduct.

Payment Schedule:

All participants are expected to cover the full cost of their trip. Fundraising opportunities will be available.

What you should know about paying for your trip:

  • An initial deposit is due when you sign up
  • The remaining balance will be divided into two payments
            1. First Payment due: January 25, 2013
            2. Second Payment due: February 22, 2013
  • Please remember that ALL payments are NON-REFUNDABLE
  • Payments for participants with late admission will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis

Drug & Alcohol Policy:

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The Alternative Break trips are DRUG and ALCOHOL FREE. This applies to all applicants, even those over the age of 21. At no time, nor under any circumstance are participants, Team Leaders, or staff members permitted to consume alcohol or any other substance while participating in an AB program. This includes traveling to and from DIA. Additionally, no alcohol is allowed for purchase or transport on domestic or international trips. Participants in violation of this policy will be sent home immediately at their own expense.

See the Alternative Breaks Policy Manual for more information.

Fundraising and Scholarship Opportunities:

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Students can earn money by working concessions with Team Leaders at men's basketball games. Each game a participant works will earn them money ($33) that comes straight off the cost of their trip.

Email asb@uwyo.edu to sign up for a game or for more information about fundraising.

Alternative Breaks wants to make each trip as affordable as possible. We work with students to take part in both individual and group fundraising. Scholarships are also available with the SLCE office through the generous gift of Rocky Mountain Power for domestic and international trips and International Programs for international trips. Contact the SLCE office for more information regarding fundraising opportunities as well as scholarship requirements and deadlines.

Contact Information:

For more information regarding Alternative Breaks, please contact Sagan Hunsaker at asb@uwyo.edu. To speak directly with AB staff, please call (307) 766-6812. Alternative Breaks is located in the lower level of the Wyoming Union in the SLCE Office (Room 006).

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