Advantage Member School
APPLICATIONS
Students
(Closed for 2013)
Faculty
(Closed for 2013)
Site Descriptions
Dreaming on a World: Orlando, FL
Hunger and Homelessness are two issues that plague the Central Florida area. On this trip participants will not only be educated on the issues and see which organizations help alleviate the issues but they may also be exposed to real-life situations regarding hunger or homelessness. You will be visiting homeless shelters, transitional housing sites, food pantries, soup kitchens, etc. You will also have the chance to engage in political discourse with city officials over policies and procedures regarding these issues.
What a Wonderful World: Tallahassee, FL
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. In Northwest Florida the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravine Preserves protects one of the rarest of habitats: steep head ravines and streams. The Apalachicola River and Bay region is a biological hotspot, unique to Florida and home to a disproportionate number of endangered species. This site's theme is the environment with a primary focus on conservancy and restoration. Participants of this site will be fully engaged in nature such that camping is our sole living arrangements. The work will include seeding native grass nursery, planting native pine trees, and controlling non-native invasive species. Lets get dirty!
A Whole New World: Stuart, FL
When Millar Fuller and his wife Linda first started out in Americus, Georgia back in 1976, they had a simple vision: to start engaging in Christian ministry and to create a help group for their community. That help group quickly turned into what is now known as Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), and over 30 years since the Fullers started the organization, HFHI has built more than 500,000 homes and served 2.5 million people worldwide. HFHI is a nonprofit organization that creates affordable housing to those with low incomes, and also provides a variety of services to help families get on their feet. This site will focus on the theme of affordable housing. Students will get the chance to work alongside the families in need of housing and be part of the volunteer workforce that drives HFHI. Students will also participate in service projects supporting other community centers in the area.
We are the World: Miami, FL
America is the richest nation in the world, yet 37 million Americans live below the official poverty line and millions more struggle to get by every month. The mission of Art Studio Inc., a non-profit organization, is to empower young minds by providing a safe place where youth are inspired and guided by artists, teachers, professionals and mentors who support the student's education through the integration of creative holistic arts. Using these tools ASI in turn implements the notion of "Empowerment Turns Hope into Action." As a group we will be participating directly with children and the local community in holistic art programs, volunteering at a local elementary school, as well as participating in a variety of service projects supporting other community centers in the area.
Alternative Spring Break Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASB?
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is an opportunity to spend your spring break week serving a Florida community. You will travel with other students and staff members to a new city where you will immerse yourself in service projects and learn about a particular issue affecting that community.
ASB will be one of the best weeks of your life – a chance to dedicate an entire week to serving others and learning about a new community. You will make new friends and come back with a new perspective on a complex social issue.
Why is Alternative Spring Break considered "alternative"?
Alternative Spring Break trips are a week "on" instead of a week "off" – you will have the incredible opportunity to use your break from courses to pursue a love of service and an interest in a particular social issue. Alternative Spring Break is also substance (drug and alcohol) free, offering students an alternative to the more "traditional" spring break.
What are the benefits of going on an ASB Trip?
- Use your spring break to make a difference
- Make new long-lasting friendships
- Learn about a social issue by working alongside those directly affected
- Build leadership skills and future involvement opportunities
- Travel to a new and interesting city or location
- Immerse yourself in a new culture and lifestyle
- Have fun!
- Give back!
When is ASB?
Sunday, March 3rd to Saturday, March 9th, 2013. Each site may have different dates but all fall within the mentioned time frame.
How much does it cost?
The cost of each service trip is all-inclusive covering all food, transportation and housing for the week. The majority of the cost is covered by funding provided by Student Government. Students will be responsible for an out-of-pocket cost of $100. This non-refundable deposit of $100 will be due within 5 business days of notification of selection to participate. If no payment is received after 5 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to the next student on the waiting list. Payment instructions will be provided at time of acceptance. Participants will be able to pay with cash, check, money order or a credit card. Cancellations with a refund of the $100 deposit will be accepted until Monday, January 14, 5:00 p.m. Cancellations after this date will result in a forfeiture of your complete deposit amount.
How do I apply?
Complete the ASB application online. The application deadline is Friday, October 19th, 2012 at NOON. Applications can be e-mailed to volunteer@fau.edu (preferred), fax to 561-297-3607, or drop off at any Weppner Center location.
Weppner Center locations:
Boca: Student Services, Room 225
Broward - Davie: Student Union, Room 203
Northern- Jupiter: Student Resources, Room 119
Are there any requirements for applying?
You must be enrolled as a student at FAU during the Spring 2013 semester. You may not be on probation for academic or disciplinary reasons.
What is considered when selecting applicants for trips?
A number of factors are taken into account when evaluating applicants as we seek to create diverse groups of participants from all campus locations, years, and majors. The MOST important item looked at is the "questions" portion of your application. Treat the essays as a written interview. It is our way of truly ascertaining your character, interest level, intentions, maturity and compatibility for ASB.
Can I be placed on the same trip with my friend(s)?
Each applicant is evaluated individually and therefore guaranteed pairing is not possible. Applicants should put their best effort into writing their application, particularly the essay portion, in order to maximize their chances for being selected for their top choice trip. Keep in mind, however, that one of the benefits of going on ASB is meeting new students, making new friends, and broadening your social network at FAU, so it is to your benefit to attend trips with students you do not know.
How will I find out that I have been selected to participate?
All applicants will be emailed, at their FAU email addresses, informing them of their selection. Those students not selected will be placed on a waiting list and will be informed if a position becomes available. It is the student's responsibility to check their FAU email for communication regarding ASB.
I was selected for one site but I want to switch to another, is this possible?
No, you cannot change which site you are attending after participant selection. Every site and trip will be a valuable, exciting, and powerful experience and we encourage applicants to keep an open mind about all of the site options.
I was selected for a trip but can no longer participate in ASB, what do I do?
Please send an email to pearsona@fau.edu immediately stating that you can no longer attend your trip. Please include a reason as to why you cannot attend the trip.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations will be accepted up until Monday, January 14th, 2012. After this date, anyone who must cancel or drop out will not receive a refund for their $100 deposit check. Family emergencies and special circumstances will be taken into consideration, but will require documentation.
Still have questions or want more information? Contact: Alexandra Pearson at pearsona@fau.edu
