Wesleyan's Alternative Break Program

The alternative break program at Virginia Wesleyan is called Imagine for "imagine what you could do in a community where people can only say "thank you"". 1999 was the first year of the student-led program under the auspices of the Office of Community Service. Up to three groups of 12 each are selected to participate each year. Sites are announced in the fall.

Past teams have traveled as near as Northern Virginia to work with the homeless and as far as Mississippi to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. International sites have included the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

What is an Alternative Break?

An alternative break program places teams of students in communities to engage in service and experiential learning during their summer, fall, winter or spring breaks. Students perform short-term projects for community agencies and learn about issues such as literacy, poverty, racism, hunger, homelessness and the environment. The objectives of an alternative break program are to involve students in community-based service projects and to give students opportunities to learn about the problems faced by members of communities with whom they otherwise may have had little or no direct contact. Communities benefit from the tangible work completed, while participants gain a broader understanding of the world around them. Many participants have hailed the experience as fundamentally life-changing and the best week they've ever had.

Deadlines

Applications with $50 deposit is due in September.

Requirements

• Participate in pre-trip meetings.
• Perform daily service as agreed upon.
• Participate in reflections.
• Keep a daily journal to turn in after trip.
• Participate in post-trip meeting.
• Complete evaluation form.

Cost

Domestic trips may cost as little as $75, whereas international trips will cost as much as $2500, which includes transportation, housing, and meals. Scholarships are available.

2007-08 Site Leaders

Nathanael Swann, ndswann@vwc.edu
Spring Imagine Site Leader Guide

Imagine Application

Submit completed application and pay a non-refundable $50 deposit to Office of Community Service. Additional fees are due in installments. (Make checks payable to Virginia Wesleyan College.)

Location

TBA
TBA
No preference

(Groups limited to 12 each)

Personal Information

Name
Mailing Address
Phone
Campus Mailbox
Email Address

I am a Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior, age

I am 21, willing to drive, and have a clean driving record. Yes No

I am willing to be an assistant team leader. Yes No

Experience

1. Have you ever participated in an alternative break program? Yes No

   If yes, describe:
   
   
   

2. Why do you want to participate in Imagine?
   
   
   
3. Imagine is a group experience in which members learn from each other and pool individual strengths to address community-designated problems.
   
   
   1. What role do you typically play in a group?
      
      
      
   2. Describe a positive group experience you've had and what you learned from it.
      
      
      
   3. Identify your strengths/skills and how they will contribute to addressing community problems.
      
      
      
4. Please list any additional comments that will help the selection committee determine your involvement.