Top Five Reasons to Go on Alternative Fall Break

Top Five Reasons to Go on AFB:

Alternative Break trips are a part of the Center for Leadership and Service which seeks to educate and engage all students to lead and serve in the global community. Since 1993 we have sent over 100 trips to lead and serve in neighboring communities. Sound like fun? Here's five reasons you should go! 

1. Make new friends:

On Alternative Fall Break you will get to meet people from all walks of life who share the same goals and interests as you. You will make your own little Alt Break family and build relationships that will last more than your four years at UT!  

2. Learn about an issue facing our world and local Knoxville community:

Our AFB trips have some pretty awesome themes this year, ranging from Identity and Inclusion to Disabilities in the Workforce to Minority Youth. That is just the tip of the iceberg. You can read more about our awesome themes here! On top of this, your trip leaders will educate you on your theme before your trip. Then you can bring your experiences back to impact the Knoxville community.

3. Impact a community:

While these trips will be impactful for you, they can also transform a community. Last year, the economic impact of all our break trips was $77,826.01 for 3403 hours of service! Being able to work alongside our community partners and meet specific community needs significantly impacts the work these agencies are able to do. Something as simple as putting together HIV/AIDS testing packets to being able to paint a flood victim’s home can transform the work of that community partner.

4. Create positive social change:

The purpose of Alternative Breaks are to strengthen the communities we serve and create positive change. Our goal is to challenge the systems of injustice the we find in the world and work to make society better for everyone. It’s a lofty goal but one worth pursuing.  

5. Have fun!

Lastly, getting to spend all of fall break packed into UT vans, and gallivanting around a new place serving with your new best friends is a recipe for fun. You will bond through service and hard work and have a blast while doing it!

Are you ready to spend your fall break on AFB? Apply here! Want to learn more about the program first? Click here!