AFB is underway!

On Tuesday, September 13th, we kicked off another year of Alternative Breaks!

Our AFB trips met together for the first time. All the participants and leaders met as one group to really understand what makes Alternative Breaks so wonderful. Then participants met in their teams and got to know each other and their trips better.

1. The 8 (+1) Components of a Quality Break Trip

Participants were introduced to what makes an alternative break trip a break trip through one of the 8 Components, Orientation. They learned more about our 23 years of Alternative Breaks here at UT and how they fit into the Tennessee Tradition over 100+ break trips!

While Alternative Break Trips across the country use the 8 Components, we added our own 9th component of simple living, which creates a unique immersion experience for all our participants. Simple living is how we structure our trips by simulating living at the poverty line. Trip leaders find zero cost housing and spend $6 a day on food per participant, $1 for breakfast $2 for lunch and $3 for dinner.

Want to know more about the 8 (+1) Components of a Quality Break Trip go here!

2. The Active Citizen Continuum

Participants were also introduced to the Active Citizen Continuum, which shows the path from a member to an Active Citizen. For different issues, a person's membership can be in different areas. 

Where would you place yourself for women's rights? or environmental issues? 

Participants were also asked where they fall on the continuum for their trips theme and participants ranged from member to active citizen! Growth is always possible, even for active citizens, and we can't wait to see how participants learn and grow on their trips.

3. Their Trips Theme! 

Then participants went to meet in their individual trips and get to know their themes even better. There are six AFB trips going out over Fall Break and we can't wait to see all the great work they accomplish for there community partners.

Where would you fall on the active citizen continuum for these themes? Which would you want to learn more about? 

Just wait and our trips will be reporting back about their experiences in blogs linked to this one! Just look right over here to the side bar ---> ---> --->

If you want to help support the Alternative Breaks Program come to our fundraiser Friday September 23rd from 5-9 PM at MAX AIR Trampoline Park and Jump for Alternative Breaks! 

Check out the Facebook event here!