Volunteer as a Participant

• Alternative Break Experiences looks to build a world in which UMD students are empowered citizens in community together, taking action toward just causes.
• Through deliberative and reflective dialogues, direct service, and meaningful education which address global social issues, student participants will exchange, evaluate, and take action towards different ideas and approaches that challenge specific social, political and economic structures of our global community. 
• Direct service with community partners will demonstrate how students can turn their knowledge into action in safe, responsible, and sustainable ways.
• Interested students must be willing to commit a portion of their Winter Break or the entirety of their Spring Break to participate in the program 
  • Alternative Winter Break Dates: Wednesday, January 8th - Saturday, January 18th, 2025
  • Alternative Spring Break Dates: Saturday, March 15th - Saturday, March 22nd, 2024. 
• The experiences are in-person, though pre-trip meetings can be virtual!
• For the cost of each trip visit our Current Experiences page
  • Program cost is all inclusive of lodging, meals, transportation, and education activities.

• Any student that wants to explore community development, civic engagement, local issues, leadership, and service.
• Undergraduate and graduate students interested in exploring social issues that include environmental conservations, education, socioeconomic inequality, healthcare, and more. 

• Connect with a community of peers from across campus and create new friendships. 
• Develop and practice personal and group leadership skills such as active listening, reflection, critical thinking, communication, as well as civic engagement through in-person service.
• Learn how to effectively engage in constructive dialogue.

• Active engagement in personal reflection, listening, small group dialogue, and small group activities.
• Thought-provoking questions and dialogue around social issues.
• Making connections between social issues and your academic, personal, professional, or civic life.
• Engaging in direct service alongside community partners. 
• Participating in meaningful reflections to understand the impacts of community service on social justice.
• Identifying at least one action step to take towards a social issue you are passionate about.

• There is a brief online registration, including where you will pay a $75 deposit for the trip you wish to go on. 
• The deadline to register is dependent on the time of the program (Winter, Spring, or Weekend).

Register here: (Link to be updated) 

For more information or questions, visit our website or contact us at alternativebreaks@umd.edu