New Alternative, a program of Something New, is run 100% by volunteers — and we’re not your normal nonprofit crew. As you consider joining Something New for New Alternative in Atlanta, there are a few things you should know about us and our program before you come.
Who We Are
DIFFERENT.
We are a unique host site and we believe in the importance of blending strong education and training with relevant service for a life-changing week of learning and personal growth.
INTENSE.
We believe there is great value in immersion and we strive to host trips that take breakers right to the heart of our organization, the daily practice of nonviolence and the many facets of the Atlanta area. We’re all about intense — from start to finish.
IDEALISTS.
We believe everyone can make an impact on the world, and we believe your visit to will leave a lasting impact on you, our organization and Atltanta. You CAN make a difference in this world, and it is needed. We want you to experience a week of alternative living that will catapult you into a lifetime of purpose and motivate you to reach your own potential and dreams.
OUTSIDE AGITATORS.
When our organization first started working in Selma, Alabama, we were considered outside agitators by some, and were treated as such. When we began to speak out about segregated institutions–the schools, country club, churches, etc.–we experienced major backlash, smear campaigns, and even death threats on the Internet. We believe what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, and have lived by it: “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”
Organizations volunteering with us should not be surprised to find slanderous information about us on the Internet. Some of the hatred and mindsets present in the 60s have not changed, but the tactics of fear and intimation have new outlets. Rather than wearing hoods and burning crosses, racists now hide behind anonymous blogs and internet forums to try stop integration and progress. The same mindsets and resistance to change that can be found in Selma are also challenges facing Atlanta.
BELIEVERS.
While we are not a faith-based organization, the movement behind our programs did start out of a church of young people who were passionate about serving others. Over the past 10 years, the organization has evolved into a human rights and youth development organization that believes in equality for all. We are passionate about tolerance, acceptance and inclusion. Our programs embrace and encourage volunteers from diverse backgrounds, and we proudly stand behind human rights for all.
Who We’re Not
QUIET.
We believe in the power of every voice, and collectively our organization is a voice for those not heard. We encourage our alternative breakers to exercise their voices while in Atlanta through reflection and debriefing activities.
TRADITIONAL.
We believe in thinking outside the box, in coloring outside the lines, and in not following the status quo. While we understand this is not for everyone, we’ve seen great benefit in taking the road less traveled to make change in our community.
We hope to meet you on an alternative break experience! We have been honored to join many participants on their transformative journey through New Alternative and into a lifetime of service and sacrifice. We’d love to be a part of your journey.
