al·ter·na·tive
ôlˈtərnədiv/
adjective

adjective: alternative

Definition: relating to behavior that is considered unconventional and is often seen as a challenge to traditional norms.

Synonyms: revolutionary, out of the ordinary, non-standard, radical, unconventional, uncommon, unusual, nonconformist, different, possible

Something New just wrapped up an exciting spring break season, welcoming over 200 students from 15 schools for an ‘alternative’ take to their spring break. Just days after President Trump’s revised travel ban and continued halt to the U.S. refugee resettlement program, our New Alternative participants spent the week, serving, learning, and training in Clarkston, GA — a new home for many from conflict zones around the world who are seeking freedom and opportunities for their children. Clarkston, GA is known to be the “most diverse square mile in the United States”. The students chose to spend their week participating in Something New’s service-learning program, New Alternative.

Our groups collectively spent over 360 hours serving in the Clarkston community. Students volunteered in schools that represent 60+ native languages, and found that it was possible to connect despite language and age barriers. While our students weren’t serving in the classroom or at a local after school program, they were outside preparing community gardens for fresh crops and clearing parks and recreation areas for the community’s use.

In addition to service-our students participated in a variety of educational activities. They learned about civil and human rights at The Center for Civil and Human Rights, learned from community leaders during a panel at the Clarkston Community Center, and had an opportunity to learn more about nonviolence and how the nonviolence journey begins within themselves through our introductory New Way training.

Student highlights included learning more about refugee resettlement along with learning more about themselves and making new friends.  Thank you to everyone who came during March — we are so glad to know you and can’t wait to see you again!

Here’s some snapshots from this spring break season.

If this sounds like a trip for your college or university, please contact our New Alternative director, Emily Mumford for more information (emily@somethingnew.org).