We were recently featured in the City of Clarkston Connection (April 2017) Here is what they had to say about our Alternative Break program and students: Clarkston Connection
Georgia
AB Spotlight- Abby
For many students who came to Clarkston for spring break, this was first service learning trip with Something New. Abby, from University of Wisconsin Eau Claire had an amazing trip. Here’s what she had to say:
“I truly believe that the experiences you least expect are the experiences that change your life the most. For me, the Alternative Spring Break Trip to Clarkston was just that; unexpected and life altering. I remember attending an informational meeting about the trip, and not understanding why no one could explain what the trip was like for them. It took me personally being in Clarkson to understand the perplexity of emotions and thoughts that go through your mind when trying to describe what your spring break was like. Not only was it inspiring and emotional, but uplifting. For the first time in my life, I felt at home. I was surrounded by people I knew who cared for me, and had my best interest in mind. To be in place of complete honesty, vulnerability, and love is not an environment that is common. The volunteers at Something New are the reason why I experienced many of these emotions, and experiences. The Something New volunteers are a special group of dedicated, devoted, and loving crew who were welcoming from day one.
In my efforts for others to experience the dedication of the Something New Organization, I do my best to share my ASB trip experience with those who have little knowledge of the trip itself. I hope to inspire others to take action, join the Alternative Spring Break trip next year, and to create positive encourage for others out there to continue supporting the wonderful Something New Organization.”
Alternative Break 2017!
Get a glimpse of what our #ASB2017 was all about! Here is our Closing Video for Week 3:
Alternative Spring Break 2017
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).
