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New Alternative

Why Clarkston?

August 16, 2017 by Becca Armstrong

In a time when our nation’s highest administration is working to build barriers to keep refugees out of the country, Something New is committed to building community with our neighbors in Clarkston, GA. Clarkston is an example of a community where new neighbors and long-time residents are embracing the challenges that come with building a strong community.  It is a place where many cultures and languages collide and where people are discovering the strength in diversity.  It is a place where bridges are working better than walls. Clarkston is worth exploring and a powerful place to learn more about refugee resettlement and get involved, now is the time!

With its high population of recently resettled refugees, Clarkston, GA is a vibrant community—rich in diverse experiences, cultures, and by extension—food! Located just a few miles from downtown Atlanta, Clarkston is a small town that takes you on a trip around the world in just a few blocks.

The residents of Clarkston are from all over — Burma, Bhutan, Cuba, Somalia, the Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Refugees from these countries bring with them their own ways of life, as well as the incredible and difficult circumstances they have endured on their journey to rebuilding their lives.

About 85% of local businesses are owned by people who came to Clarkston as refugees.  Students attend schools where 60 languages are spoken and adults often work multiple minimum wage jobs to make ends meet.  As people work to rebuild their lives, about 40% live below the poverty line and many adults are not able to work in the same careers they had in their home countries.

Each refugee has a story of war, separation, violence and hardship and they also share a common drive to build a safe, secure, and brighter future for their children and new community.  The daily demonstration of sacrifice and the warm hospitality felt among new neighbors makes Clarkston a unique and powerful place for an alternative break.

Filed Under: New Alternative Tagged With: Clarkston, college students, diversity, Learning, New Alternative, Refugees, Service, together, Unity

Gearing Up for AB 2017

December 20, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

Our New Alternative Team is checking out the Carter Center and other Atlanta sights to get ready for colleges spending their spring break with Something New. Interested in Alternative Breaks? Check out what we do HERE.

Filed Under: New Alternative Tagged With: AB2017, Carter Center, Jimmy Carter, New Alternative, New Alternative Clarkston, Something New

Answer the Call

April 20, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

somethingnewinterns

Contributed by Jarah Botello, program lead for Something New Summer Intern program

For the last week, this friendly reminder has come to my phone numerous times to let me know that it is time to talk to another perspective #SomethingNew summer intern!

This year we have had more applicants than any summer before, and each interview has been special. It is amazing to see how many people have been touched by their time in Selma during our New Alternative program and want to come back.  I appreciate each of them for answering the call and applying for the internship.  It’s guaranteed to be our best summer yet!

Filed Under: New Alternative, New Expression, New Way Tagged With: Internship in Selma AL, Jarah Botello, New Alternative, Something New Internship, Summer Intern, Summer internship

Alternative break student reaches new heights

March 15, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

Katrina, an international student from China won the courage award this past week for overcoming her fear of falling when her group toured the Tepper’s building.

With the support of her group hosts and fellow team members, Katrina was able to push past what felt uncomfortable and scary and reach new heights-literally!

“I have fallen before when I was a child from a ladder. I was shaking the whole time. I could see the trees, the river, and the bridge. It was really amazing. If I had never tried I would have never seen it!” Katrina said.
teppers
Katrina’s experience at Tepper’s embodies what we hope students take away from their week in Selma. When we dig into the uncomfortable or the fear then we can reach new ground, new heights, and new experiences. We hope all of the students that visit our program are able embody Katrina’s courage.

Filed Under: New Alternative Tagged With: ABSelma, Alabama Alternative Break, Civil Rights Service Learning, New Alternative, Service Learning in Selma, Service Learning in the South, Tepper's

New Alternative 2016 is here!

January 12, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

Our 2016 New Alternative season is in full swing! This week groups from 4 colleges are visiting Selma to serve the community and learn more about civil rights history and Selma today. Follow us on Facebook and watch our 2016 New Alternative album grow!

NA 2016

Family photo of 45? #WeAreFamily #NewAlternative

 

FC Late Night
Express Yourself! Some of our New Alternative participants got creative during #LateNight at the #FreedomCafe!

[Read more…] about New Alternative 2016 is here!

Filed Under: New Alternative Tagged With: AB, AB2016, ABSelma, ASB, Civil Rights Service Learning, Freedom Cafe, New Alternative, New Alternatives, New Expressions, Service Learning, Service Learning in Alabama, Service Learning in Selma, Service Learning in the South

NA Sneak Peek: Meet Sean and Tylisa

January 9, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

Blacks_0430_CC (1)

 

As part of our New Alternative program, we provide each group of visitors with a group host to help ensure they have the best trip possible.  Some of our perennial favorites on the group host roster are Sean and Tylisa Black, residents of Selma and long-time Alternative Break (AB) hosts.  We thought you might like to hear a little about why they love AB!

What are three things you love about ASB?

Tylisa: The students, the hype, and the energy.

Sean: Same three as Tylisa.

If you had one word of advice for ABers, what would it be?

Tylisa: Be open to having everything you’ve ever known get challenged.

Sean: Come open, and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know all the volunteers.

Why do you group host? [Read more…] about NA Sneak Peek: Meet Sean and Tylisa

Filed Under: New Alternative Tagged With: Alabama, Alternative Break, ASB, group hosts, New Alternative, Sean Black, Service Learning, Service Learning in Alabama, Tylisa Black

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