Something New

Something Different, Something Needed, Something New

Service Learning in the South

New Alternative participants reflect on a life changing week

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It’s been a full three weeks in Selma, AL as New Alternative has been in full swing! We’ve had the privilege to host over 350 students from 22 colleges in just 21 days. There’s been many highlights to share and what a better way to do it, than in the words of our students.
Buffalo students
Abbie

“I have been blessed with the most inspiring, life changing week in Selma for my alternative spring break. Thank you to everyone who made it so amazing. I left a piece of my heart in Selma but I will be back! After such an inspiring week I would encourage everyone to pursuit their dreams, be the change that you want to see in the world, plant seeds and watch beautiful flowers grow even in the most oppressive conditions, and most importantly stick with love.”

BuffaloCRMC
Mo
“After our journey to Selma, Alabama this week I have some information I have to share with all my friends. Our country is still recovering from slavery & although we’ve come a long way in the sense of the legalities behind racism- it still very much exists & It’s difficult for anyone to understand it until they see it for themselves. Segregation is still very prominent in southern areas of the USA in places such as churches and schools. There is a DEEP rooted mindset that has been passed down from people who lived before the civil rights movement.

[Read more…] about New Alternative participants reflect on a life changing week

Alternative break student reaches new heights

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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.

NA Sneak Peek: The Bridge

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Edmund Pettus Bridge

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is the landmark often associated with Bloody Sunday (marchers first attempt at the Selma to Montgomery march), the Selma to Montgomery March and the passing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. As a New Alternative breaker you’ll learn first hand about Selma’s Civil Rights history-past and present along with an opportunity to walk over the iconic bridge.

New Alternative 2016 is here!

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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!