Alternative Breaks Learning Component

During Alternative Breaks, participants examine root issues of social injustice and connect with local, national, and international communities through direct service in a substance-free environment. Illinois State University Alternative Break uses three models to guide the program.

• Active Citizen Continuum
• 8 Components of Quality Alternative Break
• Social Change Model

Alternative Breaks is a member of Break Away, a national movement promoting active citizenship among college students across the country.

After participating in an alternative break, students will be able to:

• Explain what distinguishes a Member from an Active Citizen on the Active Citizen Continuum.
• Identify a social issue that is important to them.
• Analyze three ways inequality is demonstrated in the community they served.
• Assess own actions related to maintaining inequality in America.
• Create a personal definition of "inequality".
• Describe five ways the experience of participating in an alternative break had a personal impact.
• Develop a personal plan that incorporates what was learned on the trip into their life.
• Create a personal definition of "global citizen". (international trip only)