It's just around the corner...

Hello All!

The snow is melted and the weather is turning warmer… March is here! March also brings the weeklong break for all University students. While many will head to warmer climates and sandy beaches, some students will be participating in service-oriented projects, largely known as the Alternative Spring Break. Each year thousands of students from around the country will volunteer their breaks to help out underprivileged communities. Though it may not be as relaxing as a seaside adventure, these students are making a difference.

Among many organizations coordinating trips, Pi Kappa Phi holds an alternative spring break for some of its members. The fraternity’s main charity is working with an organization for people with disabilities, Push America. As part of their service experience, the members attend a Push Camp, a weeklong experience dedicated to enhancing the lives of those individuals with disabilities. The Pi Kapp members will spend their week rebuilding and refurbishing camps that help these same people. There are camps all across the country and with the support the fraternity, Push America is able to save thousands of dollars in labor and material expenses.

Miami’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB), an organization devoted to this special trip, has organized an excursion to Southern Louisiana. The approximately 32 students will work on trail maintenance, clean up and general beautification at the Tickfaw State Park. The organization boasts their trip as a “green” service opportunity.

Habitat for Humanity, boasting its own Miami chapter, is also planning a special trip for its members. This year, the organization will take 10 students to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. There, the volunteers will spend the majority of their days building affordable housing for the local population. As a bonus, the students will be staying within walking distance to the beach, giving them the prospect to add a little relaxation into their active retreats.

These organizations are just a few participating in this national phenomenon. Miami offers students many opportunities to engage in service-oriented breaks. To read more about what students are doing, visit this latest news article:  http://www.miami.muohio.edu/news/article/view/11165

 

Stay classy, 

Natalie