March is spring break time — a perfect time to invite our network to this year’s Civic Engagement Administrator Conference: “The Future of Alternative Breaks.” Held June 6-7 at Elon University, this year’s CEAC (we pronounce it “See-ack”) will offer keynote and breakout sessions that push the boundaries of the alternative service trip model. The call for workshop proposals is open now through April 21. Topics of interest include:
- Pre-trip orientation/preparation and post-trip re-entry/transition
- Building sustainable/reciprocal community partnerships
- Student leadership models and training
- Reflection tools & tips
- Co-curricular and academic/credit-based models
- Assessment
- Research and Theory
- Equity and Inclusion
Workshop contacts will be notified in early May. Conference registration is $75/pp ($100/pp if from a non-member campus). Registration is open now through May 19. Though CEAC is typically geared for faculty and staff, student leaders of alternative break programs are also welcome this year.
CEAC participants enjoy learning from each other and hearing about exciting programs taking place in our state and beyond. Here are some alternative service trips highlighted recently in our network:
Students take on service, learning during vacation – ECU students, led by AmeriCorps VISTA members, live and serve at local homeless shelter over break.
APPLES leads alumna to an alternative route – alternative breaks program provides UNC Chapel Hill grad with unique experiences that lead to career in science education.
ECU Students lend helping hand with alternative spring break – students travel to Carteret County to help NC Coastal Federation with oyster habitat restoration.
Duke University Students Spend Spring Break in Fresno Installing Solar Panels – Duke students work with a local agency that installs solar panels for low-income homeowners.
