Cal Poly Alternative Breaks provides an opportunity for students to lend a helping hand in our global communities and address humanitarian issues through strong direct service, educational workshops, and group reflection during summer, winter, and spring breaks.
April 8, 2010
April 7, 2010
New York 2010 Spring Break
Serving at the Food Bank in Harlem was amazing.! We were truly needed and appreciated by the full-time employees who we grew to know and love. The work was diverse and demanding and the people who we served, grateful. The days faded into night as we restlessly navigated our way, via subway, searching for experience within the myriad of cultures that makeup New York City. Together we created new experiences, life long memories, and friendships.
"I thought that my participation completely changed my perspective of poverty in the US, because I was able to see first hand those who are homeless or struggle to get a meal each night. I saw men, women, black, white, young and old all coming into the food bank. The experience has opened my eyes and has allowed me to appreciate what I have."
The pre-trip team building experience at Chumash Challenge really allowed us get to know each other and break the awkward silences that are inevitable when joining a new group. The pre-trip educational workshop helped us understand the disparities we saw between rich and poor in New York City. The evening reflections aided in our digestion of what we were experiencing and also gave us time to share our views with the group. The reorientation was a great feast where we reconnected and brainstormed what we can do locally to address the issues of poverty in America, an issue we have a much better understanding and compassion for today.
January 22, 2010
New Orleans December 2009
sunday december 13
For many of us southern bound students, the day started with a 4:30 am alarm. After possibly the most indirect flight schedules possible, all eight participants finally arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana. We piled into the suburban and made our way to our lodgings for the week, the McKendrick-Breaux Bed and Breakfast on Magazine street. Here we were welcomed by our host and owner, Brett.
monday december 14
Orientation for the week began in lovely inner courtyard of the bed and breakfast on the covered porch, despite the rain.
Our first service placement was at the McDonough Charter 42 elementary and middle school in the Treme district of New Orleans, the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States. The eight volunteers from Cal Poly split up to different classrooms in pairs of two. We helped in Kindergarten, second grade, and fifth grade classes.
March 30, 2009
The 2009 New Orleans service trip was unforgettable. 15 Cal Poly students spent their spring break tutoring K-8th grade and painting the water damaged McDonogh Charter School in the Treme Neighborhood, the oldest African American community in the United States.
This area was under 5 feet of water after Hurricane Katrina. The Cal Poly participants interviewed faculty in the school to assess the needs for future volunteers. The largest need in this community is for English tutors. A large percentage of the students are at a very low reading level and their funding depends on leap test scores!
New Orleans is rich and culture and charm. The food is amazing and the architecture unique. Volunteering is a humbling experience that not only serves the community but opens your eyes to the larger picture.
This area was under 5 feet of water after Hurricane Katrina. The Cal Poly participants interviewed faculty in the school to assess the needs for future volunteers. The largest need in this community is for English tutors. A large percentage of the students are at a very low reading level and their funding depends on leap test scores!
New Orleans is rich and culture and charm. The food is amazing and the architecture unique. Volunteering is a humbling experience that not only serves the community but opens your eyes to the larger picture.
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