Alternative Spring Break

About Alternative Spring Break

ASB is a reflection-based, student-led program where teams engage in a social justice curriculum that prepares them to learn and serve in communities across the United States during the one-week trip over spring break.

As an Alternative Spring Break Member you will:

  • Learn about and explore social justice issues
  • Engage in meaningful action and direct service
  • Reflect on injustice in your community and beyond

As an Alternative Spring Break Team Leader you will:

  • Co-plan the program with assistance from The London Center
  • Gain invaluable leadership skills and experience
  • Run group meetings and reflectional pieces

2023 Women's Rights Washington, D.C. Trip

The 2023 Alternative Spring Break (ASB) was the first travel ASB trip since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person activities. In March of 2023, a group of 10 students' across various years and various majors' traveled to Washington D.C. to explore the myriad of ways in which we can be active citizens in the fight for women's rights.

Alternative Spring Break 2023

  • ASB 2023: Sharks take on Washington D.C.

    During the week, the students explored the intersectionality of women’s rights issues through pathways of public service and civic engagement including volunteering, activism, learning about public policy, and exploring outreach and education efforts to advance and support women and girls.

    Throughout the trip, students immersed themselves in the Washington D.C. community in a variety of ways. Members volunteered with Thrive DC, a service center for those experiencing houselessness and food insecurity. Our group visited The Outrage, an activist hub that offers a community space as well as social justice merchandise in which the proceeds benefit local groups. On International Women's Day, students attended and listened to a talk by Azar Nafisi titled, "Woman, Life, Freedom, at George Washington University." They explored women’s suffrage through a walking tour led by the National Park Service. In addition, the Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force at Planned Parenthood provided students with a training. The trip came to a close with a light-hearted evening spent enjoying RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up Comedy Show at the Kennedy Center.

Public Service

Students supported Thrive D.C.'s weekly congregate meal, which serves over 300 individuals a warm meal for breakfast and offers take-away food and COVID-19 support boxes.

Find out more about Thrive D.C.

Women's Rights

ASB members learned about the National Woman's Party and the increasing pressure women put on President Woodrow day after day demanding women's right to vote.

Learn more about the 1913 Women's Suffrage Procession

Advocacy

Sharks visited The Outrage, an activist hub that offers a community space along with social justice merchandise in which the proceeds benefit local groups.

Explore The Outrage

Alternative Spring Break 2023 Testimonials

“ASB gives you an amazing opportunity to meet some incredible people that go to school with you and allows you to be involved with many great opportunities to learn about an issue and immerse yourself into a community you may not be familiar with.”

2023 ASB Member

Washington, D.C.

“It is truly a bonding experience and one which you are constantly learning and growing during. Unless you actively decide to work in a career concerning community engagement, I do not foresee you being able to have a chance like this one again.”

2023 ASB Member

Washington, D.C.

"ASB gives you an amazing opportunity to meet some incredible people that go to school with you and allows you to be involved with many great opportunities to learn about an issue and immerse yourself into a community you may not be familiar with."

2023 ASB Member

Washington, D.C.

"Volunteering at Thrive DC was valuable to me because it enabled me to do work on the street to benefit the community. While talking about sociopolitical issues is one thing, practicing what we have learned and discussed was the most valuable experience."

2023 ASB Member

Washington, D.C

Looking Back at Alternative Spring Breaks

  • Previous Alternative Spring Break Trip Locations

    ASB can be a travel trip to various US destinations or a Boston Immersion trip, examining critical issues that affect our local community.

    • Washington, D.C.
    • Clemson, South Carolina
    • Laredo, Texas
    • Denver, Colorado
    • Valdosta, Georgia
    • Thibodaux, Los Angeles

  • Alternative Spring Break Past Trips Focus'

    Through meaningful action, reflection, and education, team members engage in direct service that addresses critical social issues.

    • Women's rights
    • Health equity
    • Houselessness and homelessness

  • Former Organizations ASB has Collaborated with

    Alternative Spring Break partners with organizations that support our engagement with the trip's targeted social issue.

    • Thrive D.C.
    • Community Servings
    • Greater Boston Food Bank
    • Fenway Community Center
    • Habitat for Humanity (various locations)

Join ASB and immerse yourself in...

Community

Service

Joy

Lasting Relationships

Alternative Spring Break 2024 Projected Timeline

September | 12:00pm

ASB Trip Announcement

Alternative Spring Break 2024 will take place in... for the duration of Simmons spring break.

Details Here

September | 12:00pm

Accepting Applications

The London Center will be accepting Alternative Spring Break applications through the month of September and into October.

Applications will be made available on the Campus Groups site.

November| 12:00pm

Conducting Applicant Interviews

Interviews will be conducted over a span of 45 minutes by Alternative Spring Break team leaders and The London Center staff.

Interviews will be held over Zoom

December| 12:00pm

Applicants Notified

The ASB team will consist of approximately 10 members across the Simmons community of various ages and majors.

Applicants will be notified via email

January - March| 12:00pm

Team Meetings

Teams will meet once a month to discuss trip expectations, fundraising initiatives, and participate in group bonding.

Meeting Location

March| 3rd - 8th

Alternative Spring Break

ASB team members will come together for the entirety of spring break to engage in the identified social justice issue through education, service, and reflection.

ASB Location

March or April| Sometime

Reflection Session

ASB team members will come back together once more to reflect on their experience and share feedback surrounding the trip's events.

Meeting Location