ABSTRACT
Issue education is the aspect of an alternative break in which participants delve into the primary social issue the team is addressing on their trip through educational experiences with community members. Issue education pulls back from immediate conditions and looks at the broader unjust structures and realities faced by people in the host community. Education complements orientation and training, together forming the learning components. Education helps participants unlearn previous misconceptions about the social issue and communities with which they will work on their alternative break. Community partners recognize the difference in groups effectiveness when they have appropriately prepared for their service with issue education. Mind mapping is an effective way for site leaders to develop their pre-trip education plan. When the trip ends and the alternative break experience continues with reorientation, issue education should continue with more participant leadership and initiation.
