ABSTRACT
Service is an essential part of the alternative break experience because it puts participants in the midst of social issues, contributing to community-driven work for positive social change while deepening students’ learning. As part of a larger movement, each alternative break can lead to important and impactful community benefit through the direct service contributed. Direct service allows participants to learn through building relationships with community members. Strong direct service allows for richer education through comparative learning. Strong direct service looks like what a seatmate on a plane might imagine: ladling soup in a church basement or painting a fence at a day care center. Some alternative break programs complement direct service and capacity building with participant-focused education activities. Varying the service can also enrich participants learning and broaden their issue focus.
