ABSTRACT
Alternative break teams spend months preparing for their experience by educating themselves about the social issue behind their service projects, the host organization and the community with which they will serve, and developing justice-based individual and group awareness. This chapter explores this preparatory framework, known as the eight components of a quality alternative break, and highlights how those components work independently and in conjunction to help realize student transformation and positive change in communities. Strong alternative break programs include student participants who reflect the wide range of demographics present in the campus community. Site leaders plan training for the break team to build the skills needed to most effectively carry out tasks and projects during the trip. Alternative break programs provide an opportunity for participants to engage in direct, hands-on projects and activities that address critical but unmet social needs determined by the community.
