1. No category

Participant Orientation
Packet
Spring 2015
1|Page
Table of Contents
Welcome! ..........................................................................................................................................3
The Alternative Break Experience at the University of Tennessee ........................................................3
Center for Leadership and Service ............................................................................................................ 6
Why we focus on themes and not location .............................................................................................. 7
Eight Components of a Quality Alternative Break .................................................................................... 8
Alternative Break Terms ........................................................................................................................... 9
Active Citizen Continuum........................................................................................................................ 10
Expectations, Forms, and Polices ...................................................................................................... 11
ASB Trips and Cost 2015 ................................................................................................................... 12
Fundraising ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Scholarships..................................................................................................................................... 14
Calendar: Alternative Break 2015 ..................................................................................................... 15
AB Biographies ................................................................................................................................ 16
Meet the AB staff .................................................................................................................................... 19
AB Blogs! ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Appendix ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Alternative Break Program: Participant Responsibilities and Expectations ....................................... 21
Alternative Break Program: Release Form .......................................................................................... 22
2|Page
Welcome!
Congratulations on being selected to participate on an Alternative Break trip! We
are so excited for you to join the Alternative Break community here at the
University of Tennessee. We cannot wait to serve with you in our local community
as well as different communities across America.
This packet will help you prepare for your trip by providing you information about
the program, polices, fundraising, scholarships, your trip leaders, and much more!
You
can
also
visit
our
Alternative
Break
website
at
http://leadershipandservice.utk.edu/involved_altbreaks.php. If you would like to
read about previous trips, check out the blogs from Alternative Fall Break 2014 at
http://utkalternativebreakprogram.blogspot.com/.
To stay in the loop before, during, and after your trips, check out our social media
outlets:
 Twitter/ Instagram: @LeadServeUTK #utkasb2015
 Facebook: “Center for Leadership and Service, University of
Tennessee” and “UT Alternative Break Trips”
 Blogs: utkalternativebreakprogram.blogspot.com
 YouTube: Center for Leadership and Service
 Check out our video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EThRTsiVJz4&feature=yo
utu.be
3|Page
The Alternative Break Experience at the
University of Tennessee
The Alternative Break Program began in 1993 and is housed in the
Center for Leadership & Service, within the Division of Student
Life. University of Tennessee students have had the opportunity
to give back through service across the nation on Alternative Fall
Break (AFB) and Alternative Spring Break (ASB) service
experiences ever since! In line with the Center’s mission to
educate and engage all students to lead and serve the global
community, the Alternative Break program strives to engage
students in meaningful and collaborative community service in an
effort to increase awareness of social issues and strengthen the communities in which they serve as
well as foster a strong sense of community among trip participants and to the university as a whole.
ASB 2011- Chicago, IL
The Alternative Spring Break program was started in 1993 when a group of 37 students, faculty and
staff traveled from Knoxville to Miami, FL in search of service opportunities.
After two successful ASB trips, the first AFB trip was taken to Birmingham, AL in 1995. Over the past
21 years, there have been nearly 2100 ASB and AFB participants. On the 20th anniversary of the
Alternative Break program, an “Environmental Outreach” themed trip returned to serve the Miami,
FL, community once again through our continually growing program. Themes and locations for the
14-15 trips include Issues in the LGBT
Community in Atlanta, GA, Inner City
Inequities Surrounding Poverty in Memphis,
TN and Restoration of Substandard Housing
in Tuscaloosa, AL. 2014 marked the third
time an AFB Knoxville trip was offered to
provide an Alternative Break experience
AFB 2013, Winston-Salem, NC
while keeping a local focus, and showing
participants an entirely different side of the city in which they live.
AFB 2012, Knoxville, TN
4|Page
Trips are focused around a theme or social issue such as “Urban
Hunger and Homelessness”, “Environmental Issues” or “Rural
Education Disparities” and allow students to see the cities they serve
through the lens of that theme through service opportunities during
the week. Service sites and projects range from direct service such
as tutoring children, to more indirect service such as sorting and
hanging clothing donations at a thrift shop that benefits a specific
population. Some favorites over the years include: working with
animals, environmental conservation, building homes with Habitat
for Humanity, organizing food in food pantries and serving people of
all walks of life.
Applications for Alternative Break participants are open the
first two weeks of the semester, fall for fall break trips, and
spring for spring break trips. The cost per student is typically
between $100 and $200 to participate in each domestic driving
trip. This fee covers all associated transportation, lodging,
food, a night out, and a tee shirt, making these some of the
lowest priced trips in the nation. Despite the cost associated,
every year in the program’s existence, the student demand for
these experiences has increased. The Center for Leadership &
Service planned for trip expansion to meet student need and is
proud to have tripled the amount of trips offered. 2014-2015
will offer 12 trips to the UT student community.
AFB 2012, Roanoke, VA
The impact on both the community and the student participants is evident. According to Tucker
Devore, a senior at UT and a multi-Break Trip participant and leader, “The Alternative Break
Program at the University of Tennessee has literally changed my life.” Devore continues, “It started
in 2011 with Spring Break, grew to 2011 Fall Break, and finally came to a close with 2012 Fall
Break… These have been the best experiences I have had while attending this school, and I will
always cherish the good memories, fun times and hard work that
were put into making these trips truly life-changing.”
“The Alternative Break Program
at the University of Tennessee
has literally changed my life…”
Of the 208 students who participated in the 2012-2013
Alternative Break trips, 207 (or 99.5%) persisted to the next year
-Tucker Devore
or graduated from UT. Additionally, our recent data shows that
the break trip experience not only has an impact on student
graduation rates but the experience also has an impact on student learning and engagement:



97% of 2014 ASB participants agree that they are confident in their ability to demonstrate issue
awareness, understanding, and advocacy related to the service theme of their trip.
100% of 2013 AFB participants would recommend this experience to other students.
92% of 2012 AFB participants strongly agree that they are confident in their ability to articulate
their sense of civility, justice, and respect for those around them.
Additionally, the post-assessment data for the 2012 student trip leaders
revealed that 100% of these students strongly agree that they are
confident in their ability to facilitate service related reflections with a
group of their peers.
It is evident that the University of Tennessee’s Alternative Break Trip
program has made an impact in the lives of students in a variety of ways
as well as in communities as near as Knoxville and as far as Trelawny,
Jamaica for 20+ years and will not stop anytime soon. Through university
and private donor support, The Center for Leadership & Service hopes to
continue expanding these experiences for years to come!
5|Page
AFB 2012, Louisville, KY
Center for Leadership and Service
CLS Mission
The Center for Leadership & Service educates and engages all students to lead and serve the
global community.
AB mission
The mission of the Alternative Break Program is to engage students in meaningful and
collaborative community service in an effort to increase awareness of social issues and
strengthen the communities in which they serve as well as foster a strong sense of community
among trip participants and to the university as a whole.
CLS Vision
Guided by the Volunteer Spirit, all students will:





Be authentic servant leaders committed to social change;
Strive to better their communities and those around them;
Understand that leadership is a process that can be both learned and practiced;
Advocate for social justice and the inclusion of all people;
Have access to meaningful leadership & service experiences.
CLS Values
The Center for Leadership & Service is guided in mission, spirit and action by the following core
values:













Civility – that all members of our communities be treated with dignity and our differences are
celebrated
Honesty – that we speak the truth as we know it
Community- that we seek to bring together and unite individuals through a common purpose
Integrity – that we seek to discern what is right and act accordingly and authentically
Compassion – that an ethic of care informs our work
Inclusion – that diversity of people and perspectives benefits us all
Diligence – that we are persistent and sincere in our work
Justice – that we contribute to a fair and just society
Learning – that each day presents an opportunity to expand, develop and reflect upon
knowledge and practice
Service – that we shadow ourselves to give light to others
Respect- that we demonstrate consideration and thoughtfulness in all we do
Support- to give encouragement and assistance
Involvement- that all have the opportunity to engage intentionally in our campus and
community
6|Page
CLS Learning Outcomes
As a result of their involvement in the CLS, students will be able to:






Describe and employ their personal leadership style
Identify areas of community need and means in which to serve it
Articulate a heightened sense of civility, justice and respect for those around them
Define and practice the tenets of positive social change
Identify their core values and commit to act on them
Define heightened self-awareness as it relates to personal strengths, privileges, preferences and
challenges
Break Away
The UT Alternative Break Program is a member of Break Away, a national non-profit
organization that promotes the development of quality alternative break programs through
training, assisting, and connecting campuses and communities. You can learn more about Break
Away at http://www.alternativebreaks.org/ .
Why we focus on themes and not location
We plan our Alternative Breaks to focus on the importance of the social issue facing the
communities we serve in which allow for more meaningful trips. We want to help the
communities with what they actually need and not what we believe they need. This allows us to
have strong direct service that impacts the communities we visit. Focusing on themes allows us
to recruit students who have a passion in specific areas of service, not solely the city the group
will travel to. For example, students can specifically apply for trips that focus on
disability/ability, environmental, or animal outreach. We believe themes are much more
important since the trips are about service and not traveling.
7|Page
Eight Components of a Quality Alternative Break
As a member of the National Break Trip Organization ‘BreakAway’, we stand by
the eight components of a quality alternative break. The eight components are:
Strong Direct Service:
Provide an opportunity for participants to engage in direct or "hands-on" projects and activities
that address critical but unmet social needs, as determined by the community. Community
interaction during service projects and throughout the week is highly encouraged during
breaks.
Orientation:
Prior to departure, participants should be oriented to the mission and vision of the community
partner or organization(s) with which they are working. Participants are encouraged to look at
the context of the work of the organization within the broader community and to become allies
to their mission and vision through direct service.
Education:
Trip leaders should include issue specific educational sessions which participants attend prior to
and perhaps during their alternative break. These sessions provide participants with the
historical, political, social, and cultural context of the social problems they will be working with
during the break. Effective education provides faces and opinions from all perspectives on the
issue, including ways that the participants' personal life choices are connected to them.
Training:
Participants should be provided with adequate training in skills necessary to carry out tasks and
projects during the trip. Ideally this training should take place prior to departure, although in
some instances it may occur once participants have reached their site. Examples of training
include teaching basic construction, learning how to read with children or gaining first aid skills.
Reflection:
During the trip, participants reflect upon the experiences they are having - synthesizing the
direct service, education, and community interaction components. . Applying classroom
learning and integrating many academic disciplines can occur. The site leaders should set aside
time for reflection to take place, both individually and in a group setting.
Reorientation:
Upon return to campus, trip leaders should have reorientation activities for all participants
where they can share their break experiences and translate them into a lifelong commitment to
active citizenship. Through these activities, participants continue their volunteer efforts in their
local area, learn about possible internships, engage politically in their community, obtain
8|Page
resources for continued education on social issues, and make life choices that benefit the entire
community.
Diversity:
Trip leaders should also plan to intentionally address the issue of diversity and social justice, or
in other words privilege and oppression, and how it relates to service work. This brings different
perspectives and insights to reflections and trips as well as represents the wide range of
students in our campus community.
Alcohol and Other Drug Free:
Issues of legality, liability, personal safety and group cohesion are of concern when alcohol and
other drugs are consumed on an alternative break. Alternative Breaks are meant to be an
immersion experience which may be hindered when under the influence of any sort of drug.
The 9th Component- Simple Living:
During the alternative break trip, everyone should live a simple life. This means that each
individual will have $6 total for all 3 meals ($1 for breakfast, $2 for lunch, and $3 for dinner).
This is implemented because it shows individuals how people sustain themselves on low
budgets. Lastly, trip leaders are encouraged to find housing that is low cost as well to help
simulate the experience of living a simple life.
Alternative Break Terms
Participants – This year we have 72 students participating in 2015 Alternative Spring Break and
84 in the fall of 2014. Participants are involved in pre-trip meetings and service in addition to
bringing back the knowledge they learned on the trip to the community of Knoxville.
Applications go out at the beginning of every semester.
Alternative Break Leaders (ABLs) – They are the undergraduate students who are paired
together to plan and lead the trips. Some have been on previous AB trips or mission trips. The
leaders are trained throughout the semester on different topics such as civility, the eight
components, diversity, simple living, and much more! This year we had 14 fall break leaders and
10 spring break leaders.
Alternative Break Student Coordinator (ABSC) – This position is filled by a previous trip leader
and they work all year with the program. They assist the graduate assistant over the AB
program in the CLS with a variety of tasks such as training the ABLs, fundraising, social media,
and other administrative tasks.
Learning Partners (LPs) – LPs are faculty, staff, or graduate assistants at the university who
support the ABLs before and during the trips. There is one LP per trip.
Alternative Fall Break (AFB) – takes place during fall break and trips are within 6 hours of
Knoxville. Applications open for AFB at the beginning of fall semester.
9|Page
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) – take place during spring break and trips are within 10 hours of
Knoxville. Applications open for ASB at the beginning of spring semester.
Active Citizen Continuum
As a part of Break Away, the AB program follows the Active Citizen Continuum to develop our
participants into the best volunteers they can be and allow them to truly understand the
meaning behind service.
10 | P a g e
Expectations, Forms, and Polices
Expectations and Responsibilities
As a participant of the Alternative Break Program, I will:









Understand that I am a representative of the University of Tennessee that has been chosen
by Center for Leadership and Service to represent it and its interests. As such a
representative, I understand that any actions I take on my ALTERNATIVE BREAK TRIP will
negatively or positively affect opinions of others about our organization at UT.
Make my best effort to attend all team meetings, participate in pre-trip fundraising
activities, and participate in all pre- and post-trip education and reorientation events (class
and work conflicts only).
Commit to a $200 (or $230) non-refundable personal payment for the trip (** from this
point forward, if I drop, a hold will be placed on my student account and I will be charged
for the full trip fee)
Pay for meals (usually fast food) during travel to and from location.
Be on time for all volunteer commitments.
Remain with the group during all designated work and meeting times.
Travel with the group via UTK transportation.
As a participant, I will engage in behaviors that are responsible and mature. Use of alcohol,
illegal substances, abusive or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate intervention
and possible disciplinary sanctions.
If I am found to be in violation of this contract, I understand that I may be asked to leave
the trip at my own expense.
Forms:
All participants must sign the Alternative Break Participant Responsibilities and Expectations
form upon agreeing to attend AFB or ASB. See Appendix for complete form.
All participants must sign the University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Release Form to attend AFB
or ASB. See Appendix for complete form.
Due dates for the forms are listed on the Calendar.
11 | P a g e
Policies:
Alternative Break Alcohol and Drug Policy:
The AB program recognizes that drug use and alcohol abuse are a contradiction to its
understanding of community, and that the use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse may impair
work performance and judgment, endanger colleagues, and cause physical damage.
It is the policy of The University of Tennessee Alternative Breaks program that all
participants, leaders, and advisors will be drug and alcohol-free during the AB trip
experience. This policy stems from the need to be in accordance with UT’s Hilltopics Policies
and Procedures as well as the desire to create a positive and immersive experience. Violation of
this policy will result in termination from the program. The AB staff reserves the right to
terminate an individual’s participation in the program due to policy violations or behavior
deemed injurious to him/herself or to the group. Behavior deemed to be so disruptive that it
threatens individual or group ability to successfully achieve the goals of the program will also
result in termination from the program. If terminated from the program, the participant will be
required to return home immediately and bear the full financial responsibility for doing so.
Payment and Participant Drop Policy:
Once selected participants accept their spot by filling out the necessary paperwork for their
trip, they are viewed as a committed participant on their AFB/ASB trip and will be held
responsible for the costs of that trip. Payments can be accepted in check (made out to
“Alternative Break Program”) or cash. Once a participant fills out their paperwork accepting
their spot, dropping their spot, for whatever the reason, will still constitute in a full payment for
their trip cost. We do not pick extra participants for trips, so accepting a spot and not keeping
that commitment does not allow someone else to receive a position on a team. For ASB 2015,
all payments in full are due to the Center for Leadership and Service office (305 UC) by 5pm on
Wed. March 11th.
ASB Trips and Cost 2015
Theme
Community Development
Rural Education Disparities
Animal Outreach
Disability/Ability Awareness
Neighborhood Renewal
12 | P a g e
Location
Chicago, IL
Roanoke Rapids, NC
Tampa, FL
St. Louis, MO
New Orleans, LA
Cost
$200
$200
$200
$200
$230
Fundraising
There are two large-scale fundraising events for ASB 2015! Both are on March 4th!
3rd Annual Pi(e) Day: For three years, the
Alternative Break Program celebrates Pi Day (or a
date close by) by pie-ing different members of the
UT community. This year it will be held on
Pedestrian Walkway from 12:00-2:00pm.
Chipotle Percentage Night: This spring we are hosting a percentage night at Chipotle on
Cumberland Ave from 4-7pm on Wed. March 4! Those wanting 50% of their meal to go
to the AB program will 1) bring the Chipotle flyer with them to the restaurant, 2)
reference the percentage night or 3) have the flyer (seen below) electronically.
Both these events listed above will allow the program to allocate scholarships to help those
attending the trips. Other fundraising events will be set up by leaders for their individual trips.
The money the individual trips raise will go directly to the participants involved.
Online donations are accepted:
Your contribution will go directly to students participating in these selfless trips and will help to
defer their costs! You can select a specific student to receive your gift, or you can give to the
general support fund. No gift is too small; every little bit helps to offset participant trip costs.
Please include the students name in the donation: “In honor of [student’s name]”. For online
donations, please click this link: http://leadershipandservice.utk.edu/involved_abpsupport.php
13 | P a g e
Scholarships
A central part of the Alternative Break experience is keeping our trips affordable and open to
all. Informal research has shown us that our trips are some of the, if not THE, lowest priced
immersion service trips in the country.
You can read more about the other components on pages 8-9, but the ninth Component, of
BreakAway’s “Quality Components of a Quality Break Trip” is “Simple Living”:
“During the alternative break trip, everyone should live a simple life. This means that each
individual will have $6 total for all 3 meals ($1 for breakfast, $2 for lunch, and $3 for dinner).
This is implemented because it shows individuals how people sustain themselves on low
budgets. Lastly, trip leaders are encouraged to find housing that is low cost as well to help
simulate the experience of living a simple life.”
We hold true to living simply on our trips because it keeps our costs low and helps us walk
alongside those whom we are serving. Even though our trips are very low cost, they still have to
come at a cost, and sometimes that cost is too much for our students to afford without help.
Because of the generosity of Steve and Rachel Kennedy (1997 and 1999 participants), the
Alternative Break Endowment is now in existence to help students afford the Alternative Break
trips that might otherwise have been out of reach. Applications for these scholarships will be
available online from March 2-5 at 11:59pm. Any current ASB participant, with a financial need,
is welcome to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships will be announced by 5pm on Mon. March
9th before final payments are due Wed. March 11th at 5pm.
Even if you do not get a scholarship, the Alternative Break staff is happy to work out a payment
plan that works for your financial abilities. It is important that the trips stay open to all and that
accommodations for payment are made so that trip costs are not a barrier to anyone who
wants to serve.
14 | P a g e
Calendar: Alternative Break 2015
Date:
February 28th 9am – 12pm
Event:
Pre-Trip Service (except Rural Education)
March 4th 12:00-2:00pm
3rd Annual Pi(e) Day
UC- outside of Smokey’s
Chipotle Percentage Night
1701 Cumberland Ave
Alternative Spring Break
ASB Post-Trip Meeting
UC Hermitage Room
ABL Interviews
UC
ABL 1st Meeting
AFB Applications
1st AFB Meeting
Alternative Fall Break
March 4th 4pm-7pm
March 15th – 21st
March 26th 7pm
April 13th – 17th
May 2nd
August 19 th -31 st
September 16th
October 15th – 18th
15 | P a g e
AB Biographies
ASB Trip Leaders:
Kristin Woodward: “I am a senior in Mechanical Engineering this year,
and I am very excited to be graduating this spring. This will by third
Alternative Break Trip and I cannot wait for it! During my time at UT, I
have developed a passion for working with people with disabilities and
for advocating ability awareness, so I am extremely excited for this
trip. Dan and I are so eager to learn more from the different service
partners and from our trip participants as we all serve together this
spring break. Go Vols!”
Dan Bernstein: “I'm a junior English Lit major from Germantown,
TN. I enjoy competing in triathlons and spending time outdoors.
In my spare time I also like to make home-made granola and
teach water-polo to high school students.”
Philip Van Cleve: “Hey guys! I am a senior here at UT. I am
majoring in History, and after college I want to be a missionary
in another country. I am a very passionate person, and I love
doing anything that is active such as playing sports or
exercising.”
Seth Watkins: “I am a junior majoring in Human Resource
Management with a collateral in Marketing. I love to go hiking,
going to see shows in Downtown Knoxville, and making
memories with people. I love people, and I really enjoy corny
pick-up lines or bad jokes.”
16 | P a g e
Anna Smith: “I am a sophomore double majoring in Political
Science and Global Studies from Memphis, TN. My favorite
involvements on campus have been my role as an Ignite Team
Leader and being an Emerging Leader. In my free time I love to
travel, go to music festivals, and try new restaurants.”
Brandon Darr: “I am a junior from Sweetwater, Tennessee, studying
College Scholars, an interdisciplinary honors major in the College of
Arts & Sciences. My program is titled: “Multicultural Education with
Emphases in Linguistics and Policy Analysis” to research how the U.S.
educational policies affect immigrant children. I am incredibly
excited to share my passion for educational justice and love for the
hashtag #ABLove with the Rural Education Disparities trip.”
Hayley Pennesi: “I am a sophomore from Memphis, Tennessee
majoring in marketing. I have participated in ASB 2014 and is so
thankful for the incredible opportunities it has brought me. I
am a sports photographer for the Daily Beacon and a member
of Alpha Omicron Pi.
Matt Klein: “I am a junior studying Nutrition from Johnson City, TN. I
come from a family of 7: 5 sisters and 2 brothers, so I'm always down
with big group games, like monopoly and cards against humanity. I
grew up with a few dogs and cats, and have always loved animals,
but I have never really considered myself an advocate for them.
Hopefully this trip will be a great learning experience for me as well
so I can also learn how to be a voice for the voiceless.”
17 | P a g e
Andrew Valk: “Hey y'all! I am super excited about leading this ASB trip
with you all! A little bit more about me is that I love to talk to and build
relationship with people! I think this is why I partially feel called into the
mission field! Anytime you need me, both now and in the future, I will
always be willing to spark up a conversation with you!”
Sierra Roark: “I am a sophomore studying history and anthropology
from Memphis, TN. At UT I am involved in Cinema club, the CLS, the
Chancellor's Honors Program, the Undergraduate Anthropology
Association, the Orange and White Corps, and the McClung Museum. I
spend my free time hammocking, hiking, and binge-watching Netflix.”
Contact Information for each trip:
Trip Leaders
Kristin + Dan
Seth + Philip
Anna + Brandon
Hayley + Matt
Andrew + Sierra
18 | P a g e
Theme
Disability/Ability Awareness
Neighborhood Renewal
Rural Education
Animal Outreach
Community Development
Location
St. Louis, MO
New Orleans, LA
Roanoke Rapids, NC
Tampa, FL
Chicago, IL
Gmail
UTKASB01@gmail.com
UTKASB05@gmail.com
UTKASB02@gmail.com
UTKASB03@gmail.com
UTKASB04@gmail.com
Meet the AB staff
Kate Kennedy: “Hello! I have had the honor and privilege of
serving as an Assistant Director in the CLS and I have worked
with the Alternative Break program since 2010. I have been on
five Alternative Fall and Spring Break trips and these trips, and
the people that go on them, have a special place in my heart. I
have many goals for the program including: keeping the trips
open and accessible for all, centering them around a service
theme and not a location, and filling them with passionate
servant leaders who want to work together with UT students
and the communities they are serving to give a hand up and not
a hand out. Go Vols and #ABLove”
MaryAnn Gibney: “Hello! I am a graduate student in the College
Student Personnel program, and am fortunate to work primarily
with the Alternative Break Program through my wonderful
assistantship with the Center for Leadership and Service. It has
been very exciting to be part of a break trip program with such a
lengthy and wonderful history. I have especially enjoyed working
with the outstanding student leaders and staff here at the
University of Tennessee. I’m originally from the great state of
Iowa, and have had a blast learning about the south and
exploring the fun-filled city of Knoxville! #ABLove”
Scarlett Bowman: “Hey! I’m the student coordinator for the
Alternative Break Program! I am a senior in Supply Chain
Management and I’m from Hendersonville, Tn. These past three
years with the Alternative Break Program have changed my life and
have shaped me into the person I am today. I can’t say enough good
things about the AB program or the CLS. I will cherish the friendships
I’ve made through the program and I know the people I’ve met will
be my friends for life. When I graduate in May, I will truly miss the
program and those involved. Go Vols!”
19 | P a g e
AB Blogs!
Follow along with our trips by keeping up with our Alternative Break Blogs at
utkalternativebreakprogram.blogspot.com! Trip leaders and participants will
share experiences and pictures through posts leading up to, during, and after the
trips have returned to campus.
Share with family and friends so they can learn more about the service sites,
housing, city, group adventures, and AB traditions. These blogs are also a great
way for participants to remember memories from their trips, almost like collective
virtual journal!
Find general AB information about
our program on our main blog
(left). Click on the individual trip
links along the right hand side to
access each individual trip’s blog.
For example, the Issues in the
LGBT Community blog you see
below.
20 | P a g e
Appendix
Alternative Break Program: Participant Responsibilities and Expectations
SUNDAY MARCH 15- SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2015
As a participant of the Alternative Break Program, I will:
 Understand that I am a representative of the University of Tennessee that has been chosen by Center for
Leadership and Service to represent it and its interests. As such a representative, I understand that any
actions I take on my ALTERNATIVE BREAK TRIP will negatively or positively affect opinions of others about our
organization at UT.
 Make my best effort to attend all team meetings, participate in pre-trip fundraising activities, and participate
in all pre- and post-trip education and reorientation events (class and work conflicts only).
 Commit to a $200 non-refundable personal payment for all trips except Neighborhood Renewal ($230) (**
from this point forward, if I drop, a hold will be placed on my student account and I will be charged for the
full trip fee)
 Pay for meals (usually fast food) during travel to and from location.
 Be on time for all volunteer commitments.
 Remain with the group during all designated work and meeting times.
 Travel with the group via UTK transportation.
 As a participant, I will engage in behaviors that are responsible and mature. Use of alcohol, illegal substances,
abusive or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate intervention and possible disciplinary sanctions.
 If I am found to be in violation of this contract, I understand that I may be asked to leave the trip at my own
expense.
The ALTERNATIVE BREAK PROGRAM is a University of Tennessee approved project and trip. With this in mind, I must
strive to be a positive representative of The University of Tennessee.
In the event of war or conflict (declared or undeclared), natural disaster or any other potential threat, the Dean of
Students or her designee reserves the right to cancel, abbreviate or modify this event or program.
I acknowledge that if I choose to drive a University of Tennessee vehicle while on the trip:




Only students currently on University of Tennessee’s payroll, or those who have watched the “Van Video”, are eligible to operate a
UT vehicle and no personal use of the automobiles is allowed.
I have a valid driver license. I will drive responsibly and courteously at all times. I will comply with all traffic and parking regulations.
Violations are the responsibility of the driver. Occupants will wear seat belts at all times.
I will not allow anyone who is not a UT employee (or van certified) to drive a UT vehicle in my possession & control.
While using a UT vehicle, I am responsible for its condition and will make every reasonable effort to return the vehicle in
substantially the same condition as I received it, ordinary wear and tear excepted. I also I also understand that I or my department
may be financially responsible for damages resulting from abusive use of the vehicle in my possession. (modified from the “Vehicle
Use Acknowledgement” on the UT Transportation Services website)
Thank you for respecting and honoring your pledge! Should you have any questions regarding this policy, please
see one of the trip administrators (Graduate Advisor, CLS Assistant Director, or CLS Director)
PRINT NAME
_____________________________________________
SIGNATURE
21 | P a g e
TODAY'S DATE
Alternative Break Program: Release Form
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE- SUNDAY, MARCH 15 – SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015
RELEASE, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
In consideration for being allowed to participate in Alternative Spring Break (“Activity”), which is a voluntary
extracurricular activity being led by the University of Tennessee’s Center for Leadership and Service (“University”),
I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue, and agree to hold harmless for any and all purposes
University, and its trustees, officers, employees, and agents (“Releasees”) from any and all liabilities, claims,
demands, or injuries, including death, that may be sustained by me while participating in the Activity, while in
transport to the Activity site, using equipment or facilities available to participants in the Activity, or while on the
premises owned or leased by Releasees, including injuries sustained as a result of the negligence of Releasees. I
acknowledge there may be physically strenuous activities. I know of no reason why I should not participate.
I am fully aware that there are inherent risks involved with the Activity and I choose to voluntarily participate in
the Activity with full knowledge that said activity may be hazardous to me and my property. I acknowledge that
the University may provide transportation by bus or van to an off-site facility. I voluntarily assume full
responsibility for any risks of risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, which may be
sustained by me as a result of participating in the Activity, including injuries sustained as a result of the negligence
of Releasees. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees for any loss, liability, damage or costs,
including court costs and attorney’s fees that may occur as a result of my participation in the Activity.
I also give the University permission to obtain any emergency medical care or treatment by a physician, physician’s
assistant, surgeon, hospital, paramedic, or medical care facility as may be needed by me and accept responsibility
for the costs. I acknowledge that the University does not provide medical insurance for me and that I am
responsible to obtain sufficient insurance.
I agree to follow all instructions and procedures established by University regarding the Activity and transportation
to the Activity. I give the University permission to publish in print, electronic, or video format the likeness or image
of myself for the general promotion of the University and its programs.
It is my express intent that this Waiver and Hold Harmless Form shall bind the members of my family and spouse, if
I am alive, and my heirs, assigns and personal representatives, if I am deceased, and shall be governed by the laws
of the State of Tennessee.
In signing this Waiver and Hold Harmless Form, I acknowledge and represent that I have read and understand it
and sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed; no oral representations, statements, or inducements apart
from the foregoing agreement that has been reduced to writing have been made. I execute this document for full,
adequate and complete consideration fully intending to be bound by the same, now and in the future.
SIGNED this
day of
, 20
.
Participant Signature: __________________________________________
Printed Name:
Parent or Legal Guardian Signature: ______________________________ (If Participant is under 18 years old)
Parent or Legal Guardian Printed Name:
22 | P a g e
(If Participant is under 18 years old)
In addition to the attached paperwork, you must provide the following items:
 A copy of your health insurance card. Please bring your card when you turn in the paperwork
and a copy will be made in the office. If your parent/guardian has your health insurance card,
please have them scan a copy of the front and back of the card and email it to
mgibney@utk.edu or fax a copy to (865)974-9252.
 A copy of your driver’s license, if you have one. Please bring your card when you turn in the
paperwork and a copy will be made in the office.
 Please email a picture of yourself to mgibney@utk.edu to be used in the participant information
packets.
 When you return your paperwork you will be asked to RSVP for the first meeting at 7pm on
Thursday, February 5, 2015 in the University Center Hermitage Room. Only class or work
conflicts will be accepted. **Please note: if you submit your paperwork electronically, please
RSVP for the first meeting in the body of your email!**
If you have any questions or concerns please contact MaryAnn Gibney at mgibney@utk.edu or
(865)974-5455.
23 | P a g e