Alternative Break Experiences

Think Global, Act Local

As we continue to adjust to new rules, protocols and considerations in this COVID-19 era, we have reworked and reconsidered our Alternative Break Experiences held through SAIL. We are currently planning to host these trips in person with a virtual option for at least one of our experiences. However as the future of this pandemic is uncertain and ever changing, this is subject to change.

Spring 2022 March 12-19th

The Changing Landscape: An Exploration on Gentrification and Immigration Policy

The Color of Justice: Mass Incarceration & Environmental Justice in Camden, NJ

Ecosystem Restoration: Stuart, Florida

Unlocking the Dream: Food Justice and Community Activism in Atlanta, GA

Summer 2022 (Tentatively May 18-30th)

Indigenous Culture, Education, and Equity: Guatemala

It’s Not Them but Us - Turning the Tide on HIV and AIDS: Washington, DC and Amsterdam (Hybrid Option)

Please feel free to contact Patty Mathison, SAIL Director at pmathiso@gmu.edu with any questions or concerns. Participant applications will be due October 15th for Spring and December 15th for Summer. We hope you will consider joining us for what we hope will be powerful and impactful experiences.

Alternative Break Spotlight: Erin

Meet Erin! In her own words about her experience as a participant on the Atlanta Food Justice and Community Activism experience: “I chose the Food Justice and Community Activism alternative break experience because food justice is important to me. It affects every community in one way or another, but often slips under the radar because it isn’t always a visible problem. Through this experience, I learned about the different ways communities address food security inequities head-on while simultaneously overcoming historic roots of the issue. I also discovered ways to apply similar interventions to other communities. Getting involved with social action in any community might seem daunting at first, but the truth is it’s actually pretty simple.