The Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning invites proposals from SOAR registered and University-recognized student organizations for alternative break initiatives that will advance the Center's mission to engage students, faculty, and community members in learning together through community service and civic participation in a diverse democratic society.
The Ginsberg Center seeks to fulfill that mission by helping student organizations create meaningful community experiences for University of Michigan students during the week of spring break and during summer break. We strive to heighten students’ awareness of social issues, increase involvement in the community, and enhance student commitment to working for social change. Along with our student learning goals as a co-curricular Service-Learning program, we are committed to meeting community needs by working on community identified projects.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Apply to receive support for your alternative breaks trip: Student organizations who are running alternative breaks programs and interested in receiving support from the Ginsberg Center may apply to receive up to $500 in funding support. After having read all of this information carefully and considering the fit of your program with the Ginsberg Center’s mission and requirements, to apply you should:
- Fill out and submit the application form by 5pm, Friday, November 11 (link at bottom of this page)
- Attend the scheduled intake meeting to ensure that your program and ours are an appropriate fit. A Ginsberg Center staff member will contact you to set up this meeting.
- Attend required trainings
- Abide by other grant conditions as detailed in grant agreement
REQUIRED PREPARATION/TRAININGS
Group Site Leaders or representatives are required to attend a minimum of two trainings with Ginsberg Center staff. The specifics of these trainings will be jointly determined by the Ginsberg Center staff and the organization, according to the organization’s goals and needs. Possible training options:
Critical components of a quality Alternative Break The first training option is the Critical components of a quality Alternative Break workshop on November 15. Find more information and register online. While attendance at this workshop will not guarantee funding, a member or small team from groups seeking funding should attend.
Reflection in your community based work
Entering the community
Effective education, orientation, and training
Other training options may be available as well, and groups should talk with Ginsberg Center staff to determine which trainings they will attend.
These training workshops are also open to any student organization or department interested in receiving training for running alternative breaks, even if you do not receive funding support. Additional resources and consulting with Ginsberg Center staff are also available upon request.
If we provide funding, we request that the support of the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning be acknowledged on all promotional materials and activity products.
The proposals for this special grant cycle are due by 5pm, Friday, November 11.
Information and an application can be found here.
ALCOHOL and OTHER DRUG POLICY The Ginsberg Center Alternative Spring Break programs maintain a strict no-alcohol and drug policy throughout the program due to University policy, liability and legal issues, respect for the members of the group and – most importantly – the individuals and organizations with whom we are working during spring break. We highly recommend that other programs maintain an alcohol- and drug-free program as well.
VEHICLE RENTAL All vehicle reservations and rental will now be handled through the process administered by Transportation Services. Please visit their website at http://www.pts.umich.edu/um_vehicles_services/leasing.php for an overview of processes and procedures for vehicle rental. You should make your reservation directly through them.
