Students going on Alternative Spring Break
Source: Arab American News
Published: March 3, 2007
DETROIT – Fourteen Detroit area volunteers, including college students and professionals, will give at least a week of their time volunteering for Alternative Spring Break 2007, a partnership of United Way of America and think MTV. United Way for Southeastern Michigan will be taking this enthusiastic group of volunteers to Lake Charles, Louisiana, March 10 –17, to help in the long-term recovery efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast area still devastated by the 2005 hurricanes. In total, approximately 300 college students from across the country will be participating in Alternative Spring Break during the month of March.
The goal of the Alternative Spring Break is to inspire young people to engage in community service during their spring vacations. This year's volunteers will clear debris, restore local schools and nature trails, and repair some of the more than 1,700 homes that still have blue roofs, which are temporary FEMA tarps that prevent further damage.
"United Way's Alternative Spring Break is a great way to engage young people to make a lasting difference in our country," said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "Families affected by the 2005 hurricanes are still recovering from the devastation. The progress that will be made by the collective action of these committed volunteers, and the lives they will touch through their efforts, is an amazing example of what can be done when we work together."
This is the second year for Alternative Spring Break. Last year, approximately 100 volunteers traveled to Biloxi, Miss., and Foley, Ala. to remove debris from yards, repair porches and roofs, tear out walls and rebuild a youth recreation center.
"I never knew I could learn to do so many things to help make a big difference," said Brian Sawyer, who participated in last year's efforts and will be returning this year as a team leader.
"It was the greatest experience and the most inspiring of my life. I learned that anyone with determination and passion to make a difference can. This year I hope to gain the commitment of other young adults like me to come back motivated to build our own communities stronger."
Sponsors for this year's Alternative Spring Break include FedEx and GameStop. CheapTickets is serving as a promotional partner and MTV Networks is serving as the media partner. United Way of Southwest Louisiana will be the host United Way for the program, providing volunteer housing and project support.
Brennan added, "You don't have to go far to make a difference. There are lots of opportunities to give back right here at home. What you get in return is the priceless gift of helping others."
Going with the group will be American Muslim Kawthar Ali, 22, of Dearborn Heights, a senior at the University of Michigan - Dearborn studying elementary education. Ali is committed to making a difference both in and outside of her community and enjoys working in a diverse environment. Ali was born in Tehran, Iran but spent her early years in Damascus, Syria. She moved to the United States with her family when she was twelve. She was intrigued with Alternative Spring Break because it was different than other volunteer projects she's participated in.
A 2003 graduate of Crestwood High School, Ali volunteered through Key Club and the National Honor Society. She is a recipient of the University of Michigan Dearborn's Distinguished Student Leader Scholarship and a member of Volunteer Dearborn.
"I'm going into education and this experience is a perfect way to encourage young students to give more than they receive, and to be compassionate about others," she said.
To learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities, go to http://www.uwsem.org/ and click "Get Involved"or call United Way's 2-1-1 number.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region.
Published: March 3, 2007
DETROIT – Fourteen Detroit area volunteers, including college students and professionals, will give at least a week of their time volunteering for Alternative Spring Break 2007, a partnership of United Way of America and think MTV. United Way for Southeastern Michigan will be taking this enthusiastic group of volunteers to Lake Charles, Louisiana, March 10 –17, to help in the long-term recovery efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast area still devastated by the 2005 hurricanes. In total, approximately 300 college students from across the country will be participating in Alternative Spring Break during the month of March.
The goal of the Alternative Spring Break is to inspire young people to engage in community service during their spring vacations. This year's volunteers will clear debris, restore local schools and nature trails, and repair some of the more than 1,700 homes that still have blue roofs, which are temporary FEMA tarps that prevent further damage.
"United Way's Alternative Spring Break is a great way to engage young people to make a lasting difference in our country," said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "Families affected by the 2005 hurricanes are still recovering from the devastation. The progress that will be made by the collective action of these committed volunteers, and the lives they will touch through their efforts, is an amazing example of what can be done when we work together."
This is the second year for Alternative Spring Break. Last year, approximately 100 volunteers traveled to Biloxi, Miss., and Foley, Ala. to remove debris from yards, repair porches and roofs, tear out walls and rebuild a youth recreation center.
"I never knew I could learn to do so many things to help make a big difference," said Brian Sawyer, who participated in last year's efforts and will be returning this year as a team leader.
"It was the greatest experience and the most inspiring of my life. I learned that anyone with determination and passion to make a difference can. This year I hope to gain the commitment of other young adults like me to come back motivated to build our own communities stronger."
Sponsors for this year's Alternative Spring Break include FedEx and GameStop. CheapTickets is serving as a promotional partner and MTV Networks is serving as the media partner. United Way of Southwest Louisiana will be the host United Way for the program, providing volunteer housing and project support.
Brennan added, "You don't have to go far to make a difference. There are lots of opportunities to give back right here at home. What you get in return is the priceless gift of helping others."
Going with the group will be American Muslim Kawthar Ali, 22, of Dearborn Heights, a senior at the University of Michigan - Dearborn studying elementary education. Ali is committed to making a difference both in and outside of her community and enjoys working in a diverse environment. Ali was born in Tehran, Iran but spent her early years in Damascus, Syria. She moved to the United States with her family when she was twelve. She was intrigued with Alternative Spring Break because it was different than other volunteer projects she's participated in.
"For one week, I won't be thinking about myself or school; I'll be thinking about those who are homeless or in need of help," said Ali. "I don't want to sit at home saying 'I wish I can help those people affected by the hurricanes' but instead I'm giving up everything for a week just so I can help build or paint a home and bring a smile to someone's face."
A 2003 graduate of Crestwood High School, Ali volunteered through Key Club and the National Honor Society. She is a recipient of the University of Michigan Dearborn's Distinguished Student Leader Scholarship and a member of Volunteer Dearborn.
"I'm going into education and this experience is a perfect way to encourage young students to give more than they receive, and to be compassionate about others," she said.
To learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities, go to http://www.uwsem.org/ and click "Get Involved"or call United Way's 2-1-1 number.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region.
Labels: Alternative Spring Break, civic engagement, InTheNews
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