Alternative Spring Break - Apply Here! 

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) provides the opportunity for students to plan, raise money, travel, and help another community during spring break. Alternative Spring Break is open to all WIU Macomb students. This experience is designed to be a hands-on opportunity for students to learn more about themselves, others, and the world around them. 

ASB engages individuals in short-term service learning experiences that challenge the social, political, and economic structures of our global community. 

  • When: Spring Break 2025, Location TBA
  • For: 6 days and 5 nights

The total fee to participate in Alternative Spring Break is $450, which covers: 

  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Activities
  • Transportation (to and from and within the city) 

Important Deadlines: 

  • Applications - TBA

Please Note: 

  • Once you have committed to the trip, the money will be non-refundable 
  • All participants commit to participating in fundraising activities and weekly planning meetings 
  • Students will participate in nightly group discussions and reflection activities 
  • To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled at WIU in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
  • Students are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 

All questions about Alternative Spring Break can be directed to Eve Nottrott at ec-nottrott@wiu.edu 

In the past, we have traveled to: Kansas City, MO, New Orleans, LA, Memphis, TN, Dallas, TX, Louisville, KY, Omaha, NE, Nashville, TN, Mobile, AL, and Washington, DC.

ASB Trips

Donations to support the ASB trip can be made online.

 

Past ASB Trips

2024 - Kansas City, Missouri

NVW 2024

We volunteered with:

Pet Resource Center of Kansas City

PRC KC is a nonprofit clinic helping 40,000+ animals a year. Although they are not a full clinic, they exist to provide a broad range of services for economically disadvantaged families who love their pets, including: spay/neuter, vaccines, urgent and dental care, pet food pantry, parasite treatment and prevention, and outreach in the community to provide resources, information, and support. With the support from volunteers and the community, they are able to see and help over 200 pets per day, many of whom could not afford care anywhere else!

Phoenix Family - Affordable Housing Communities

The mission of Phoenix family is simple: Phoenix family empowers people living in low-income housing communities with the on-site support they need to gain stability nd achieve self-sufficiency. They focus on three main groups: youth development, families, and older adults- all of whom need different types of support in many areas. They have the HIKE program, which stands for Help Instill the Key to Education, which ensures young children are able to read at their grade level before they reach middle school. They also have Families First and Senior Empowerment programs, connecting those with the services and programs they need.

One City Café - Bishop Sullivan Center

One City Café welcomes all for a delicious, health dinner every weeknight, and lunch every weekday. If someone is hungry and in need of a good, hot meal, or simply a friend who wants to enjoy nutritious food and support the community, they are encouraged to stop in for a great dinner served with a smile. 

Fun activities:

Museum of Illusions, Country Club Plaza, City Market, Money Market Museum, Nelson Atkins

2023 - New Orleans, Louisiana 

ASB 23

We volunteered with:

Trumpet of Truth Ministries

Their ministry was devastated by two natural disasters; first a hurricane, then after they began their rebuilding phase, a tornado ripped through their building. We were able to help rebuild the ministry, while also interacting with individuals in the community by passing out grocery bags and providing fellowship. View the itinerary.

2022 - Memphis, Tennessee

ASB

We volunteered with:

Clare's House

Clare’s House is a Refuge for women located in the North Memphis 38108 area.  Focusing on helping women who want help out of homelessness. Clare’s House will offer Life Skills classes, Self Help, and Relational classes along with Resume writing,  Employment search, Financial planning, and Bible Studies.

Dorothy Day House

Rooted in the tradition of the Gospels and inspired by the vision and passion of Dorothy Day, the Dorothy Day House provides temporary housing and support services for homeless families in Memphis, TN. Working with other local agencies, staff members, and volunteers provides families in need with a safe environment and the means to re-establish their independence. All guests are welcomed as Christ with no discrimination.

Just City Memphis

Just City Court Watch offers an opportunity to visit Shelby County criminal courtrooms and see what’s really happening. Court watch encourages accountability, transparency, and community participation. in the work of criminal justice reform.

All questions about Alternative Spring Break can be directed to Eve Nottrott at ec-nottrott@wiu.edu 

Contact Info

Student Engagement

University Union
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455

Email: OSE@wiu.edu
Phone: (309) 298-3232
Fax: (309) 298-2879