Alternative Break Opportunities to Toronto, Washington, D.C., Buffalo and Philadelphia

Posted by Tim on October 9, 2023 in Community Announcements, Honors Experiences, Volunteering, Volunteers Needed

• Winter Break – Healthcare Reform, Toronto, Canada (January 15 – 22, 2024)
  • Canada and the United States have taken distinct paths in healthcare reform. Canada has embraced a publicly funded, single-payer system, while the US employs a mixed system with a blend of private and public elements. Join this team to learn about healthcare systems in the US and Canada and volunteer with various non-profit organizations that provide support and resources to reduce health inequity in Canada.

• Spring Break – Civic Engagement, Washington, D.C. (March 17- 23, 2024)
  • On this alternative break trip, students will explore how they can be and what it means to be more civically engaged. Participants will learn about critical challenges facing our nation, interact with community leaders, and perform short-term projects with community agencies that work to enact positive social change. Join this team to develop the skills and connections necessary to become lifelong active citizens.

• Spring Break – LGBTQIA+ Rights, Buffalo, NY (March 18 – 22, 2024) *Free*
  • The LGBTQIA+ rights movement in the USA has encountered numerous challenges in its quest for fundamental human rights. Transgender and non-binary individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, still experience higher levels of violence and bias. During this trip, participants will gain insight into the inequalities faced by LGBTQIA+ community members, and explore how legal changes, extensive education, cultural transformation, and advocacy, contribute to a global environment where every individual is treated equitably.

• Spring Break – Criminal Justice Reform, Philadelphia, PA (March 17- 23, 2024)
  • The United States has the highest prison and jail population and the highest incarceration rate in the world. Participants on this trip will learn about the U.S. criminal justice system and areas in need of reform within the system. Team members will volunteer with and learn from community organizations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and learn about disability rights, voting rights, and reentry, as well as racial, gender, and socio-economic disparities within the justice system. 

We would love to have this shared with any students that you feel might be interested in attending this immersive experience. We are currently accepting applications and student can apply on UBLinked here: https://buffalo.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/602219