#alternativebreak

[cieepetersburg-blog]

Alternative Break in Kirov

[cieepetersburg-blog]

Alternative Break in Kirov: lunch in a school cafeteria

[cieepetersburg-blog]

Alternative Break in Kirov

[mistedforest]

Last days of #AlternativeBreak #SocialJustice training. This trip reminded me that there is beauty in ever person, and suffering is diverse as the people inflicted. Circumstances and the cards delt are hard to overcome. But just a little help and support go a long way for people. Really all people need is your smile and your presence. Voulnteer, pick something yoi care about. And commit to it. We can all use a little help. If all you can do is once a month, then do it. When your not doing direct action, every moument everyday is a choice to help and love. Sew your wounds, while patching up your fellow earthlings. Here are some of the organizations I worked with this week. #HIAS #ReadingPatners #Repairtheworld #Booksthroughbars #freeminds We also voulnteered at a #soupkitchen and #foodpantry

[zachary321blog]

In one week, I have met some of the best friends anyone could ever have. Each and every one of you have changed my life for the better. So excited to see what all you environmental stewards do throughout the year.

[justalilhopee]

alternative break day 5

This morning we went to green industries again to do some paper shredding. The person in charge told us that they have visibly disabled people do this job because they are not capable of reading some of the confidential documents. That and the way the director continued to describe how much CASS has helped their clients was problematic. He gave the example of how employees were happy to be able to afford and buy some of their own stuff, like shoes and jackets. He continued to say how became CASS helped them, one of the employee is now able to buy honeybun, coke and Doritos from the deli. Major savior complex right there. We divided into one team of 10 and another team of 2, the latter in charge of shredding and the former in charge of sorting through white vs colored paper. We stood sorting the paper for the next three hours. The first hour passed by slow and all of us were already exhausted by then. We realize how privileged we are that in our profession, we would be able to sit down majority of the time. And how we have no endurance for standing for long periods of time. 

My highlight of the day was talking to Geneal, who works with the paper shredding. He came by to ask us where we were from and randomly asked us what we would do with 1 million dollars in a week. We cannot spend it on houses or anything that has responsibility because that 1 million will be gone after time is up. Some of us agreed that we would travel the world. In addition, I think it would be nice if I can bring together all my favorite artists and have a private hangout or concert of some sort.  B said she would swim in a pool of ice tea in a plastic suit or build a room with green tea ice cream on the wall and a trampoline floor. I suggested she install some chocolate water squirters and mochi canons haha. Geneal said he would probably buy lots of shoes. 

After lunch, we went back to the kitchen where I helped Nikki with some turkeys, cleaning and making dinner for women and children who live at CASS. 

We got back early again so B, EB and I went for a walk towards downtown Detroit. We passed by a White Castle, which EB and I tried their food for the first time. They got onion chips and apple juice while B and I shared a slider. Later on, we also passed by the signature Coney Island restaurant/diner that Detroit is known for so we couldn’t just pass by. We shared a Coney Island hot dog, basically a hot dog with chili. 

[ikzhang]

Special Thanks to Turtle Village Trust and the St. David Empowerment & Developmental Organization for collaborating with us during the 2015 Alternative Spring Break! #iASB2015 #JagBreak #AlternativeBreak #IUPUI (at Toco Secondary School)

[ikzhang]

Really grateful to have the opportunity to witness this amazing moment once again... #TurtlePower #LeatherbackSeaTurtles #iASB2015 #AlternativeBreak #JagBreak (at Matura Beach)