Mission, Vision, and Values

The mission of the GW Alternative Breaks Program is to empower and challenge students to understand their role as proponents of democratic citizenship in the world through direct and indirect service, service-learning, and reflection, while encouraging personal growth, social awareness, and active citizenship. Alternative Breaks provides the opportunity for students to explore community service in local, national, and international settings, fostering a Serve, Learn, Discover mentality. 

Our Vision
GW Alternative Breaks seeks to inspire active citizenship, a curiosity about the world, and to ask critical questions about inequitable systems in our society, and how our values can drive us to change them.

Our Values
Social Justice
Active Citizenship
Intentionality
Inclusion
Collective Leadership
Good-naturedness
Mutually-Beneficial Partnerships
Sustainability

The Eight Components of a Quality Alternative Break
Strong Direct Service
Full Engagement
Diversity and Social Justice
Orientation
Education
Training
Reflection
Reorientation