Branch Out Alternative Breaks
In a Branch Out Alternative Break, you can join a team and travel during fall, winter, or spring break to engage in service-based learning in partnership with host communities, while connecting with new people and developing skills in issue-based action.
All alternative breaks are free and open to currently-enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, thanks to the generosity of our funders.
Our teams work with a community partner organization to address a particular social justice issue. Led by our Site Leaders, you will engage in pre-trip education and orientation about your break's focus issue and community, and training to help prepare you for productive action. During your break, you'll work with your partner on specific projects and goals, and critically reflect on your experience throughout. Following your break, you and your fellow breakers will lead a reorientation effort, bringing what you've learned and your passion for the social issue and community-based action back to Williamsburg.
Our vision is to create a community of active and educated individuals dedicated to the pursuit of social justice. Together, we aim to expand our skills and identities as community collaborators.
Visit Branch Out on GivePulse, TribeLink, Facebook, and Instagram.
Please note: all participants and leaders of Branch Out alternative breaks must be up-to-date on their COVID vaccines to participate in in-person alternative breaks. Our breaks are in close quarters, including van transportation, shared sleeping spaces, and communal meals. We frequently partner and interact with members of vulnerable communities, and want to show our utmost respect and care for them.
