Alternative Spring Break - The University of Utah

Arcata, CA

Site leader: Brooklyn Kay
Cost: $295
Help restore the dune ecosystem as you learn more about threats to coastal habitat in Northern California. On work days, you will work in teams on various projects focused on invasive species removal and habitat restoration. Explore the coastline and beaches of Northern California, see thousand-foot trees at Redwood National Park, and experience living in harmony with the environment.

Links for more information:
Friends of the Dunes
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Pt. Reyes, CA

Site leader: Jonathan Liu
Cost: $295
Experience Point Reyes national Seashore and Muir Woods National Monument in ways that few people do. We will learn about non-native plant and animal introductions, ecological issues caused by invasive species, and participate with National Parks Service restoration efforts. We will explore one of the remaining fragments of an old-growth Redwood forest, coastal trails and beaches, and venture into local towns.

Links for more information:
Point Reyes National Seashore
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Portland, OR

Site leader: Abby Howell-Dinger
Cost: $410
Spend spring break touring the environmentally conscious city of Portland. At the Community Cycling Center, we will help clean and recycle bikes that will be given to children. We will also work with the Portland Community Gardens and the New Seasons Market to discuss the impact of food production on the community and the Environment. Service and reflections will explore environmentalism, development, environmental racism and gentrification.

Links for more information:
Community Cycling Center

New Seasons Market
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San Juan River Rafting, UT

Site leader: Dylan Gregersen
Cost: $300
The beautiful, barren, and secluded landscape of the San Juan river basin will be your home for 7 days in this classic river trip. Participants will be serving by picking up trash in the canyon and ridding campsites of invasive species. Daily detailed discussions on topics relevant to the Southwest may include : desert and river ecology, water rights and damming, and history of the region (prehistoric and modern).

Links for more information:
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San Francisco, CA

Site leader: Cameron Vakilian
Cost: $440

Explore issues of Gender and Sexuality by working with the LGBT community service center and the shelter for victims of domestic violence. Participate in service and education toward the fight against HIV/AIDS alongside the San Francisco AIDS foundation. Help support the needs of the community through Glide, an organization that provides dozens of services to the neighborhood including free meals, housing, childcare, and activities for the elderly.

Links for more information:
Glide Foundation
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
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city

Los Angeles, CA

Site leader: Xuan Phan
Cost: $440
Volunteer with one of the country’s largest HIV/AIDS non-profit service organizations. Provide treatment education, food service packaging for people living with HIV, special event preparation, and office support for AIDS Project LA. Advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS while experiencing, exploring, and having a blast in the “city of angels”.

Links for more information:
AIDS Project Los Angeles

San Diego, CA 

Site leader: Sherry Li
Cost: $440
Spend a week in "Sunny San Diego" learning more about how issues of economic policy, consumption, labor, and politics impact undocumented immigrants.  We will work with agencies who do direct service and advocacy work with low income and immigrant populations.  Participants will stay in the historic Gas Lamp District of San Diego, less than 20 minutes from some of California's most beautiful beaches.

Links for more information:
American Friends Service Committee
Center for Social Advocacy

Seattle, WA

Site leader: Hailey Skinner
Cost: $410
Come learn and help solve the many facets of hunger and homelessness in Seattle. ASB is working with local food banks by providing meals to low-income and homeless populations in King County. Discover how local organizations are working to solve America’s vast hunger and homeless problems.

Links for more information:
Food Life Line
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