For more than 10 years, TeamVOLS, a UT community service organization, has been coordinating volunteering trips for students to locations all around the United States during fall and spring breaks.

There are two Alternative Spring Break groups going to two different locations. One group will be going to the Gulf Coast to work on Hurricane Katrina relief. The other group will be traveling outside Tennessee, but the location is still a surprise. Which group is heading to which location is kept private until shortly before the trip is to begin.  Kimberly Pettigrew, an ASB leader, said, “The secrecy adds to the fun and excitement of the trip.”

The ASB process begins with an application that is due one week after the end of fall break, and the selected applicants are informed about two weeks later.  Interviews begin, and the group selected begins to prepare for the activities and projects planned for spring break.
 
This year, 21 students were selected for the ASB trip out of a pool of 60 applicants. Students are selected based on the feedback from their interviews. Students who seem to be able to work well in groups and bring diversity to the program are especially sought after.

Two student leaders are also chosen through an application process, and they along with one graduate adviser and one staff adviser are responsible for planning and leading the trip.

Graduate adviser for TeamVOLS Leslie Shaffer said the trips are financed by student fees and fundraising.

 “Team members pay $35 to attend, and they are also involved in fundraising activities such as spaghetti lunches,” she said.
 
Alternative Spring Break undertakings have included Hurricane Katrina relief, Boys and Girls Club, working with African refugees, helping out at food banks and spending time at retirement homes.

No matter the assigned activity, Pettigrew said, “I hope to bring my team together by serving others. Everyday, children go to bed hungry, adults have nowhere to sleep and people give up hope. If our group can bring a smile to someone's face, fill someone’s belly, or just be an inspiration to someone, I will consider our trip successful.”
 
Shaffer said, “TeamVOLS has headed the Alternative Spring Break and Alternative Fall Break for more than 10 years." Some locations the group has gone to before include Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Va. and New York City.

Like Alternative Spring Breaks, Alternative Fall Breaks are located in different areas of the country where volunteers have tackled a myriad of activities.

“Our main goals for Alternative Break trips are to provide service for the community that we visit, to make a difference in the lives of the people we meet and to bond as a team to create lasting friendships and a continued commitment to service after the trip,” Shaffer said.