Alternative Spring Break 2008

ASB 09

2008-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

I hope you guys have been doing great. I've been taking classes and working, playing rugby and staying busy on campus, at the wonderful, University of Michigan - Dearborn.

I was excited when I heard the ASB 09 applications were available, so spread the word, and apply!

Hopefully I'll see you again.

Live United,
Muhi

Help United Way win the Facebook Cause Challenge and $2500!

2008-06-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

United Way for Southeastern Michigan is one of 48 United Way branches competing nationwide in a Facebook Cause Challenge. If we recruit the most members to our Facebook Cause by June 27th, our national sponsors will award us $2500 to use towards youth and campus programs.

If you are a Facebook member, please download the Cause Application and join 10,000 Strong for ASB Detroit 2009! Cause at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/94852?recruiter_id=7882801.

If you are not already a Facebook member, now is a good time to get on the band wagon! Join now at www.facebook.com.

Please make sure to invite all you Facebook friends and colleagues as well.

All Smiles

2008-06-18T13:19:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I'm proud of my ASB'ers that go to UofM-Dearborn, we have made a true community of service. Since ASB, we have spent countless Saturday mornings around Detroit, at old ASB sites, and taking part in beautification projects.

I'm proud of my ASB'ers country-wide, they have been making a positive difference with their experiences. Keep it up.

A little on myself since ASB ended - finished off my term as president, finished my semester, still playing rugby, got staples in my head from a nice hit...lol, and got them taken out today. I also got my wisdom teeth removed the other day.

So, I'm not sure whether the smiles are from reflecting on times at ASB, or coming from the heaps of Vicodin, but either way, I miss you all.

Go Detroit :)

Much Love,
Muhi

Alternative Winter Break

2008-06-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Alternative Spring Break alumni, Zehra Imam, has been inspired to take her volunteer work global. Watch this video and learn more.

ASB 09...(Are We There Yet?)

2008-05-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

First off - I miss you all.

Second - things back in Antioch are good. I've been in touch with the United Way out here and they have been wonderful. I met with the senior team and discussed my experiences in Michigan and what I'd like to see happen. I heard (through facebook) that Zehra was wanting to do an Alternative Winter Break out in Michigan. WHICH I THINK IS AWESOME! I mentioned that to the United Way out here and we may do one here in Lake County this winter. So I've been working here and there with them and love it. I've been really busy doing a whole bunch of different service projects. I have Relay for Life, Day at the Races, and The Cradle Adoption Agency projects approaching fast!!

AND OF COURSE I've been booked with pageant prep. I'm competing for my towns title of Miss Antioch in the middle of June. I'm definitly nervous but excited to share my experience about ASB with everyone! I pretty much eat, sleep, and breathe pageants right now. (even more than I did before if that's possible...?) So far all of my pageant gals are excited to apply for next years ASB!

Congratulations to all you new grads!!

I hope everyone else kicked off to a fantabulous summer as well. :)

Lastly - I miss you all terribly.

4 months later...

2008-05-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since Detroit now and for a few months I forgot about the blog. This morning at a staff meeting we watched the tape of Brian Gallagher speaking about the new LIVE UNITED campaign. Many of our staff at first were hesitant about the new campaign and weren't really sure how to sum up what it means. A dynamic speaker, Gallagher does a great job of getting the point across and I encourage anyone who's interested to watch the video (which I think you can find on United Way of America's website...). Anyways, it made me think of all of you when he mentioned Alternative Spring Break Detroit and a picture of people I met there (Henda and Jason!) flashed behind him. So here I am once again. Lurking in that one corner of the country most of you haven't seen (although I am pleased to announce that Amanda will have a chance soon!).

I am so proud to see how many of you have moved forward. Thanks to Facebook I think we all know Amal is raising money to go to Kenya. Jessica and Tammy have both kept ties with the groups they worked with during ASB and I applaud them for that. Raechel spoke up and gave Detroit a voice against slander (and was heard!) Leticia made it down to LA for round two. I just saw Adam Harris on liveunited.org- he was the first face I clicked on. (Small world, huh?) I just want to say bravo to all of you continuing to strengthen your communities. Great job!

Me, I'm wrapping up my first Americorps year- only to sign up for a second! I'll be working with Louisiana CASA in Baton Rouge as a team leader. Hopefully while I'm down there I can do ASB in Louisiana, too! Hope everyone's summer is off to an awesome start.

Tammy is remembering ASB!!!

2008-04-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting here in the last few weeks of my senior year at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. As we all know, the last stretch is always hectic and stressful. As graduation approaches I sit and I think to myself about all of the things that I need to get done in the next 20 days or so...

Study for my test on Monday, get ready for my presentation on Wednesday, finish my report for my internship by Tuesday, put my group paper together and e-mail it out for MKT 488, go to my friend's wedding, Study for finals, mail out graduation announcements, and get things ready for a graduation party. All while working 20 hours a week waiting tables, 20 hours a week at my internship, and 4 days a week in the classroom. Not to mention trying to maintain SOMEWHAT of a social life... AHHHHHHHHH!!!

But, then I stop! As all of these things cycle through my head, and I lose countless hours of sleep, I take time to reflect. I take myself to a place that is like no where else in this world. A place where the needy are helped, the diverse are the same, the weak are strong, the deprived are empowered, the weary finds hope, and the scared find courage. I take myself to a place where the able are willing, the shy are sociable, the arrogant are humble, the lost are found, the struggling are saved, and the lonesome can find a friend. I take myself to a place where homework doesn’t matter, deadlines don’t exist, grades are not relevant, and as long as you showed up you got an A+!!! I take myself to a place where I can find peace, I can find a friendly face, I can find people helping people, I can find no one passing judgments, I can find myself!!!

I take myself to a place where people Live United. I take myself to ASB!!!

For those of you who are living with stress and strains in your life just take time to reflect. Remember the good things in life, and the memories that we all share. Remember those that we have helped. Remember each other. Remember me. Remember ASB!!

No matter how thin I am stretched for time, I will never be too busy for you. I remember ASB everyday. ASB is not just that, a memory, it is embedded in me. It is a way of life for me now. I am continually trying to find ways to take what ASB has taught me, and imply it in my community and in my life. I have continued my involvement in Vista Maria by becoming a mentor, and it is something that I can never thank ASB enough for. It is my stress relief, and volunteering is now my escape!

I love you all!!!!

Your friend,

Tammy :-)

LIVE UNITED

2008-03-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

ASB Detroit. What else is there to say? I had a wonderful time in my second home town and I am glad that everyone put forth so much effort to make this happen. This experience definitely changed my life and out look on a lot of things. ASB was way more than I expected. Since ASB Detroit I have been working with my mentor Derrick Davis, along with Randy Dillard, Adam Harris, and many other to help get my plans together for the revamping of a mentoring called Project M.R. This was a program that was started by my principle to groom responsible young men. The program still exist but it is not running well. I am planning on reopening the program in the Fall of 2008. If you have any suggestions or questions send me an email and we will talk about any concerns you have.

P.S
I sometimes refuse to wear my LIVE UNITED shirt because it means so much to me but I would like to say that even when i do not wear it is a part of me and I actually am LIVING UNITED.
Love you all.

PEACE OUT,
Charles P. Ashley

Full Circle

2008-03-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Things coming full circle was sort of my motto for ASB 08. It was great to be in Detroit, because I have always made a difference, but never so close to home...well at home! So this was a great chance for me to connect with young volunteers that lived near me that I could share a passion with and be able to do more work together much past ASB. Boy was I right and more right than I ever knew I would be. I have been working really closely with my teammates since, which is really a blessing for me. I never knew that they would be so close to my heart long after the trip. Two of my members and I are now going to intern at our work site Franklin Wright Settlements to try to get some funding. This is a big project and just the project I was looking for. It give me a chance to really be involved and use my big mouth to get some money!! haha. But really this issue is big and it's real and I'm so blessed to be apart of it. I can't wait until next year, and if the rumors are true..I'll see you guys in Memphis!!

Getting Ready - ASB Reflection

2008-03-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

What did ASB Detroit 2008 mean to you?
ASB Detroit meant everything and more to me. It has shown me my passion for life through helping a young boy with homework at Franklin - Wright Settlements. Because of this young boy, I have realized that I want to become a Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher for Privileged and Underprivileged Children.

Was it everything you expected?
Yes It was everything I expected and more. I expected to be building houses or something like that and instead I got to rip up tiles (very fun), paint, make and serve food, do lots of sweeping, pull nails out of boards, and help a boy with his homework.

More?
Yea, see above ^_^

Life changing?
Yes very much so. This was the big break I had been waiting for for a long time.. the moment when it would all become clear to me. And I finally found it. It didn't come until the 1st or 2nd week after ASB was over when I went back to Franklin - Wright Settlements with my boyfriend. It was then that it all became clear. I want to be a preschool teacher (which I was thinking about already) and nothing is going to stop me.

What have you been doing since ASB Detroit 2008 to continue the work we've started here?
Well, I went back to the site once, which was awesome. I've been wearing my ASB jacket everywhere and using my fed-ex bag. Posted a couple of comments on the blog and that's about it.

What are we going to do in 2009 to make it even better?
Have more team building time and less tour like stuff.

Love you guys.
~ Heather Wigley

ASB Lake Charles - Tuesday

2008-03-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
KP and I are cutting up another moving which we will show on Wednesday and already have most of the footage we need for another movie on Thursday (or more likely Friday). We are getting lots of great film but without the full Campus Video Team (and only one computer) it is hard to power though it the way we did in Detroit. That said, we are having a great time and it is nice not to be locked away in the CVN office all day and night. I wanted to say thank you/shout out to everyone in Michigan at CVN and the SEM United Way; you are all great and we wish you could be here!!!

dan

do not feed the alligators!!!

2008-03-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

ok so they say not to feed the alligators.... so instead we just did a drive by. Yeah...i didn't get eaten by an alligator! Other than that we got to go down to the coast and see the gulf!!! There is just something about an ocean breeze that makes you love life. WE did however get the great BIG ship to honk it's horn!!! Then we came back to an awesome band here at the home sight. They told me these boys could play and they were right!!! I love it here.

But, I have to say that they weren't as good to all of us singing the Top Gun theme song in the shower and the ladies anthem....I will survive!!! To top off the night... the SOUND OF MUSIC WAS ON TV!!!!!!!!! My favorite movie!!!! I am so ready to work now!!!!! "Lake Charles is alive....with the Sound of Music....la..la,la,laaaaaaaaa!!!!!

Give Thanks and Praise

2008-03-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! The Bro. from a nearby church came and gave service this morning and praise him for it. He talked about sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice that many of us have made to be here this week. But, I think that it is well worth it. If you think about this world as a tool box and we are apart of that tool box. God is using me as a tool to do his work and his will. So thank you also for Nathan of United Way SWLA for pointing out that we are God's hands and feet(that si super important)!! I know that this week we will get it done!! There was no better way for me to start my first morning here in SWLA than giving thanks and praise for his purpose. Thank you God! Amen

Leticia

I made it!!!

2008-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, can I just say that after a transit that took me to 4 different states I made it!!! I am so happy to be here!! Last night we developed TEAM QUEST!!!! An unofficial team that was created on the way back from Houston!!! The best girls ever were in the Quest van and we had an awesome time. Special shout out to the taco bell that we stopped at somewhere along I-10. Everthing here is awesome and I know that this week is going to be the same. As long as I don't get eaten by any alligators!!!! So life is great and a special thanks to all of the very special people who made this all possible!!!

Luv ya much!!

Leticia

Kp's Day One

2008-03-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

This is Kay from the Campus Video Network and I am excited to be here in Lake Charles. Dan and I have met a lot of people and we are happy to share their experiences through video. We can tell that we have a lot of work ahead of us but the challenge only spurs us on. Hola to all CVN members back home, we are going to do our best to make you proud. Hello to my family and Detroit, I miss you all already. Talk to you later.

United Way Board of Directors and I

2008-03-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It's good to be back at this website, seeing that there is still a connection with everyone on the comments and posts.

If any of the ASBers are reading this, post up on your plans to keep working at your sites throughout the summer and what you plan on doing, it will be interesting to see!

Today, I had the honor of thanking many of the individuals who helped make this fantastic week of events possible. I was asked to represent the University of Michigan - Dearborn, but more importantly I was asked to reflect on what I walked away with.

I spoke of how on campus we Live United by wearing our jackets proudly. How when we see each other, it is more than just an average 'Hello' or 'What's up?'. How when we see each other, a genuine smile comes to our face, a warm hug is received, and a conversation is brought up. I spoke of how each of the participants walked away with dedication and a sense of volunteering flowing in their system.

A lot of the work that United Way has done is helping us (as individuals and as a community) tremendously and each of us must return the favor by dedicating ourselves to this community and carrying their legacy. We need to be the torch bearers of our generation, just as they are leading the way in theirs.

One thing I found interesting was that today was Detroit day (3/13/08). We should definitely try to make this some sort of Service Day or Holiday within the city.

I just wanted to say that I am happy and thankful for my experiences thus far in life, and it has been a pleasure meeting all of the ASB 313 crew. I hope to see you all next year. Let's make sure it happens again :)

Much love,
Muhi
Student Government President
University of Michigan - Dearborn

p.s. I have a Rugby game this Saturday (3/15) so wish us luck!

Race at Ford Field

2008-03-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

Participants were Muhi, Adam Harris, Randy Dillard, Cardi Demonaco, and Khurram Imam (Not really sure if that's Khurram).

GUESS WHAT?

2008-03-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

I have fantastic news! I had a pageant event today for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization and was able to tell my pageant director all about my trip and how I fell in love with Michigan...ect....

BUT she also said that our website designer and herself have decided to give me an entire page on our pageant website to tell about my ASB experience / advertise ASB / anything ASB!!

A bunch of the girls have already expressed to me how they are going to apply next year!

Thought I'd let you all know !

If ANYONE wants anything up or thinks of something that they think will make ASB stick out more, let me know.

Miss you all.

XO - Jaci

Miss You

2008-03-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

I miss you guys so much. I wish we could have alternative spring break all the time. I went back to Franklin - Wright on Tuesday and the kids were still just as adorable. I ran into Jessie there too, so that was awesome. I am starting to think that I want a career as an Underprivileged Preschool Teacher. I mean, I knew I wanted to teach preschool but the underprivileged part came from my experience during ASB and on Tuesday. Can't wait until next year's spring break. :D I miss you all so much. GO ASB!!!

~ Peace and Love, Heather

A Busy Spring Break

2008-03-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

Someone told me recently that I do not do enough that is just for myself... "Look at last week," he said "you spent your entire spring break doing things for other people, and you didn't work on your honors project at all." He is right. He then asked me when was the last time I had done something completely selfish. I couldn't answer. Everything that I do is for others. It is hard for me to do something that is just for me. Even lately when there are huge decisions to be made, in my life, I am making my decisions based on the feelings of others.

If there is anything that ASB has taught me it's that I love being around new and exciting people. I love doing things for people and I love being there in case I am needed. Maybe that is selfish of me. Maybe he was wrong, and my penchant for helping others is actually selfish. If so I can't think of a better selfish to be.

I have been around several groups of people of which the point was to gain friendship and networks with young people from all over. This group however has a dynamic that is incomparable. You guys have helped me to find myself and actualize my reality. Thank you so much, I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

LIVE UNITED

2008-03-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

We are give a comforting shade when we unite as the leaves on a tree....we give a comforting shade and warmth to anything like this little cottage...LIVE UNITED!

Revolution...

2008-03-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

While I was reflecting through the past few days, thoughts showered me and I could not rest as I got overwhelmed after this experience was over and my mentality was changed dramatically. For a day, I was depressed of why people do not care about service as I saw their blunt and plain reaction to what service is. I felt like giving up on people. but then alternative spring break brought memories…brought hope into my heart that gave fuel to my heart and I realized I need to work upon it and I need to fight to spread awareness…I need to become a leader.
I wrote this following poem while I was letting things out….The only way to open up my heart is poetry and I would like to share this with you.
-Revolution-

One dream
Empty places
Clear shadows
Memories to sustain
the faces that grow
within each shiver of desire.

Air is no longer needed
as oxygen flow no more.
Smiles reflects the hunger
In a shadow of comfort;
My solitude is like blood
and giving up appears to be
the sweetest salvation…

But I still breathe
from a left over bond;
The heartbeat becomes a glow
of inspiration and I close
my eyes into a dream;
I bestow pieces of imagination
to create a path of determination.

But I can not wake up alone
Because I need your motivation
To flow with in the veins
It is not about you or me
It is about the both of us
and possibilities
let’s be one
let’s rise
let’s shine and be the sun

let’s make a difference.

ASB Reflection

2008-03-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

My experiences with United Way’s Alternative Spring Break – Detroit have given me faith. I see my experiences with ASB to be very similar to the life cycle of a butterfly.
A butterfly’s story begins at birth; mine however, starts out with the desire to apply for a week long journey of service in an unfamiliar place. I have always been involved in volunteer work but the thought of contributing to a community with so much potential grasped me. After applying and being notified that I was accepted I began my journey to Dearborn, Michigan from Antioch, Illinois. On my way to campus my mind was flooded with doubt and fear. I was on edge about being so far away from home with unfamiliar faces in a place that the media gives such a negative image to. With that, I almost bailed. I almost gave up and turned around to go back home. I’m not sure what it was, but something made me stay. Something had told me I could make and impact here.
From here I became a caterpillar who wouldn’t give up on something that she believed in. I started my week with approximately fifty other students who also had hope and courage. We were divided into groups and set off to complete different tasks in hopes to leave a footprint on the hearts of those we touched.
None of our attempts to make the community a better place would have been possible without the sincere gratification from our sponsors; United Way, FedEx, Panera Bread, Delloite, Kroger, U of M – D, and the list goes on. Without the support of these generous donors we as caterpillars could not have transformed into butterflies. Our eyes could not have been opened up to learn about respect, values, appreciation and love. The sponsors and team staff believed in us enough to put a tremendous amount of time and effort to ensure that we had a rewarding experience.
As our week of learning and transformation came to an end, I found myself. I fell in love with the city of Detroit, when I recently had feared it. I knew that although my hometown of Antioch, Illinois is a wonderful place, Detroit is where I needed to continue my service. When I got back home I realized that I had left my heart in Detroit and applied for admission to the University of Michigan – Dearborn. I am very thankful for this opportunity of a lifetime that inevitably led me to find myself. Like a butterfly I am going to go where I am needed most and right now that is back in Michigan.

I miss you all a lot and will never forget any of you.

XO - Jaci Tindall

ASB 2008 Detroit Photo Album

2008-03-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you is not enough!

2008-03-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say thanks to all the people who was in ASB 2008 and I can't wait till we all get together and do it again, making a difference in even more peoples lives and changing spirits all over. Meeting you all was a good experience and I won't forgot none of you.

Miss you all already!