Alternative Spring Breaks Combine Service, Learning

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In the name of charity, an organization discriminates based on national orgin and color! Read my experience trying to volunteer through 'Institute for Field Research (IFRE) based in Dallas, Texas.
I called the office of IFRE at Dallas yesterday (4/26/2010) to schedule a volunteer trip to Kenya in June. I was appalled at the conversation that followed with the person named 'Alex' that picked up the phone. His language was heavily punctuated with racial undertones and he tried his best to dissuade me from into the program. He insulted my country of origin (India) by asking why I wanted to visit a third world country when I myself belonged to the third world, adding, "Our programs are for people from the 1st world that want to help people in the third world".
I asked him why he was being so hostile just because I didn't have a US passport. He responded saying "You people come into America as immigrants, illegally. And now you want to do charity?"
When he asked me why I wanted to do volunteer work, I explained that I was going to join a graduate program at Oxford University (in the UK) in the fall of 2010 and wanted to specialize in social enterprise. He responded "I'll give you a piece of advise from the heart and the brain - There is no need to go to Oxford if you cannot remove your heavy accent. All your money will go waste".
I was aghast. I warned that I would publish a transcript of the conversation in the New York Times, upon which he hung up.

Vishnu Rajan of NJ 11:49PM April 27, 2010

For all of you young kid following this path, you best know just what you are getting into. Combine "service and learning?" What did you learn? Service to who? Is that what you are doing in college now days? Living the white guilt? Cause I will bet that every one of you is a white person and totally full of guilt. Easy mark. Meanwhile, you lose out on your life by following some crap movement out of the 60's trash that has gotten nowhere for 50 years notable LBJ's "great society" and the neighborhood reinvestment act and all the civil rights movement MONEY that has-- what? What has it done? Still pouring money down a hole and for what to show? White guilt.!!! Still a quota system, minorities still need a "lower scoring " rule to qualify and YOU can't get into college.. with a 4.0 GPA LOL .. White guilt.
Get a better education and learn about YOUR country. Make some money and support YOUR country. We are going down a hole with this nut for a president. White guilt. Byt the way, I'm 1/2 spanish and 1/2 black. I don't need your white guilt. I need a JOB... A JOB.....

Jamal Smith of CA 12:40AM March 14, 2010

I just got back from a trip to Paris. The Alternative Break was a life changing experience to be sure. I am now changing my major as son as i return to CSUSB. I never knew just how wrong I was about the world and my narrow view of a carefree lifestyle. It is no wonder that er die so young in the USA, we worry too much. And the women. wow.. It is too bad that the rest of the world can't be more like the French. Why would they want to live any other way? Beats me. I will next try and get the people in Sub-Sahara Africa to live like the French. Good coffee, food and great wine. What's wrong with all those people living as they do in Africa when they could so easly be quasi European. Anyway, thanks France.

Bill Clinton of CA 12:26AM March 14, 2010

I just got back today from an Alternative Spring Break trip to Mission, South Dakota that immersed participants in the culture of the Lakota people on the Rosebud Reservation. This experience was life altering. I highly, highly suggest you check out programs at your own university or your prospective college.

Keith Bouck of MI 10:33PM March 13, 2010

As a student organizer and alternative break coordinator, this article accurately portrays the Alternative Break movement. This is more than just a vacation or stereotypical volunteerism, but one of mutual growth, understanding, and learning. It's exciting to see some appreciation given to an emerging and exceptional wave of college students becoming active citizens, those who value their community and choose the common good. Participants really do return as leaders, teachers, and engaged members of the community, and the community grows along with them. Thank you US News and World Report for showcasing and encouraging such important work to the alternative break movement.

Justin of WI 1:30PM March 10, 2010

Great article! I've done 5 alternative breaks and have not only developed some of my closest friendship and best memories as a result, but they have completely shaped the way I think about my own contribution to a community and the complex social issues of the day. It's this way of thinking that guided my career choices, my volunteer time, and how I watch the news. I am an engaged citizen thanks to alternative breaks.

Jill of GA 12:35PM March 09, 2010

Truly wonderful work.

Andrew Johnson of IL 11:46PM March 07, 2010

My daughter is leaving tomorrow for Kenya leading a group of 8 students for their Alternative Break from American University. Last year she spent a semester there attending school, volunteering and discovering more about herself. Now she wants to share her experiences with others. Weekly meetings have been held with the students to prepare them for the social, economic and government issues in Kenya. This is going to be a life changing experience for these students and they will be bringing back with them knowledge and skills far more then books could ever begin to convey to them.

Julie of VA 9:38PM March 05, 2010

This is an excellent article! More and more young people are volunteering. According to the Volunteering in America Report, more young adults volunteered in 2008 than 2007 www.volunteeringinamerica.gov.
However just because more people are volunteering doesn't mean that our world will become a better place. Break Away is doing an excellent job with their chapter schools in taking that volunteer experience to the next level by empowering students to examine key social issues. So it is awesome that this is getting recognition.
I'm glad that this article displays how a volunteer experience can be life changing. Alternative Breaks impacted my life, and the learning that occurred has significantly contributed to making me the person I am today.

Steven Mayock of OR 2:32PM March 05, 2010

ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO BE SUCCESSFUL $$$ IN LIFE IS BY FAR THE BEST WAY TO END POVERTY...
OBAMA TRIPLED SPENDING ON AMERICORPS WHICH PAY OVER $12 AND HOUR, THAT'S NOT VOLUNTEERISM!
MY FELLOW YOUTHS NEED TO KNOW THAT OUR NATIONAL DEBT IS NOW AT $14 TRILLION AFTER THE DEMS VOTED LAST MONTH TO RAISE IT ANOTHER $2 TRILLION...
OBAMA IS SPENDING LIKE A MADMAN AND WE ARE ALL GOING TO PAY FOR IT VERY DEARLY... HISTORY DOES INDEED REPEAT ITSELF!
WISEMEN KNOW WHAT WICKED THINGS ARE WRITTEN IN THE SKY!

JOHN FREEDOM of MN 11:29AM March 05, 2010