Groups of Students to Serve in Seven U.S. Cities and Towns

It’s spring break time at colleges around the country -- a time when many students head for the beach or on vacation with friends. At DePaul University, however, nearly 100 students will be taking trips next week in the spirit of volunteerism and community service.

Continuing a tradition that has been going strong for 15 years, DePaul students will be participating in “alternative spring break,” a week-long trip to one of seven U.S. cities and towns to help with volunteer service projects in those communities.

The spring break trips demonstrate the university’s Catholic Vincentian mission, which seeks to instill in students a commitment to the service of others. The students work with local social service groups, Catholic charities and other community outreach organizations in the selected cities and towns.

“These trips are rooted in the tenets of spirituality, social justice, service, building community, and simple living,” said Jacqueline Laurencelle, coordinator of student service trips for DePaul’s University Ministry Community Service office. “We want to introduce the students to different communities and the struggles they face, which, in turn, we hope will help to broaden their social consciousness.”

Groups of about 10 to 20 students will travel to each of the selected sites along with a staff leader. The students will be volunteering in the following locales:

· Baltimore, Md.: Students will spend the week with a faith-based community devoted to nonviolence, peace activism and social justice.

· Cranks Creek, Ky.: Students will assist in building homes for low-income families in this Appalachian community.

· Montgomery, Ala.: Students will volunteer in a local children’s hospital and also learn about the civil rights struggle.

· New Orleans, La.: Groups will serve in a local assisted-living facility dedicated to those living with HIV/AIDS.

· New York, N.Y.: Volunteers will tutor children and adults, work in a soup kitchen and interact with organizations on urban poverty-related issues.

· Okolana, Miss.: Students will volunteer in school learning programs and with local groups addressing rural poverty issues and racism.

· Philadelphia, Pa.: Students will work for an organization involved with grassroots efforts in community renewal and community organizing.

Each trip will include plenty of time for the students to reflect on the issues of urban and rural poverty, racism, education, homelessness and social justice. These experiences provide numerous opportunities for personal growth, Laurencelle said.

“We want the students to walk with the people they meet in solidarity with their struggle,” she said. “Not only do the students get a better understanding of other people’s pain and challenges, but they are motivated to work for new and better solutions to some of the problems facing our country.”

Laurencelle said the stereotype of the current generation of students as apathetic couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Students today are far more dedicated to service than earlier generations,” said Laurencelle. “They don’t make a big deal out of it, however. It’s simply part of who they are.”

Founded in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) Catholic religious community, DePaul follows a mission that emphasizes academic excellence, service to the community, access to education and respect for the individual.