History

The 2017-2018 academic year is Alternative Breaks' 16th year at Xavier. The club was started in 2000 by Xavier sophomore Amanda Corzine. In Xavier University Alternative Breaks' first year, there were only three trips that were all domestic: Baltimore, West Virginia, and New York City. Over the past twelve years, Xavier's Program has grown from three impromptu-organized trips to the wide variety of locations and issues offered. We now work in communities as close as our hometown of Cincinnati and as far away as San Salvador, El Salvador. Our membership includes over 260 students, as well as 25 faculty and staff members. XUAB plans to send 22 trips for the 2016-2017 year. To accommodate this huge growth, AB is now run and organized by a board consisting of 12 students and a faculty advisor. The board does everything from planning trips and training site leaders to organizing fundraising opportunities and special events on campus. Students on board volunteer to work throughout the entire year, including summer months, to ensure that trips are successful and meaningful for Xavier participants.

Our Vision

Xavier University's Alternative Breaks envisions a worldwide community of active citizens living in solidarity, perpetuating dignity and justice in their daily choices.

Our Mission

Xavier University's Alternative Breaks empowers and challenges all involved to understand his or her relationship with the global community through direct service, education, and reflection, while encouraging personal growth, social awareness, and active citizenship.