When you think about Spring Break, what comes to mind? The sun, the beach, body shots, keg stands, and lots of embarrassing photos? What about helping rebuild the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, or protesting against the death penalty, or enabling inner city kids to experience the great outdoors?

Let's face it, Spring Break is often a notorious time for partying hard, but it can be so much more. Young people all around the country are taking Alternative Spring Breaks and using this time off to give back to their communities (and their world).

If you are interested in helping those in need, consider taking an Alternative Spring Break. Check out these links and find out how you can get involved and experience one of the most rewarding weeks of your life.

Break the Addiction: Consider an Alternative
Instead of partying in Cancun, use your Spring Break to help the environment!

Break Away

• Check to see if your college is already a member of Break Away and hosts its own Alternative Break program.
• Contact Break Away to develop your own Alternative Break program at your college or university.

Habitat for Humanity

• Check out Habitat for Humanity's programs for young people.
• Join the Alternative Spring Break collegiate challenge.

Find a local or international volunteer opportunity
Check out how to find a project that suits your interest.

Hillel - The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
Check out an Alternative Spring Break resource guide.

Jewish National Fund
Check out what young people are doing to help rebuild this conflict ridden region.

Amizade
Learn more about Spring Break opportunites in Jamaica, Mexico, Montana, Ireland, and more.

USA Freedom Corps
Want to be in it for the long haul? Find out about the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.

Greenpeace
Find a local or international volunteer opportunity.

ASB In Your Own Backyard
You don't have to leave on an Alternative Spring Break to help people. You can make a difference in your own backyard. Find out how!