For 10 years, Westerns Alternative Spring Break program has developed

compassionate leaders with global perspectives. This program embodies the Western
experience by providing faculty, staff and students with unique opportunities to learn,
contribute, connect and leave their marks on the world with a streak of purple.
- Amit Chakma, President, Western University

ak?
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10 Years Later
The ASB program started with five
students and
one community in 2003, and has grow
n to support
approximately 160 students and seven
community
partners annually. What began as an
interesting idea has
transformed into a large-scale initiative
that contributes to
two of Westerns core priorities: expe
riential learning and
internationalization. Since 2003, more
than 1,000 students,
staff and faculty have participated in
the program,
serving in 20 communities in North
and South America.
The program has contributed to a grow
ing network of
socially responsible Western graduates
who continue to
make a difference in their personal
and professional lives.
In these pages, we celebrate their pass
ion for community
engagement and honour the commun
ities that have
graciously provided our students with
rich opportunities
for learning.

troduction
In
An
:
ak
re
B
ing
pr
S
ive
at
rn
Alte

lt to believe
program it was difficu
B
AS
e
th
of
ar
ye
was
first
After all, the world
.
Back in 2003 the
rld
wo
e
th
in
ce
en
ke a differ
ess, disease,
that we could really ma
s (hunger, homelessn
lem
ob
pr
ble
ta
un
mo
ur
ingly ins
For one week.
(and is) facing seem
tsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Pit
In
le.
op
pe
n
ve
se
poverty) and we were
we had
clear the difference
me
ca
be
it
h,
rg
bu
ts
rams we
om Pit
rst, there were prog
Fi
When we returned fr
.
old
of
tw
s
wa

ke
aningful
ntinue to ma
om we could make me
made and would co
wh
h
wit
be
glo
e
th
nd
le arou
being with
could support and peop
ve confirmed it is the
ha
rs
ne
rt
pa
r
ou
s,
ar
tangibly,
ye
, and perhaps more
connections. Over the
nd
co
Se
ul.
rf
we
po
is the most
, including
part of service that
personal development
ts
en
ud
st
on
ct
pa
im
y.
icant
e of social responsibilit
ns
we could have a signif
se
d
an
,
ity
rs
ve
di
preciation of
ge for
interpersonal skills, ap
ribute to positive chan
nt
co
n
ca
es
nc
rie
pe
eak ex
Alternative Spring Br
udents.
communities and for st
e
a fitting motto for th
on
d
de
lan
we
at
th
wish
the inaugural year
to be the change you
ion
It wasnt long after
at
pir
ins
s
hi
nd
Ga
om Mahatma
the ASB
program. Originating fr
to signify the hope of
me
co
s
ha
ge
an
ch
to
e
Be th
es, beliefs and actions
ud
tit
to see in the world,
at
eir
th
ge
an
ch
someday
students can
maybe that world will
program. If Western
in,
live
to
nt
wa
ey
world th
represent the type of
in.
become the one we live
, Costa Rica.
students in San Jose
rn
te
es
W
15
h
wit
my life.
week
of my career, and of
es
In 2008, I spent a
nc
rie
pe
ex
ing
rn
greatest lea
rience, and
It remains one of the
highlights of our expe
e
th
of
me
so
e
ur
pt
al to ca
to express the
We kept a team journ
nt always been able
ve
ha
I
.
er
oth
an
e
on
ntial, but
h
ar its power and pote
to share messages wit
cle
ke
ma
at
th
ys
wa
program in
those words
purpose of the ASB
t very close. I offer
go
I
ink
th
I

al
d
rn
am jou
been part of ASB an
ve
ha
that week in the te
o
wh
ts
en
ud
st
to the 1,000+
to come.
here, as a message
change in the years
e
th
be
l
wil
o
wh
re
the thousands mo
hing for
day in the future wis
ely
lon
g,
lon
me
so
is
th
I hope you are reading
least...hope.
ement, or...at the very
ag
ur
co
en
,
ion
at
pir
ins
some
one. We are here, at
al
on
oti
em
an
ly,
ain
rt
day; ce
questions;
It has been a tough
grappling with big, big
e
ar
e
W
.
ed
lex
rp
pe
s.
any comforting answer
the end of it, a little
ve
ha

int
po
is
th
at
of us
questions to which none

questions.
s better to have more
ay
alw
is
It
.
od
go
is
This
It keeps you humble
It keeps you working.
out.
It keeps you changing.
igas, is what its all ab
am
y
s
igo
am
ar
de
my
And that,
gin?
for you? Where to be
your
So...what do I hope
mebody at home about
so
ll
te
to
e
ag
ur
co
e
d th
precious ideas.
I hope that you will fin
t they will value your
us
tr
d
an

t
us
tr
you
to the questions
experience; somebody
some of the answers
st
lea
at
d
fin
l
wil
I hope that you
d to more questions.
lea
s
er
sw
an
e
th
at
th
d
le, citizens,
youre asking today...an
to be the kind of peop
ion
at
tiv
mo
e
th
d
fin
ence
l
I hope that you wil
c. that make a differ
et
,
rs
he
ac
te
,
es
rs
nu
ors/
parents, friends, doct
e
the kind of catalyst th
big or small.
is
)
all
sm
or
ig
(b
ce
differen
And I hope that the
for.
world has been looking
pe,
With gratitude and ho
Stephanie
..
A heartfelt thanks to.

let us build
03 and, with that,
20
in
n
va
a
nt
re
lievers who let us
the early be
urs
ve spent countless ho
ha
a dream.
o
wh
rs
de
lea
am
te
of these
staff and student
the faculty,
you are the backbone

g
hin
ric
en
d
an
ing
guid
preparing, facilitating,
,
your schools, churches
experiences.
o
int
us
d
me
lco
we
ve
e
partners who ha
mily you are being th
fa
e
lik
the community
us
d
te
ea
tr
ity centres and
hospitals, and commun
y.
that things
change every single da
and make us believe

if?
t
ha
w
y
sa
to
who continue
the students
ent.
can and will be differ
beyond,
To the next 10 and
ty
Stephanie Hayne Beat
Team Coordinator
Experience
Experiential Learning
ers, Leadership, &
re
Ca
:
re
nt
Ce
s
es
cc
The Student Su

I
's Beautiful Day,
Every time I hear U2
mber
my heart, as I reme
feel a gentle pull at
ghing
n lost, hungry, lau
seven of us in a va
h,
ppiness) in Pittsburg
and crying (from ha
in many
d
te
led and participa
Pennsylvania. I have
such
but none bring back
,
ce
sin
ts
ec
oj
pr
service
y
as the ASB journe
s
on
oti
em
l
ica
ys
ph
ul
powerf
the
was something about
e
er
Th
h.
rg
bu
ts
Pit
to
for
shared that created
common purposes we
ould
what service trips sh
me a template of
ity with
ed to: be in solidar
nt
wa
we
,
er
th
ge
To
be.
le; share
-the-world-type peop
ge
an
ch
,
ed
nd
mi
elik
ed by
experiences; be inspir
and learn from our
.
ive mark on the world
sit
po
a
ve
lea
d
an
others;
leave a
ink, knew we could
th
I
,
us
of
p
ou
gr
The
ividually,
ly than we could ind
ive
ct
lle
co
rk
ma
r
ge
big
sylvania
and got lost in Penn
so we got into a van
d not
promised, what we di
and, just as Bono
t
and what we did no
ed
ne
t
no
d
di
we
,
have
how feel.
know, we could some
tsburgh
- Alydia Smith, Pit

I have very fon

d memories of
the week
I spent with a
handful of ot
he
r students
in Pittsburgh.
We all signed
up knowing
that it would
be a service-le
arning
experience, wit
hout really know
ing what
the words mea
nt. That week
changed
and helped mou
ld me into the
person I am
today.
When we lear
ned about Bill
Strickland
a man who cr
eated educatio
nal
opportunities f
or those less f
ortunate
in his communit
y I was inspir
ed to give
more and be ge
nerous with no
t only my
possessions, but
my time. When
we spent
the afternoon
playing board ga
m
es and
talking with ho
meless men, it
ch
allenged
my stereotypes.
When we wor
ked
on renovating
an old building
into a
community spac
e for artists,
it
taught me
to see the bea
uty in all diff
erent type
of places. All of
this happened
in a few
short days.
I realized we ca
n find opport
unities
to make a dif
ference in our
own
communities on
a regular basis.
Big or
small, every gest
ure matters.
Ranjena Malon
i, Pittsburgh

Pr oject P ittsburg
how higher educat h was t he beginning of a w hol
st udents made fr ion c ould interact in a meaning e new way f or me of understa
and t he energy t om t heir f ields of st udy t o c ful way wit h c ommunit y. The nding
t ions f or me as weo lear n more was inspir ing. It ommunit y issues were almost inc onnect ions
c ompleted a Mastll. Years later, I have wor ked inhad bot h personal and pr ofes stantaneous,
wor ked as t he As ers in Povert y Reduct ion a inter nat ional develo pment in sional implicaBrit ish C olumbia sociate Direct or f or Inter natnd Develo pment Management East Afr ica,
Pr oject P ittsburg f or t he past f our years. It w ional Ser vice Lear ning at t he and have
ated by bouts of s h was going t o change my traas hard t o know in t he momentUniversit y of
pr omise about it! inging U2s Its a Beaut ifu ject or y, but t he deep c onvers exact ly how
l Day, had a won
at
der ful energy aionnds punct usense of
-Tamara Baldwin
, P ittsburgh

g
eadin
r
r
ou
nce
e
i
s
s
ar ember th certain at
e
y
th
er
em
even
en s dont r rememb away at t
e
b
y
read J2J. I but I do chipped the eigh
l
a
s
it ha nville, or with, shovel basis of
e
v
e
i
eaty
l
w
be Jackso worked as my d the
s
,
o
y
t
e
rt
ed.
orme
le I
in m
hard
y to
g di
Its Journe the peop ing with t have f ve follow . Gettin ating in t my
a
p
a
week s of all rengthen tions tha that h ion work e partici J2J th me to
name ations st realiza service construct ce. Whil during larly for
d
realiz big hole work an ove for ed balan iscovered ork regu
l
d
t
deep
a
grea of life, vered a uch-nee me, I d ed to w
s
i
ia
here cate fasc oof in
T
years I disco gs life m rtant to soul, ne
.
d
r
i
,
hene g a del onto a nteers
t
First sore brin e is impo ind and on.
g
n
re
in
s
s
lu
and unity lif as my m ced per was st perfect g a trus and vo ing
k
comm as well nd balan eamwor ollectively le hoistin students for serv
t
,
a
y
bod whole ve for s from c 20 peop he fine people: horoughly uld
t
o
be a d, my l at come one of Finally, love for remain t at it sho s our
.
n
Seco action th m being d chaos med my eople. I n life th an being
e
o
f
i
t
s
sati r, or fr oordina te conf r with p ortant i llow hum
p
nville
corne rry of c onville si ple, being g so im f our fe
o
s
k
c
s
a
a flu e Jack g to peo is nothin service o
t), J
o
b
a
h
n
t
h
i
C
on e, listen t there ing the
on (
t
l
a
s
i
k
p
h
a
o
t
m
m
d
pe nced
i
rom
ina E
t
s
i
r
conv act us f
- Ch
distr priority.
first

It came together so fast we could hardly

believe it. Yes lets
M eeting the homeowners hearing the
build a house! Yes lets partner with Hab
ir stories and seeing
itat for Humanity.
excitement for their new home as they wor
Yes lets pick Jacksonville, Florida beca
ked alongside us.
use it sounds like an
The amazing students who, instead of head
interesting spot we can travel to by bus!
ing to the beac h,
And the rest, as they
decided to sweat it out on a job site during
say, is history. As trip leaders, I remember
reading week.
it vividly trying
The unbelievable power of a team that
to anticipate the questions from our stud
li
t
eral
ly raised a roof!
ent participants:
The tangible progress that a day can mak
Whats it going to be like? What will our
e

from a bunch of
accommodations be
boards to a semblance of a home!
like? What should we bring? What will
we need while were
Every night, when we reflected on our day,
there? What will our days be like? Oh
we knew this
my goodness...we had
experience had changed us forever.
no idea! So we planned what we could,
crossed our fingers
This trip left me wanting more. I couldn
and packed everything under the sun!
t wait to plan the next
years service learning adventure!
Memories that stand out include:

- Nancy Stewart, Jacksonville

M y trip to Ja

cksonville tu
rned out to
be
of my first
year at Wes
tern.
T his q uote is
perhaps a re
levant way
of
saying than
k you:
the highlight

Each of us

contribute.

opportunit

of the worl
ASB made th

has the pote

..you have a

y to make a

ntial to

great

d. (Dalai Lam

is potential

new shape

a)

our realit y.
It gave
elp build a m
ore
loving world
and allowed
us to see ju
st the
k ind of impa
ct we can m
ake in peopl
es
lives if we ta
ke initiative
and act. T h
ank
you, Western
, for b elievin
g in this visi
on.
- Natalie Gre
lla, Jackson
ville
us the oppo

rtunit y to h

Working w
around me, ith Orphanage Outrea
to slow dow and the way I under c h c hanged the way
experiences. n, to be mindful and stand myself in the wI view the world
English at Some of my most m think critically, and orld. It reminded m
consisted of a local sc hool; visiting emorable moments o to appreciate everyday e
simply play rolled-out tin cans a a Haitian batay (slumn ASB were teac hing
taught me ing with the kids nd a half-empty bott ), where the hospit
and that le to find reward in th especially baseball, the le of alcohol; and al
that althou arning from one anoth e smile of a c hild, to ir favourite sport! It
it to make gh you cant c hange th er transcends language celebrate our differenc
a difference
e
e

in the lives world in a week, ev barriers. It taught m s,
e
e
of these c h
ildren. ry tiny effort is worth
- M elissa

d
ervice an
s
f
o
t
p
once
t
ith the c we found it, bu
w
r
ia
il
m
fa
than
gnized
A, I was
ter place that I truly reco re.
t
e
b
As an R
a
futu
he world SB experience
meones
o
s
leaving t
A
e
p
y
a
e to
m
h
s
until
as a plac
f us to
h
o
w
h
o
c
n
it wasnt
a
e
y
il
only
y within
s, a fam
SB not
A
.
the abilit of our effort
le
ho
b
a
in
ult
s those w
e
nd susta
p
a
a
h
le
s
b
a
it
As a res
d
,
not
is affor ture for others
ports do ing
s

u
live that
id
f
a
s
r
once
Spr
brighte
ernative
Wooden
lt
shapes a
n
A
h
o
y
J
M
as,
ce it.
veal it.
ay and h
e
d
r
o
t
y
experien
e
h
m
t
a
who I
racter;
build cha rience has shaped character.
my
xpe
rida
evealed
Break e
r
,
t
b
ade, Flo
u
L
o
d
im
a
T
t
withou

ence
Leading a group to Winterhaven, Florida was my first experi
simple
was
t
concep
The
rn.
Weste
at
g
with community service learnin
work
and
Florida
to
drive
enough: put 20 people on a bus,
with Habitat for Humanity for a week. The students thrived
together their sense of work ethic, sense of belonging
and sense of responsibility strengthened throughout the
experience. It opened the eyes of our engineering student
participants they spoke firsthand about engineering
stronger houses to better withstand hurricanes. It opened
the eyes of our sociology student participants they spoke
firsthand about the socio-economic conditions that new
Latin-American immigrants faced in the Southern US.And
trip
unexpectedly, it opened my eyes. I anticipated going on this
to
only
g
learnin
to half-chaperone and half-facilitate our students
as
just
had
find the experience challenged my own beliefs, and I
much to learn from this experience as our
students did.
- Chris Alleyne, Florida

Lisi M ar

cucci, Dom

inican Repu
blic

The highlight of my experienc

profoundly it changed my pe e was how
service and helped me realiz rception of
civic society. Our group was e its relevance to
not too far from the Haitian based in a town
on ly did we have the opport -border, and not
English language lessons, w unity to facilitate
to construct accommodatione also were invited
of volunteers. In this way, ws for the next group
to a continuous chain of serv e were contributing
ultimately, help to transform ice that would,
My ASB experience is still this community.
remind myself daily to live relevant to me, as I
life with humility.
- Philip Chow, Dominican
Republic

ft that
a sacred gift; a gi
rs
fe
of
s
ce
en
ri
e
pe
ASB ex
about each of th
es
ac
rf
su
Reflecting on my
y
or
em
usly as each m
ity partners
tanding commun
gives back genero
ts
ou
e
th
d
an
ed with
students I travell
e
my first ASB. Th
as
w
it
as
.
e
et
m
m
e
to
w
special
is
rience was very
24-hour bus ride
a
on
ly
te
ia
My Florida expe
ed
m
and
ity that builds im
as an ASB team
un
us
m
m
of
co
ls
lle
of
ra
ng
pa
li
fee
. The
e, so did
and life-changing
house took shap
e
th
as
:
le
ib
ed
incredibly unique
cr
ost all too easy to
e building were in
m
er
al
w
e
as
w
w
e
It
m
e.
ho
w
e
of th
er, so did
cise
house got strong
teambuilding exer
e
rg
la
a
as
w
ce
our team; as the
en
think this experi
five days.
of
es and
over the course
ent we locked ey
om
m
t
ac
ex
e
th
y
ickl
tructing:
Reality set in qu
me we were cons
ho
se
ho
w
y
il
m
fa
ses
hearts with the
make someone el
to
s
ve
el
rs
ou
of
ving
this was about gi
about?
that what life is
Miami
life better. Isnt
- Becca Carroll,

mily
son of a fa
st
e
g
n
u
o
y
e
h
he
Louis, t
y through t
it
u
q
e
t
a
e
w
s
building s
Home Buyer
y
it
n
a
m
u
H
r
ever
Habitat fo
riend I will n
f
w
e
n
e
n
o
s
r
program, wa
atic voluntee
m
is
r
a
h
c
st
o
m
forget. The
dhat Louis
r
a
h
ic
st
la
p
t his
.
never withou
ting traffic
c
e
ir
d
t
a
r
e
was a mast
was about
se
u
o
h
e
h
t
f
o
The frame
came from
st
e
u
q
e
r
e
h
t
n
d a
finished whe
going to nee
m
I
:
r
e
d
a
le
p the
our site
up, and put u
n
o
p
o
h
o
t
g
few fellas
asnt speakin
w
e
h
t
n
e
id
f
ging
trusses. Con
m, silently ur
o
o
r
e
h
t
d
e
n
to me, I scan
. Then, Louis
r
e
e
t
n
lu
o
v
o
es t
ver,
my teammat
e marched o
H
.
t
c
a
t
n
o
c
or,
made eye
d asked, Se
n
a
g
le
t
n
a
p
pulled on my
oof? If you
r
y
m
ild
u
b
o
e a
whos going t
ot gonna hav
n
Im
,
f
o
o
r
y
dont build m
roof.
e
ent, came th
m
e
t
a
st
le
p
m
With that si
me, who? If
t
o
n
If
.
e
g
n
a
ch
challenge of
en?
not now, wh
onds, Miami
m
im
S
id
v
a
- D

lic
n Repub

Dominica

ce
experien
d
n
a
t
n
eme
y
y involv
ementar
l
m
p
r
e
m
o
d
i
c
s
be
I con
rning to
a
e
l
e
c
i
ct, to
v
ts. In fa
i
with ser
u
s
r
u
p
cademic
n begin
e
v
e
t
to my a
o
n
can
ate
frank, I
e
t
i
u
q
ergradu
d
e
n
b
u
y
ad I not
h
what m
e
e
k
n
i
i
l
g
a
n
bee
to im
e
ld have
u
o
w
ASB. Th
e
n
c
i
n
d
e
i
e
r
v
e
l
exp
t invo
sk to ge
i
r
ing with
e
k
h
r
t
o
w
n
e
d
k
ta
g an
my
preparin
t
n
infused
e
s
p
l
s
a
e
u
d
m
i
i
v
t
di
tI
inded in
m
e
k
i
l
ness tha
h
r
c
i
r
othe
a
ith
of
estern w
e heart
h
W
t
t
t
a
A
e
.
tim
ere
om
d elsewh
n
fi
the wisd
t
o
e
e
n
s
d
l
o
t
u
o
c
me
ces, I ca
r: The
n
e
e
z
i
t
i
r
e
e
p
w
x
h
Sc
my e
r. Albert
D
y
b
e really
b
e
t
l
l
o
i
u
w
q
o
a
wh
in
nd
ong you
m
a
sought a
s
e
e
v
n
a
o
h
y
l
l
l
i
on
ow
hose wh
t
e
r
a
y
happ
.
to serve
w
o
h
d
foun
blic
an Repu
c
i
n
i
m
o
D
t Fruci,
- Vincen

In 2007, I
travelled to
Cuernavaca, M
exico. I am
currently purs
uing my maste
rs
in nursing and
nurse practition
er
designation, w
ith the intenti
on
of working wit
h marginalized
groups. I plan
to use my nur
sing
knowledge abr
oad, and to li
nk my
passion for soc
ial justice with
my
love of health.
My experience
in
Mexico has sh
aped many of
my
decisions in lif
e: when I tra
vel,
I seek to ma
ke responsible
decisions and
stay at familyrun
lodgings. I se
e the environm
ental
and human im
pact of my de
cisions
and attempt to
make sustaina
ble
and ethical d
ecisions about
what
l consume.
- Marilene Ca
etano, Mexico

Dominican Republic

As a Staff Team Leader for ASB Dominican 2007, I was

inspired inspired by the local community, the organization we
worked with and most of all by the student participants. Each
day, I took away a feeling of hope, excitement and learning
from these students, and from the program as a whole. I
not only witnessed aha moments with the students, but for
myself as well. ASB wasnt a one-time service-learning program
for me I was able to continue such service in my personal
and professional life. ASB changed me personally, and I was
able to be the change and pay it forward to other faculty,
staff and students at other universities and educational
institutions. As an educator and past coordinator of ASB, I
strongly believe community service-learning programs need to
be an option for students in all levels of education and in
both co-curricular and curricular models.
- Rich SwamiNathan, Dominican Republic

a lawyer,
e
b
o
t
g
in
want
ke
to school
ers are li
h
o
t
o
g
f
s
o
id
s
k
t
and
l. Lo
A lot of
nthusiasm
rofessiona
e
p
,
r
k
e
c
h
lu
t
p
o
r
with
was
doctor o
rence. I
t Western
e
a
f
if
e
d
iv
r
r
a
a
ake
gging
me. We
someday m
had a na
o
t
t
u
b
e
p
,
o
s
h
n
o
ed
ing t
a vague
this chang
,
and learn
e
m
lf
e
r
s
o
y
F
m
osttion.
enjoying
trips to p
king direc
c
B
la
S
s
A
a
w
e
e
thr
es,
sense I
y first of
oples hom
e
m
p
n
o
d
il
u
g
b
in
e
o
to r
and
after g
d them,
a. Helping
e
n
y
ia
o
r
is
t
u
s
o
e
L
at
d
Katrina
rm that
turned th
o
t
s
lf
e
e
s
h
it
t
e
t
bou
estor
hearing a
trive to r
s
y
it
n
u
m
ls.
com
et of goa
s
seeing a
r
a
le
c
e into a
vague hop
ter
people. Af
lp
e
h
o
and
t
d
y studies
I wante
m
,
r
B
o
il
S
a
t
A
d
o
e
Befor
isaster an
d ways t
d
n
u
o
in
f
r
I
e
e
,
g
car
participatin
a future
developing
s
d
m
r
a
a
w
I
o
t
,
es
m
t now
experienc
career. I
ent. Righ
m
is
e
h
g
t
a
n
in
a
l
m
fu
emergency eed to be success
g to work
in
h
t
e
m
o
s
n
I
ave me
the skills
t ASB g
u
b
,
t
e
s
y
ew Orlean
not there
N
,
y
e
il
a
- Lucas B
towards.

I would not
have done a
portion of
what I have
done in the
last few
years if it w
asnt for AS
B. Because
of what we
saw and did
and more
importantly,
what we dis
c
ussed in those
reflections a
fterward
I
knew the
only way I co
uld be comf
ortable with
my contribut
ion to the g
lo
bal communit
was if I imm
y
ediately ste
pped up my
at home. I to
g
a
me
ok what I kn
ow the dis
ability comm
unity and
ran rampant
it. ASB sho
with
wed me how
a small idea
flourish and
can
, without th
at experienc
never would
e, I
have tried. I
also would h
stayed in my
ave
little Ontario
bubble. Instead, I have
been out see
ing the world
and trying to
learn and ch
ange from
what I see a
nd do. Hope
f
u
lly, in the pro
cess, I leave
it a little be
tter than ho
found it.
w I
- Heather M
olyneaux, Co
sta Rica

I was honoured
to be one of th
e team leaders w
of enthusiastic an
ho accompanied a
d committed Wes
group
tern students to
Humanity in New
work with Habitat
Orleans. The prim
for
ary goal was to
mission was to
build homes, but
restore a sense
the real
of pride and dign
literally lost thei
ity to individuals
r very existence
who had
and purpose in
These experiences
life following Hur
had an enormous
ric
ane Katrina.
effect upon me,
how humanity ca
as I witnessed
n form bonds be
first-hand
yond economic an
d geographic bord
er
s.
I returned determ
ined to make a di
fference in the
and, in 2010, led
field of service
a dedicated group
learning
of teachers from
to work in schoo
the Faculty of Ed
ls in Dominican R
ucation
epublic. I contin
passion for serv
ue to follow my
ice education by
path of
monitoring local
for students at
service learning p
Althouse College
lacements
as part of their
teaching requirem
ents.
- Jim Rule, New
Orleans

Our team vis

ited Winnipeg
during one o
Manitoba cap
f the
itals decorate
d cold spells.
with frozen fa
Even
ces, the kind
and charisma
people of Win
tic
nipeg gave us
something to
smile about.
We spent our
days voluntee
at Siloam Mis
ring
sion and Win
nipeg Harves
The moments
t.
that ring true
for me are
the times I sp
ent listening
to those facin
hardship in th
g
eir lives. Sha
ring my
experiences w
ith my peers
helped me
develop a coll
ective conscio
usness,
which I utiliz
ed to better u
nderstand
the social and
economic div
isions that
injure those
less fortunate
in our
country.
My learning
was profound
.I
couldnt have
asked for a m
ore
enriching life
experience.
- Rich Caccam

o, Winnipeg

There were two m

guitarist and one viusoliicinistan.s Mony thteeamcorner, creating beautiful music: one
the guitar, but I brushed off their sumates insisted I sit in for one song on
about me having fun, right? Wrong. ggestion. Why? I was the leader. The trip shouldn
experience and my pursuit of happ At that moment, I realized my immersion into tht be
played one song with the violinist. iness that week was important for the team as well e
.I
On the final day of our Habitat for
teammates at their build site. ThrilleHumanity experience, we went to pick up some of
the bus and look at the house they d about their building progress, they insisted we get our
off
At that moment, I realized the behad helped build for five days. My jaw dropped.
downtown on our first night. Whyst decision I could have made had been to play guit
ar
? The would-be homeowner was th
e
vi
oli
ni
st
.
- Blake Fleischacker, New Orleans
e.
pired in m
s
in
B
S
A
t
it was tha
t
a
ealth, and
h
h
w
d
ly
n
t
a
c
a
s
x
e
ic
th
to pinpoint
ces with
l equity, e
n
ia
ie
c
r
o
e
s
p
n
x
o
e
Its hard
justice
been keen
sights. My
l
in
s
ia
y
c
a
d
o
n
s
lw
a
a
e
s
t
e
e
a
v
iv
r
ct
po
I ha
w to incor
ew perspe
o
n
h
worlds
d
t
e
u
e
o
id
h
b
v
t
a
o
r
t
p
g
u
o
in
b
k
B
a
s
AS
thin
my thought
me really
o
t
d
e
l
t
e
r
u
a
f
t
s
d continue
e
n
v
a
a
(
g
e
ASB
d
d
n
a
a
m
hing I do,
the people
put these
d
I
n
a
.
it
s
e
c
into everyt
in
n
he experie
nd my role
T
a
.
s
ld
of public
r
e
o
g
r
w
n
e
t
e
ll
s
e
a
h
t
m
cha
t
a
u
o
e think ab
nt work as
n. ASB
m
o
e
s
r
r
r
)
u
e
e
c
p
k
a
y
a
m
m
s
a
to
to
o myself,
t
passions in
in
d
n
ly
a
t
n
a
s
t
t
r
h
o
thoug
t more imp
u
b
,
t
n
e
d
u
my life.
e
health st
v
li
I
y
a
the w
Guatemala
,
d
r
e
e
p
a
ig
h
r
s
K
s
ha
- Debra

s, many of
u
b
e
h
t
g
ardin
Prior to bo d ourselves with the

uainte
us had acq f Hurricane Katrina
o
,
math
d ones lost
e
v
initial after
lo
f
o
s
ie
owing stor
s engulfed
d
o
o
h
r
u
o
the harr
b
h
eig
of entire n
we arrived
e
g
y
a
it
t
c
o
o
e
f
h
t
e
th
Yet,
g
irty water.
d
f
and burstin
o
t
s
ll
n
e
a
r
ib
v
in sw
l,
u
was colourf
uper Bowl
S
0
1
e
0
h
t
2
n
in
o
t
w
a
s
g
after havin
see ourselve
e
o
t
id
r
le
p
ib
h
ss
o
it
w
imp
lp
It became
r.
e
li
come to he ne
r
a
e
d
a
s
h
y
t
da
a
h
t
t force
e: everyo
n
c
le
la
o
p
v
e
d
n
e
e
t
b
a
apid
as a
y
ragically dil
t
e
m
of their cit
so
d
u
e
o
v
r
p
ly
impro
d
e
l
was unabash there. There was stil
around us
be
al
lt lucky to
ating, capit
r
e
f
st
u
e
r
f
w
,
d
m
r
n
a
-te
done long
be a small
e
b
o
t
o
t
d
k
le
r
il
o
r
w
th
but I was

onwards
k
r
o
sh
u
W
p
e
W
iv
t
c
e
e huge, coll
wandering
f
o
y
a
d
part of th
st
ds. That fir o NOLA natives, I
and upwar
ve
talking t
d
n
a
s
t
falling in lo
e
e
f
r
o
sh
u
the st
r
the strange
d
e
c
n
ie
r
e
p
x
my own.
e
t
sn
a
w
t
a
h
t
Orleans
w
e
N
,
with a city
in
w
r
I
- Jasmine

Feeling good a
fter completing
what should
have been a 10
-minute walk
(turned 50-min
marathon), I a
ute
rrived with 20
o
ther Western
students at a sm
all public scho
ol in the
Dominican Rep
ublic. While so
aking wet and
shoeless a lo
t of footwear w
as lost to the
currents caused
by rainfall in
the small town
comrades and
my
I were still arm
ed
w
it
h fresh chalk
and basic Span
ish translation
s,
ready for our
teaching Englis
week
h to begin. Des
pite the langua
ge

barrier, communication flo

wed smoothly and
we were able to accomplish
more than I had
ever thought possible. The
week was supposed
to be about teaching, but I
ended up doing
more learning. ASB not on
ly provided me
insight into another commu
nity, culture and
language; it also taught me
lessons about
myself and others that con
tinue to influence
me today.
- Becky McLean, Domini

can Republic

My experience with the ASB program opened

my eyes to the incredible talent, enthusiasm
and compassion of the students we have here at
Western. It allowed me to connect with students
from across the campus community and gave me
a great deal of confidence in the future as these
students move on in their lives, and I have no doubt,
become the social, intellectual and global leaders of
tomorrow.
- Rob Esselment, New Orleans

a and
2011 to Costa Ric
SB
A
of
rt
pa
as
w
I
outnothing short of an
as
w
e
nc
rie
pe
ex
y
m
ain in
... SO ... I traveled ag
e
nc
rie
pe
ex
y
od
-b
of
meet
It was amazing to
a!
am
an
P
to
12
20
to
individuals striving
ed
d
in
m
elik
y
an
m
so
gaging
ningful impact by en
ea
m
,
ive
sit
po
a
ve
ha
ating in
others and particip
of
re
fa
el
w
e
th
in
The
a more civil society.
of
t
en
m
op
el
ev
d
e
th
idges
led me to build br
ab
en
m
ra
og
pr
SB
A
meaningful bonds
er
st
fo
to
,
es
iti
un
across comm
ing
cial change by help
and bring about so
lves. These invaluable
others help themse
y
reaffirmation of m
experiences were a
ies
in developing countr
interest for working
their progress and
and participating in
- BE
ge is a simple one
growth. The messa
er world to live
tt
be
a
r
fo
E
G
THE CHAN
with you and me.
in. It has to start
a Rica
- Tanya Rafiq, Cost

Jeff gets up
clinic patientan, nd puts his coat around his tr
she has been sittot because she is sick but b iage on ly with the wo
and seems cold. ing in the shade for some tecause translated for him rds that she uses (and are
)b
ime emotion
that she putsutinalso with the genuine
Catherine listens
to them.
In on ly one wee
heartbeat, then with a stethoscope to a c h
k
le
ou
ild
as well, not just ts the little girl listen to h s to the under-serve r tea m could give very lit
about the import to be playful but to teac h ers but Alternative Sp d communities of Costa Rtle
health and body. ance of taking care of her o her us of the invaluab ring Break (2011) reminde ica,
le
wn of givin
d
g is worth mleoresson that The manner
Phyllis speaks d
than the gift
(Pierre Corneille)
about his cancer irectly to an older gentleman
.
diagnosis, comm
unicating not
- Elan Paulson,
Costa Rica

and the team had split

,
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ly
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nd
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- Kelly Hobson, Peru

In my

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amazing
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sta rica
- James im, co

third

year
(2011),
I trav
of a t
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eam
o Nica
o
f 18 in
Weste
ragua
credib
rn co
as
le
mmu
mem
nit y. W
Servic
b ers
e wor
of th
e Lear
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k ed w
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ith Int
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v
r
id
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lth ca
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mmu
final
re ser
nit y o
year
vices
utside
(2012),
to
I was
of Ma
the A
select
nagua
SB tr
ed as
. In m
ip to t
a Tea
y
he Do
27 wo
m Lea
minic
r k ed
der fo
an Re
with O
r
public
utrea
stude
. My t
ch360
nts b
eam
asic E
to tea
o
f
nglish
ch ele
first
. In fa
portio
ment
ct, ou
a
n of t
ry
r trip
he En
subse
taugh
glish c
q uent
t
the
urricu
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initial
of vo
nd ev
sk ill d
luntee
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evelop
rs wo
ment
uld bu
impor
. T his
il
tance
d
on th
show
of po
is
ed m
co a p
e
t
he gr
oco,
lit tle
eat
or lit
in pro
tle b y
motin
g p os
lives. B
itive c
oth o
hang
f my
e in t
AS B e
great
h e ch
xperie
ly, as
ildren
nces
I am n
s
in
ow co
medic
fluen
ced m
nside
ine or
r
e
ing ca
teach
reers
ing.
in eith
er
part

- Kevin

Talbo
t, Dom

inican

Repub
li

The ASB Team Leader experience in Panama 2012 was transformative in

and of itself; however, one of the most rewarding aspects of the role
was seeing the transformation that occurred in each and every one of
our team members. After a week of building relationships, learning about
and engaging with a new community, and witnessing medical conditions
that were sometimes shocking, one of my most memorable experiences
happened during our final team reflection in the busy Miami airport.
Despite the hectic surroundings, each member of our team shared genuine
reflections of their experience, and the unique effect it had on them.
One participant shared a thought that has always stayed with me: ASB
brought something out of me that I didnt think was there. Regardless
of students expectations going into this program, its impact is real, strong,
and often unexpected!
- Rick Ezekiel, Panama

Thank you to our ASB Community partners

Outreach 360
(2005 2012): Originally incorporated in 1995, Outreach 360 focuses on
education English, literacy and community health to provide children with
opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. ASB has served in Monte Cristi,
Dominican Republic and Jinotega, Nicaragua

Habitat for Humanity

(2004 2012): Nearly two billion people around the world live in
slum housing, and more than 100 million are homeless. Habitat for
Humanity provides simple, decent shelter to those in need. ASB
has served in Jacksonville, Florida; Miami, Florida; Winter Haven,
Florida; and New Orleans, Louisiana

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU)

provides transition, career and enterprise services so young people
can develop skills and lead positive lives. YOU believes that
investing in youth and strong communities go hand-in-hand, and
knows many youth need guidance and support to reach their true
potential.

International Service Learning

(2008 2012): ISL offers experiential, multi-disciplinary humanitarian
health programs in Central and South America, the Caribbean,
Mexico and Africa, and provides health care to more than 300,000
underserved individuals annually. ASB has served in San Jose, Costa
Rica; Managua, Nicaragua; and Panama City, Panama.

Nexos Voluntarios
(2008 2012): NeVo is a non-profit, non-governmental organization
that promotes social development in Peru by providing opportunities
for foreign volunteers to make significant contributions to the some
of the countrys poorest communities. ASB has served in Piura and
Urubamba, Peru.

Winnipeg Harvest
is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves as a food
distribution and training centre. Its goals are to collect and share
surplus food with people who are hungry and to offer training
opportunities that help people step up and out of poverty, while
ultimately eliminating the need for food banks in the community.

Siloam Mission
is a Christian humanitarian agency that works to alleviate the
hardships of the poor and homeless, and assists with the transition
toward self-sufficient and generous lifestyles.

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