Alternative Service Experience

Much more fun than binge watching - Winter ASE Programs allow you to use the long holiday to explore and serve a different community. Programs vary in dates and cost, but provide the same components of service, learning and exploration that you find during other Alternative Service Experience programs. Read below for more information about each program offered this winter break.

Preservation and Impact of Colonialism with the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park**
Join us as we work alongside the US Virgin Islands National Park to preserve historic sites and landscapes and learn about West Indian culture and history. As we work in St. John's National Park and camp on the shores of Cinnamon Bay, we will discuss the environmental issues surrounding tourism and conservation. We will also learn about the lasting effects of colonialism on marginalized identities in the Caribbean. Through our hands on work and meaningful discussion, we hope to instill a new appreciation and understanding of this region beyond its face value as a vacation destination.

Program Fee: $1000
Peer Leaders: Megan Aeschleman & Tiffany Patterson
Learning Partner:  Anna Cremaldi
**US Virgin Islands program will take place Sunday to Sunday, December 15 -22, 2019
 

Exploring Community through Race, Gender, & Public Health in San Francisco
This flying domestic program will work hands on with various organizations that serve individuals living with HIV/AIDS by providing a sustainable source of food and shelter. Service will likely be done with GLIDE, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and Project Open Hand. This program will focus heavily on education relating to the LGBT community and history, mental health and public health topics and how each facet interacts with the other. 

Program Fee: $1000
Peer Leaders: Hannah Phillips & Ashley Baugh
Learning Partner: Derrick McReynolds

 
Immigration rights and economic justice with La Unión del Pueblo Entero
Join us as we engage with and learn about immigration and community engagement at the Texas-Mexico border alongside La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), founded by Cesar Chavez. This program will include educational and hands-on components as we encounter and reflect on such topics such as immigration reform and immigrant rights, organizing, border communities, economic justice, and more! Participants will gain a better understanding of these pertinent topics and how they might be (mis)represented in the media.

Program Fee: $1000
Peer Leaders: Allison Lenhard & Sarah Hamilton
Learning Partner: Brent James
 

*Appalachian State University reserves the right to cancel or alter the program format or to change costs in case of conditions beyond the University’s control.