Break Projects
As America's birthplace of religious freedom and the industrial revolution, a center for immigration and tolerance, Providence is a fascinating and provocative city and an important context for a Brown education.
Break Projects is a unique weeklong immersion experience sponsored by the Swearer Center for Public Service that takes place during the last week of winter break. Thirty students live communally in downtown Providence and work in small teams to explore and engage in salient local issues such as housing and homelessness, food security, immigrants' rights, environmental activism and others. These investigation-based projects are designed to immerse students in the rich world of activism, service, policy, advocacy and organizing that exists in Providence.
Break Projects also offer a unique opportunity for students to learn from each other and from members of the greater Providence community. For students who have not yet ventured far beyond College Hill, Break Projects can be a valuable introduction to the many ways that students can become involved in the community during their time at Brown. For students who have already done work in Providence, Breaks Projects can be a chance to share that experience with others and to think about the many ways that different kinds of community work intersect. If you have an open mind and a passion for learning more about Providence, then Break Projects is right for you – no matter how “experienced” you may or may not be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: what are the winter breaks projects?
A: the winter breaks project is a unique week-long immersion experience sponsored by the swearer center for public service that takes place during the last week of winter break. approximately thirty students will live together in downtown providence, working in smaller groups to explore and engage in salient local issues such as housing and homelessness, food security, immigrants’ rights, and others.
Q: does it cost money to participate?
A: participants pay $85 for the week, which covers food, transportation expenses, and housing at the Beneficent Congregational Church in downtown Providence (although staying at the church is mandatory for all participants, breaks project has no religious affiliation). financial aid is also available; please contact alan_flam@brown.edu for more information.
Q: where do we eat and shower?
A: the first night of breaks projects – Sunday, January 17 – is mostly spent working out these arrangements. groceries are bought together, and participants eat and cook dinner communally. breakfast and lunch foods are provided as well, although the needs and schedules of individual groups will vary. dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Q: what are the important dates to remember?
A: applications will be available beginning Tuesday, October 13th. applications are due by noon on Friday, October 30 at 5pm. there will be a mandatory half-day retreat and orientation for all participants and group leaders in November. the actual breaks projects will begin on Sunday, January 17 and will end on the morning of Saturday, January 23, the day that the dorms re-open.
Q: what is a typical day like during the breaks project?
A: there is no “typical day” during breaks project – you, your group leader, and your fellow group members are responsible for planning your schedule for the week. during the day, for example, you and your group might meet with local organizers, activists, or community members who are working on your issue. you might show your support for another breaks project group by going to an event or meeting that they are organizing or attending. you might spend several hours volunteering for a local community organization, such as Amos House or the Rhode Island Food Bank. you might return to campus to do research on state or national policies at the library. although some groups do plan activities for the evening as well, this is generally the time to debrief your day over a communally-cooked dinner at the church. professors, community leaders, and others will often come to the church in the evenings to provoke and facilitate a conversation about the work and investigation of the week. these conversations, and the sense of community that they create, are for many the most intense and rewarding aspects of breaks project.
Q: what if I have little or no experience with community work? what if I am already deeply engaged and involved in local issues here? is breaks projects for me?
A: winter breaks project offers a unique opportunity for students to learn from both each other and members of the greater providence community. for students who have not yet ventured far beyond college hill, breaks project can be an valuable introduction to the many ways that students can become involved in the community during their time at brown. for students who have already done work in providence on any number of issues, breaks project can be a chance to share that experience with others and to think about the many ways in which different kinds of community work intersect. if you have an open mind and a passion for learning more about providence, then breaks project is right for you – no matter how “experienced” you may or may not be.
learn. engage. explore.
winter breaks projects
january 17-23, 2009
providence, ri
email: winterbreaksprojects@gmail.com