Places in the Break Projects for January 2008 have been filled.
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 Break Projects?
A: Break Projects are weeklong, investigation-based projects designed to immerse students in the rich world of activism, service, policy, advocacy and organizing that exists in Providence. Approximately thirty students live communally in downtown Providence and work in small teams that explore a specific issue. Some recent areas of investigation include public education reform, immigrant rights, the politics of homelessness and affordable housing policy.
Most Break Projects include a combination of direct service, organizing, political advocacy, meetings with organizers and activists, conversations and collective work with people affected by the issue in question . Investigatory teams are also encouraged to engage in a research or public education project of their own design. In the evenings, the teams come back together for reflective conversations often with guest speakers.
Q: Does it cost money to participate?
A: Participants pay $75 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, Break Projects has no religious affiliation).
Q: What if I can’t afford $75?
A: Many students pay over time. Financial aid is available; please contact Alan Flam, alan_flam@brown.edu, for more information.
Q: Where do we eat and shower?
A: Breakfast and dinners take place at the church and participants eat and cook dinner communally. Lunches are provided as well and are usually eaten out in the field. Most meals are vegetarian and dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Showers can be taken at the office of People to End Homelessness, our community partner located directly across the street from Beneficent Church or on campus.
Q: What are the important dates to remember?
A: In 2008 Break Projects will begin on Monday, January 14, 2008 and will end on Saturday, January 19, 2008, the day that the dorms re-open.
There will be info sessions held on October 3, 4, and 10, 2007.
Applications are due by 5 pm on Monday, October 22, 2007.
There will be a mandatory half-day retreat and orientation for all participants and group leaders on Saturday, November 3, 2007.
Q: What is a typical day like during the breaks project?
A: There is no “typical day” during Break Projects – a group leader who is responsible for organizing the framework for the project leads each team. But you, your group leader, and your fellow group members all have responsibility for planning much of the experience. 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 group by going to an event or meeting that they are organizing or attending. You might spend several hours volunteering your time and work 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 Break Projects for me?
A: Break Projects offers a unique opportunity for students to learn from both 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 on any number of issues, Break Projects 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 Break Projects is right for you – no matter how “experienced” you may or may not be.