Break Away Blog
A Solution Isn’t Always the Answer
A natural reaction to identifying problems is to try and find solutions. But this isn’t always the right move. Especially when it comes to community engagement.
The Ethical Volunteer
We believe in education and looking inward in order to be aware of the privilege you bring into a space. We do it to de-center ourselves and highlight the systems of oppression at play.
To Move Forward, Look Inward
A strong reflection practice is vital for quality community engagement. Reflection is a rare opportunity to process new information and plan for future action.
The Science Behind Instant Friendships
If you’ve ever “clicked” with someone, you’re no stranger to the experience of meeting a new human and feeling an inexplicable bond after just a few short conversations. But, what forms an instant connection?
Be A Good House Guest
We often prepare for these experiences with a self-serving lens, but the eagerness for the experience can often leave out the most important truth: We are visitors in a new place.
Dear Graduates, Community Engagement Looks Different Now
You had a powerful community engagement experience (or experiences). As you walk across the graduation stage to receive your diploma, you’re probably asking yourself does it have to be over? No, but it will look different. You can and should find ways to stay engaged in your program and the Movement.
A Commitment To Inward
A common draw to immersive experiences is to get outside of ourselves. In community engagement programs, we witness the recurring pattern of finding disruption in the world we thought we fully understood. Essentially, we relearn what we once thought was true.
Our Role in Disaster Recovery
The two stages, generally speaking, to be aware of after a natural disaster are response + relief and recovery. Response and relief is the immediate work to minimize harm or hazard caused by the disaster. Recovery includes returning a community to the pre-disaster state of normalcy—or better, a sense of revitalization for all.
Community Collaboration is Action…Even If It’s Cold Outside
Before you slip on your wool socks and cozy up to rewatch every episode of Parks and Recreation (we would never judge you for that, by the way), we’re here to remind you that community collaboration means constant effort—regardless of the season.