Engaging students in quality alternative breaks so they become active and educated members of society. The University of Tennessee has held VOLbreaks community service trips for students since 1993. The VOLbreaks program allows students to engage in direct service in collaboration with communities around the world. Students who participate spend their fall or spring breaks learning about critical challenges facing communities, interacting with local leaders, and performing short-term projects with community agencies.
Programs
Quick Links
VOLbreaks Student Leader Application
Foundations of VOLbreaks
The Community Collaborator Continuum is the driving force behind our work with VOLbreaks. It reflects the growth journey individuals take as they deepen their understanding of social issues and their role in addressing them.
- Members: An individual in the early stage of developing their perspective and understanding of social issues.
- Volunteer: An individual driven by good intentions and desires to help but may not have a deep understanding of the social issue they support.
- Conscientious Engager: A thoughtful individual who explores the root causes of social issues and is curious as to why the issues persist.
- Community Collaborator: An active participant in their community who understands the underlying causes of social issues, empowers others, and gives the community the opportunity to lead meaningful change.
The Community Collaborator Continuum is also why we utilize the 9 Components of Quality Community Engagement in our VOLbreak planning and execution. VOLbreaks can become much more than just memorable volunteer trips. These experiences can be a powerful catalyst for a transformed worldview where a volunteer’s perspective of their place in society changes to one of life-long social action.
Along with the Community Collaborator Continuum and 9 Components of Quality Community Engagement, VOLbreaks uses the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals to guide our program. The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the global organization in 2015, and each goal strives to address the world’s most critical issues. Each VOLbreak trip is guided by one or more Sustainable Development Goals. Participants will learn about the relevant goal(s), including the targets and indicators of creating an impact as indicated by the United Nations.
Cancellations & Refunds Policy:
Due to the nature of the VOLbreaks program and the necessity for early planning and purchasing of supplies, cancellations are not permitted and refunds will not be awarded. If a student has a medical or family emergency and cannot attend their VOLbreak program, cases will be considered on an individual basis for a refund to be considered and documentation is required in an email to leadserve@utk.edu. If no documentation is provided, an absent participant will be marked as a “No Show” and their trip registration fees will not be refunded.
Switching a registration to another trip is not permitted, and would only be considered with extenuating circumstances and if space is available on the desired trip. Eligible trip switches will be made for a $25 processing fee. The $25 processing fee will be placed on the student’s MyUTK account.
The VOLbreaks program reserves the right to increase fees based on unforeseen trip expenses but will make every effort to publicize this before accepting registrations.