Breaking Out 2009

Lutheran Student Movement-USA (LSM-USA) and Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) are excited to announce a new partnership for SPRING BREAK 2009.

In 2006, Lutheran Student Movement received a generous grant from Thrivent Financial to fund an alternative spring break program called "Breaking Out!"  The intent of the grant was to provide intentional service-learning opportunities to LSM members, combining the desire of students for meaningful service with time for theological reflection.

Over the last three years, some 3500 college students representing nearly 80 different colleges and universities have participated in alternative spring break through Lutheran Disaster Response.  The effort--What a Relief!--has sent groups to places along the Gulf Coast as well as Kansas and Minnesota for disaster response volunteer projects.

THIS YEAR, LDR and LSM have teamed up to send students to disaster-affected areas for a service-learning experience!  Twenty-two schools will be participating in this pilot program in Spring Break 2009, and we're excited about the possibilities.

Each school is receiving a grant for their alternative spring break trip to one an LDR site, and participants will receive a t-shirt and service-learning journal and curriculum.

Money is already allocated for 2009, but both LDR and LSM will be assessing 2009's experience and planning for 2010 as soon as we return from SB '09!  If you're interested in contributing feedback, please contact Katy Resop ( katy.resop@elca.org ) and Mike Nevergall (michael.nevergall@elca.org ).