From Fun to Fulfillment: Giving Back with Service Outreach Trips
By Devi Chowdhury
Stony Brook University’s Alternative Spring Break Outreach (ASBO) Program hosted its annual spring break service outreach trip this March 13 to March 18 in New Orleans – a rich historic and cultural city renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, and its annual celebrations and festivals.
ASBO is a community service organization that aims to encourage civic engagement, social activism, self-reflection, and lifelong learning amongst its members. Through a combination of educational reflections, discussions, and direct service at local, regional, and national levels, members are given the opportunity to experience personal growth.
Student leaders of ASBO spent this spring break in the multicultural center of Louisiana in commemoration of the organization's establishment in 2006. Stony Brook University students founded ASBO following Hurricane Katrina, which left millions of people homeless along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans.
Throughout the trip, students engage in service projects that give back to those in need while learning about issues within local communities, such as inadequate housing and food insecurity. Jonthan Benz, Secretary of ASBO and fourth year astronomy major, joined the organization to provide direct support to underserved communities and feels that these opportunities have highlighted the significance of service.
“It is important to understand that people don’t get the help they deserve or need,” said Jonthan Benz. “If everyone did some form of service, so many people would be helped!”
Jonathan has been a part of ASBO since his freshman year and has seen the perseverance and dedication of the organization throughout the past few years in the face of the pandemic. Although the pandemic grounded ASBO from traveling, students suited up with face masks and continued to serve communities on Long Island.
In Fall 2020, ASBO served Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach by assisting in composting and harvesting crops for local communities. Students also promoted environmental conservation efforts while volunteering at the Manor Farm in Huntington by incorporating the native species within the landscape.
While the students appreciated opportunities to give back locally, they were excited for their first service trip since the pandemic in the spring of 2022. During this semester, ASBO traveled to Houston, Texas where students participated in the Saint Bernard's Project (SBP) to provide hurricane disaster disaster relief service.
Students helped with the construction of a housing development, working together to lay wood baseboards and level the dirt for the foundations of homes. They also had the opportunity to explore Kemah Boardwalk theme park and explore the NASA Johnson Space Centerduring the trip.
During this year's trip, ASBO partnered with Camp Hope NOLA andHands On NOLAwho brought students to the Joe W. Brown Park to remove invasive species of Chinese Taro plants from the area.
Students also harvested mulberries and trimmed the wildlife landscapes, while spending some time outside in the New Orleans rain showers working at the Port Sisters Community Garden and Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge.
“The rainstorm was definitely unexpected, but definitely fun,” said Jonthan Benz.
Service outreach trips and volunteering offer countless benefits, both for individuals and the broader community. By coming together and working towards a common goal, we can make a real difference in the world, while also experiencing personal growth and development.
To learn more about how to get involved with ASBO, attend a meeting!
To learn more about volunteer and service opportunities, schedule an appointment with the Center for Service Learning and Community Service.