Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again... What is Alternative Service Experience? Applachian State's ASE program immerses students in a week-long service experience in local U.S. based and international communities, led and created by trained student Peer Leaders. The ASE experience involves direct service to a community, purposeful reflection, fellowship with other st
udents, and FUN! What do you do on an ASE program? While each program is different, all programs focus on a particular social issue such as homelessness, the environment, or youth. Programs in the past have volunteered at soup kitchens, in National Parks, at YMCAs, and on organic farms. How do I sign up? based: Because the program has grown so tremendously over the past few years, we have implemented a lottery system for sign-ups. The lottery takes place at the end of January. You pick up a Lottery Packet in the ACT Outreach Center in the two weeks before the lottery and then the lottery itself takes place in the Student Union. On lottery night, everyone who has a completed packet comes and stays until their number is called. Numbers are drawn randomly; when your number is called, you sign up for a program of your choice and pay a deposit right there ($100, cash or check made out to ACT, nonrefundable after February 6). You will also complete other required paperwork right then and there! International: International ASE has grown quite a bit as well so we have moved to a lottery system with International ASE. The lottery for International ASE will take place on Monday, November 12 at 9pm in the Student Union. A $500 deposit is due at the lottery for International programs. What if I cannot attend the lottery? We have a proxy process for ASE which means you can have a friend (you trust) stand in your place the night of the lottery. It is better to select a friend that is NOT going on an ASE program. It gets pretty complicated when you choose a friend that is also trying to sign up for a program. Have your non-ASE program participant friend them bring the Lottery Packet you picked up in the ACT office the week before lottery night along with your deposit. They will get a lottery number for you once they arrive. When your number is called they can sign you up for a program (make sure to rank your program choices). Give them ALL of your choices in order so they will know which program to sign you up for as they fill. Make sure they have your parent's address so they can fill out the address label we need from everyone that night. They will also need to pick up all necessary forms/paperwork to give to you AND bring your $100 deposit check made out to ACT) that night as well. How much do programs cost? based: All of the programs budgets are calculated together and then averaged out in a formula to get the cost per person. The cost for ASE 2013 is $225. The cost is evened out and is the same for every program because we want students to choose a program based on the issue, not on the cost. International: Program budgets for International programs vary by destination. 2013 I-ASE programs range from $1400-$2400. What programs are offered? In the past, programs have gone to places such as New York City, Jacksonville, FL, Indiana, West Virginia, and San Diego. International programs have gone to places such as Jamaica, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic. Is there an advisor on the program? Yes, all programs are required to have a Learning Partner. Learning Partners can be faculty, staff, or graduate student (in the HPC department). The Learning Partner is an important member of the program team and contributes to group discussions and all activities. The Learning Partner adds experience and wisdom to the group and is able to assist the Peer Leaders in an emergency situation. What makes these programs “alternative”? ASE programs are an alternative to the typical break trip because they are focused on serving others instead of self. Participants on ASE programs participate in group activities, volunteer work, meals, housing, and conversation together. All ASE teams participate in nightly group reflections. Also, all ASE programs are drug and alcohol free, allowing students to focus on one another and the community. Is there a religious component? While a few ASE programs work with organizations that are affiliated with a particular religion or are housed in a church or other similar situation, there is no requirement that participants participate in religious services. How will we get there? Domestic: All trips travel in 12- or 15-passenger vans or mini-vans either sponsored by ASU’s Motorpool or other department. We also rent vehicles for travel. Participants will not be asked to drive. ASB Peer Leaders and Learning Partners must be certified by ASU to drive on the trips. International: Trips travel through air, arranged by Peer Leaders or a travel agent. How do we eat and sleep? Each trip varies in terms of its eating and sleeping arrangements. Some organizations provide housing and meals, while others buy and cook their own food. The arrangements are made by the Peer Leaders on each trip. In the past trips have stayed at local churches, camped in tents, or stayed at the agency. How many people go on the trip? Domestic trips consist of 8 student participants, 2 Peer Leaders, and 1 Learning Partner. International trips vary but most consist of 12 or 13 student participants, 2 Peer Leaders, and 1 Learning Partner. How can I be a Peer Leader? Recruitment for Peer Leaders is in the beginning of the fall semester, with application available in the ACT Outreach Center. Potential leaders must submit an application, interview with the ASB Leadership Team, and commit to attendance at all Leadership Development and Trip Planning meetings throughout the fall and spring semesters. ASB Leaders also attend a weekend fall retreat and a spring one-day retreat. Preference is given to applicants who have been on an ASB trip before and are juniors and seniors. International ASB Peer Leaders must have been on an International trip before or been an ASB leader before. What if I don’t get on a trip during the Lottery? You can be placed on a wait list and will be contacted if a spot opens up. You do not have to pay a deposit to be on the wait list.
