Active Citizens: I Do

Website

alternativebreaks.org

What is your idea and would it spread awareness of good citizenship in your community?

Break Away is the national alternative break organization with the vision of a society of active citizens: people who make community a priority in their values and life choices. Thousands of college students are galvanized by participating in transformative service trips, then graduate into what the Corporation for National Service has identified as the second lowest civically engaged age group: 25-34. While alternative breaks may end with graduation, active citizenship does not. Active citizenship is a changed perspective that impacts how individuals think, speak, and act. To re-energize the thousands of lifelong active citizens, Break Away is reaching out to graduates of alternative break programs from the last 20 years. We will take this opportunity of renewing our civic vows to gather staff, alumni, students, and supporters to join us in declaring our identities as active citizens - renewing our commitment to the community around us and pledging to a year of specific action.

How would you use the $500 grant to host your own Sworn-Again America ceremony?

Break Away will use part of the grant funds for the physical ceremony itself. The grant would also allow us to show the vow ceremony online for those across the country not able to attend the live event in Atlanta, GA – at least 200 individuals will participate in the pledge. Civic pledge cards, affirming active citizenship and containing 16 civic commitments to be performed in 2013 will be distributed, or sent to each participant. The grant money will also cover the postage, some of the graphic design costs, and the printing costs of the pledge cards.

Discussion

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