Welcome to Break Away - The Alternative Break Connection!

As our idea of community continues to expand, grassroots organizations, non-profits and citizens in and around Washington DC are trying to make community smaller. Typically it is disenfranchised populations who are getting the worst in terms of quality when it comes to food. In DC, many are working against this by getting local, healthy foods to schools, shelters and soup kitchens. With food deserts continuing to expand in cities and systems that run counter to food sovereignty, DC is on the cutting edge of making a globalized food economy, local. Join us as we partner with Clagett Farms, Neighborhood Farm Initiative, and other food advocates in service work that illuminates the true meaning of farm to table.

Check-in is from 11am to 2pm on Sunday, July 31st at George Mason University. The first session begins at 3pm. The training ends at noon on Saturday, August 6th. Please make flights which accommodate the start and end times of the conference!

As you will see on the sample schedule link below and much like with an alternative break, there is little free time to explore the area during the conference week. If you would like to come early or extend your stay in Washington DC, the Break Away staff may be able to offer recommendations for accomodations.

Direct Service Projects: ABCs participants will engage in volunteer work focused on issues surrounding local food systems. Possible projects include working in urban gardens or on farms doing gleaning, organic farm maintenance, sorting compost, planting, weeding, etc. Projects will most likely be outside. Our community partners will provide a wide range of education on the issues and broad exposure to the local community. More information about the actual project(s) will be provided as the details are solidified with our community partners.

Housing: Participants will live in dorm - style housing (assigned by the Break Away staff), on GMU's campus. There is easy access to shared bathrooms and the workshop space.

Transportation: Participants flying to the ABCs, should plan to fly into Baltimore - Washington International Airport (BWI), Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). We will be staying on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Participants will need to become acquainted with DC’s Metro system to get to us. George Mason University can be found on the Orange Line (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). When you get off at that Metro stop, you'll need to take a cab to campus. For the more adventurous, you can take the Metro to Mason shuttle or the CUE bus to campus. These directions are from George Mason University to all three Washington-area airports. You'll have to work backwards, but we think you can do it. Please let the Break Away staff know, upon registration, if you are planning on driving to the conference. Designated parking areas will be provided for participants who plan on driving to the ABCs.

Education: The Learning Components (Education, Orientation, and Training) are essential to a quality alternative break experience. After registering, you will be added to a listserv and will be invited to join a Facebook group for your ABCs session. Pre-conference education materials will be available through these venues and on the website prior to the event. Links will soon be provided below. Participants will also receive extensive on-site education, including the Speaker Panel, Community Dinner, additional readings, Movie Night, discussion groups, and activities at the service projects.

Participant's Confirmation Letter: Within ten days of registration and no later than June 4th participants should receive a confirmation letter by email. Pre-conference materials will be updated periodically on this website.