MY ASB | Sign Up

Summer Trips

L.U.P.E. | San Juan, TX

Immigration and Labor Rights

La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) was founded in 1989 by César Chávez. The mission of the organization is to empower immigrant and Latino farm-workers and develop community leaders. With over 5000 members, this non-profit organization fights for justice for all.

La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) empowers farm-workers and their families to transform the communities in which they live. Volunteers will participate in a variety of projects including construction on their low-income housing site, advocacy work in their legal and microloans departments, as well as advertising to local workers about LUPE's services. An unique experience offered to volunteers is the chance to go across the border and witness the changes in culture, wealth, and opportunities on either side of the border. **In 1989 LUPE was the first trip that the University of Illinois YMCA ASB chapter sent! It has not been sent in a few years, so we are VERY excited to be able to offer it again**

National Coalition for the Homeless | Washington D.C.

Hunger and Homelessness

Students will experience homelessness firsthand by participating in the Homeless Challenge. The challenge is a 48 hour opportunity in which students live among the homeless community. The group will also volunteer in soup kitchens, food pantries, work in shelters in the area and possibly meet with government officials to advocate for homeless rights.

The highlight of this trip is a 48 hour homeless challenge, in which students are paired up to explore the streets during the day and sleep in the streets with a guide during the night to truly experience homelessness. This educational opportunity shows volunteers homelessness from a different angle. After the challenge, volunteers will set up and complete various projects such as: working in homeless shelters, serving in soup kitchens, working for various food banks and working for "street sense," a newspaper written by and sold by homeless individuals. Students may also get the chance, through the national coalition, to lobby at congress for homeless rights. An informational packet on the homeless challenge can be found by copying & pasting this link into your browser: http://www.nationalhomeless.org/projects/Homeless_Challenge_Project/HCP%20information%20packet.pdf

Quitman County School District | Marks, MS & Lambert, MS

Youth Poverty and Education

Quitman County School District has been struggling to meet national standards. In an area plagued with poverty, many students are not shown the different post-high school opportunities available to them. The School District is working hard to help their students meet their full potential and overcome difficult circumstances.

Quitman County School District is a small district that straddles two neighboring towns, Marks and Lambert, MS. Volunteers will be placed within all grade levels pre-K - 4th. Volunteer work will range from helping students in the school garden (possibly doing mini lessons on the merits of organic produce, and the green movement across the country), school renovations (painting, moving furniture, etc.), assisting teachers, and assisting students in college/financial aid application processes. Might be able to coordinate with the local youth organization to create a presentation/educational/college night of sorts.

Wolf Haven International | Tenino, WA

Wildlife Conservation

Wolf Haven has rescued more than 160 wolves over the past 29 years. The organization works to provide a safe and compassionate environment for these wolves to live out their lives as well as educate volunteers about wildlife conservation.

Wolf Haven's mission involves not only protecting the natural ecosystem but also inspiring volunteers to observe, interact with and appreciate the environment around them. They focus on the survival of the red and Mexican gray wolves, two endangered species. They partner with many national organizations to keep endangered species alive and breed them so they can prosper. Participants will be working to help maintain the natural beauty of the preservation while educating themselves.