Civic Engagement Program
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Quick Links
List of Regional Nonprofit Agencies
Search our database to find a non profits to get involved with. The attached Excel spreadsheet contains contact information for many nonprofit agencies throughout the Rogue Valley. **Please note that not all of the agencies listed have been vetted, nor are they all familiar with SOU and SOU students. -

Alternative Spring Break
Do you know what you’re doing for Spring Break yet?
Consider this fresh alternative…
travel •diversity •challenge •immersion
service •growth •education •fun
Southern Oregon University’s Alternative Break program, sponsored by the Civic Engagement Program, promotes critical thinking, social action and continued community involvement by combining education, reflection, and hands-on direct service on the local, regional and national levels. Students are immersed in diverse experiences and inspired to take thoughtful, meaningful action toward the resolution of interlinking social issues.
Spring Break 2009 Trips
New Orleans: Hurrican Katrina Reconstruction
We are working in partnership with Operation Helping Hands. Southern Oregon University students and staff will be working to gut and rebuild homes affected by Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers will have the opportunity to make personal contact with survivors while working together to make a concrete difference in the lives of those affected by the Hurricane.
Catalina Island: Environmental Conservation
Students will be staying at the Laura Stein Volunteer camp where they will work on volunteer projects such as restoring native habitats and non-native plant removal. Students will leave with a better understand of conservation, and the importance of taking care of our environment.
Guanajuanto, Mexico:Cultural Immersion
SOU and the Guanajuanto government are partnering to offer students and staff an opportunity to explore our sister city through various service projects. Participants will be fully immersed in the culture while they live, work and eat as locals.
Mini Alternative Breaks
This spring we are planning a mini-weekend alternative break to the coast near the Redwood National Forest. We are currently working with California parks and recreation to develop a community service project such as a beach clean up. While there we will learn about struggles the park faces as well as the surrounding area. During our free time we will have a chance to hike the area and possibly do some surfing! For more information or to apply for a trip please contact Cerissa Payment at 552-6454 or vista@sou.edu. *The Alternative Break Program is new to SOU, and offers students a chance to travel to a new community where they become engaged in a variety of ways.
Dates to remember
January 13th - Team Meeting
January 27th - Team Meeting
February 5th - Mardi Gras Fundraiser
February 10th - Team Meeting
February 24th - Team Meeting
March 9th - Team Meeting
March 23rd - Pre-Trip Meeting
March 24th - March 30th Alternative Spring Break in New Orleans
April 6th - Reorientation Meeting
For more information, contact...
Cerissa Payment
Civic Engagement Coordinator
Oregon Campus Compact Americorps VISTA
541-552-6454 e-mail: vista@sou.edu