Whereas, the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks has an opportunity to advocate on behalf of those living in poverty in El Salvador through Alternative Break, a four-year old program organized by the UAF Leadership Program,

Whereas, approximately 49% of the rural population in El Salvador is living below the poverty line, almost 17% of the population is illiterate and the average educational level among the rural population is 3.4 years.

Whereas, seven students will spend two weeks of their summer break learning the value of volunteer work and civic engagement and will be prepared to apply what they’ve learned about their emersion into the history and life following the 10 year Salvadoran Civil War including but not limited to poverty and micro lending to our Fairbanks and Alaskan communities,

Whereas, the AB experience will cost $19,591 and the team members are each contributing $750 of their own money to participate in this volunteer experience (about 20% of total costs). The team is responsible for fundraising the additional cost of the trip. Thus far they have raised $3705.21 through activities including donated Alaska Airlines companion certificates and miles, bake sales, a massage fundraiser, a baked good jar mix sale, a chili benefit dinner, a community spaghetti feed, and a pancake feed. The team is in the process of planning a community garage sale, numerous car washes, and a proceeds benefit dinner at a local restaurant. In addition, the team has received about $8,700 from the Leadership Program and the Northern Leadership Center. They are also currently seeking funding from the Alumni Association Benefactors Program.

Whereas, for the past three years ASUAF has supported Alternative Break teams,

Whereas, the Alternative Break team is no longer eligible to apply for ASUAF travel funds,

Whereas, the Alternative Break team would be proud to continue to list ASUAF as a major sponsor in its diverse publicity campaign, now therefore be it