Alternative Spring Break

Cooler than Cancun. More Meaningful than Miami Beach.

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley invite area college students to participate in a Live United Spring Break Internship in Boston: March 8 -12, 2010!

United Way invites 20 college students to experience what it means to Live United, by participating in Spring Break Internship in Boston. This week will provide students with a unique opportunity to come together to advance the common good. United Way was built on the belief that together, we can accomplish more than any individual or organization can alone. This Break will provide an inside look at how United Way makes an impact in the community and how college students can take the lead.

This year's internship will engage students in community site visits, panels and presentations by United Way staff and community leaders, interactive trainings, and hands-on volunteer projects.

Students will participate in a Poverty Simulation - a role playing experience in which individuals act out a month in the life of a family living at or near the poverty level in Massachusetts. After participating as family members, the students will be challenged to conduct two Poverty Simulations for the community, serving in the roles of direct service providers.

Students will get first-hand experience in fund development. They will get the opportunity to help plan fundraising events, initiate viral social marketing campaigns, and thank donors for their commitment to United Way. They will also learn about the latest giving trends and new, innovative research on the connection between volunteerism and giving.

Students will learn about the legislative process and how advocacy impacts policymaking. They will get the opportunity to participate in interactive public policy training and will be able to take part in an advocacy campaign.

All participants are expected to participate for the entire week. Interns who successfully completed the week will receive a $250 honorarium. Each day will begin at 10am and will typically end at 5pm with one to two special dinners or receptions. Students are responsible for their own housing. United Way cannot provide housing for participants. There will be a mandatory orientation prior to the break that all participants must attend, either in person or by phone, to prepare for the week. Please see the application for additional details.

Applications can be downloaded below or requested via email from volunteer@supportunitedway.org.

All applications are due by 5pm on Friday February 26, 2009.