Students and staff from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke recently partnered with several community-based organizations, spending a week volunteering at the Baltimore American Indian Center, Native American LifeLines, Breath of Life Lutheran Church and Baltimore Safe Haven.
Students from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke spent their Spring Break giving back to communities throughout Baltimore. This year’s alternative spring break was a collaboration with the Office for Community and Civic Engagement, the American Indian Heritage Center and the Office for Student Inclusion and Diversity.
Students from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke spent their Spring Break giving back to communities throughout Baltimore. This year’s alternative spring break was a collaboration with the Office for Community and Civic Engagement, the American Indian Heritage Center and the Office for Student Inclusion and Diversity.
Students and staff from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke recently partnered with several community-based organizations, spending a week volunteering at the Baltimore American Indian Center, Native American LifeLines, Breath of Life Lutheran Church and Baltimore Safe Haven.
PEMBROKE — More than a dozen students from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke immersed themselves in service projects and leadership-building activities as part of an alternative spring break experience in Baltimore March 6-10.
Students and staff partnered with several community-based organizations, spending a week volunteering at the Baltimore American Indian Center, Native American LifeLines, Breath of Life Lutheran Church and Baltimore Safe Haven. Baltimore is home to many Lumbee tribal members who migrated north after World War II seeking jobs.
“During our time in Baltimore, we explored the experiences of Indigenous communities through the lens of social and racial equity through service with local organizations, education and reflective conversation,” said James Rudd, a student success advocate with the American Indian Heritage Center.
The students engaged in career exploration discussions with the Center for Indigenous Health staff at John Hopkins University and attended culture classes at the Baltimore American Indian Center. Students also assisted local church members in moving furniture to an apartment for a refugee family.
“I enjoyed giving back,” said senior Cara Martin. “I became involved in community service in high school, so I feel our responsibility is to serve others. Service is what drives me. It’s my passion.”
Students also teamed up with staff to make care packages for residents at the Baltimore Safe Haven.
“One of the most incredible things about the trip was our (UNCP) group was made up of native students who are immersed in their culture, native students still learning about their culture and non-native students who were being immersed into the Native American culture for the first time.
“Many of the native students felt at home in Baltimore. It was very rewarding to see them connect with people from the same culture though they had never met before,” Martin added.
The UNCP students represented different backgrounds and cultures. However, they were united around one common purpose — service. This year’s alternative spring break was a collaboration with the Office for Community and Civic Engagement, the American Indian Heritage Center and the Office for Student Inclusion and Diversity.
