Rural communities continue to remain marginalized when it comes to accessing crucial resources like quality education, fair-wage jobs, and tools of technology. Here, the instabilities of the economy play out on ground level – increasing burdens on organizations that deal with everything from hunger to literacy to community development. We will partner with the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships (http://www.vtserves.vt.edu/) and Virginia Tech YMCA (www.vtymca.org/Home.asp) as they work to meet community needs in the New River Valley.

Check-in is from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, June 13 at the Virginia Tech campus*. The first session begins at 3pm. The training ends at noon on Friday, June 19. Please make flights which accommodate the start and end times of the conference!


As you will see on the sample schedule link below and much like with an alternative break, there is little free time to explore the area during the conference week. If you would like to come early or extend your stay in Blacksburg, please let the Break Away staff know as soon as possible. We may be able to arrange for you to stay on campus a few extra nights.


Direct Service Projects*: ABCs participants will engage in volunteer work focused on issues surrounding rural poverty. Our community partners will provide a wide range of education on the issues and broad exposure to the local community.


Housing: Participants will live in campus residence halls (assigned by the Break Away staff), on the Virginia Tech campus. There is easy access to shared bathrooms and the workshop space.


Transportation: It is the participant's responsibility to arrange and pay for transportation to and from the conference. The Break Away staff made a conscious effort to choose this ABCs location as it is extremely accessible to the majority of our Chapter Schools by car. However, if participants choose to fly to the ABCs, they should plan to fly into the Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA). It takes approximately 45 minutes to travel from the airport to Blacksburg.


Shuttle Service: Smart Way Bus Service is $3 per person one-way and is a clean and affordable option for public transportation. The bus operates Monday through Saturday at regularly scheduled times (check website for the exact route and times). The bus drops off on the Virginia Tech campus at Squires Student Center and is the last stop on the route into Blacksburg, VA. All transportation needs during the conference (starting at 3pm June 13 to noon on June 19) will be provided by Break Away.


Education: The Learning Components (Education, Orientation, and Training) are essential to a quality alternative break experience. After registering, you will be added to a listserv and will be invited to join a Facebook group for your ABCs session. Pre-conference education materials will be available through these venues and on the website prior to the event. Links will soon be provided below. Participants will also receive extensive on-site education, including the Speaker Panel, Community Dinner, additional readings, Movie Night, discussion groups, and activities at the service projects.


Participant's Confirmation Letter: Within ten days of registration and no later than June 5th participants should receive a confirmation letter by email. Pre-conference materials will be updated periodically on this website.

• Sample Schedule (from the 2008 Portland ABCs)
• Site Leader Waiver Form
• Participant Waiver Form