From the president
Brooke Gordon, a fourth-year student at Central Michigan University, is a passionate advocate who promotes social change through civic engagement and community mobilization. Brooke is a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention and LGBTQ+ rights. With a deep commitment to community service as a form of social change, Brooke works specifically within Alternative Breaks to facilitate training and development workshops for site leaders. She focuses her work on raising important questions to explore how government and social systems are set up, whether that is through policy or precedent. As Brooke continues to pursue her academic and professional endeavors, she remains committed to leveraging her skills and experiences to drive meaningful change in communities, particularly advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Post-graduation, Brooke seeks to continue their work by getting a master's degree in Higher Education Administration to ensure students are knowledgeable about the impact they can make by unifying together to create social change.
Personal Statement
My passion for civic engagement stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of individuals to effect positive change in society. Social change can often be a very daunting task, especially for college students. Through CMU Alternative Breaks, I have seen the importance of students engaging in meaningful conversations pertaining to social justice. This form of dialogue goes beyond surface-level conversations; it challenges participants to confront their own privileges and biases, fostering empathy and understanding. By creating a space for open and honest dialogue, we can begin to dismantle these systems of oppression and work towards a more just and equitable society. Through this program, I have seen dialogue turn directly into action. To me, action is more than just legislative change, it is the understanding of the ingrained biases and inequitable structures present within our society. Movements are strengthened when individuals come together, pooling their resources, ideas, and energy to create meaningful change. By joining forces with others who share their passion and vision, individuals can amplify their impact and build a better society for everyone.