D.E.E.P. Educational Spring Break
Donation protected
We are a student-run organization called Diversity Education Exploration Project (DEEP) at Gustavus Adolphus College. Our mission is to develop first hand experiences encompassing thematic cultural exploration, continuing education at regional graduate institutions, and a strategic service learning project. This mission is achieved through an annual trip during spring break. DEEP’s goal for cultural exploration is to gain a deeper understanding of and develop more cultural awareness surrounding diverse cultures within the United States. DEEP also recognizes the importance of continuing education, particularly education after college. Throughout the trip, students will visit a graduate institution to expose them to the atmosphere of graduate school and the possibility of continuing education after their time at Gustavus has ended. Through service learning, DEEP takes on a project and uses it to educate students about an issue that currently affects the community being studied. The DEEP trip is not a vacation, but rather an opportunity to engage in a culturally immersive experience, made even richer through the inclusion of education and service.
This year, our DEEP group is taking part in a trip to the Southeast Coast of South Carolina and Georgia, with a focus on the African-American culture of Gullah Geechee which is unique and only found in the United States. The Gullah Geechee people were brought to America as slaves, placed in the lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia on islands off the coast to harvest rice on plantations. Unlike other slaves, the Gullah people were isolated from mainstream society and able to preserve their culture from the influence of their owners. Today, many Gullah people are moving out of their communities to find education and jobs within the conventional American society. With their movement comes a loss of their culture and it is estimated that the Gullah Geechee culture may be extinct within the next twenty years or so.
Our group wants to learn and experience the Gullah Geechee culture before it is too late. In order to achieve this, we will be taking tours of historic Gullah sites in Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA as well as visiting the main islands that the Gullah people worked on as slaves. A large part of our experience will come from giving back to the Gullah community through a service-learning opportunity. March is actually "Gullah/Geechee Volunteer Month" and we will be participating alongside hundreds of students from across the country who come to work directly with area experts, one of which being nationally recognized Queen Quet, on community service and transformational learning projects.
This year we want to continue achieving DEEP’s mission in broadening and developing these first hand experiences for students by asking for your financial support. The money we receive will go towards the costs of the trip that are essential for the students’ exploration. A gift of $25 or more is deeply appreciated and aids us moving forward. Every amount we receive will give these students an opportunity to experience a different culture, a graduate institution, and perform a service learning project. We hope that you will support us in our expedition. Thank you so much for your consideration and support. Our success depends on the support of our community.
This year, our DEEP group is taking part in a trip to the Southeast Coast of South Carolina and Georgia, with a focus on the African-American culture of Gullah Geechee which is unique and only found in the United States. The Gullah Geechee people were brought to America as slaves, placed in the lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia on islands off the coast to harvest rice on plantations. Unlike other slaves, the Gullah people were isolated from mainstream society and able to preserve their culture from the influence of their owners. Today, many Gullah people are moving out of their communities to find education and jobs within the conventional American society. With their movement comes a loss of their culture and it is estimated that the Gullah Geechee culture may be extinct within the next twenty years or so.
Our group wants to learn and experience the Gullah Geechee culture before it is too late. In order to achieve this, we will be taking tours of historic Gullah sites in Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA as well as visiting the main islands that the Gullah people worked on as slaves. A large part of our experience will come from giving back to the Gullah community through a service-learning opportunity. March is actually "Gullah/Geechee Volunteer Month" and we will be participating alongside hundreds of students from across the country who come to work directly with area experts, one of which being nationally recognized Queen Quet, on community service and transformational learning projects.
This year we want to continue achieving DEEP’s mission in broadening and developing these first hand experiences for students by asking for your financial support. The money we receive will go towards the costs of the trip that are essential for the students’ exploration. A gift of $25 or more is deeply appreciated and aids us moving forward. Every amount we receive will give these students an opportunity to experience a different culture, a graduate institution, and perform a service learning project. We hope that you will support us in our expedition. Thank you so much for your consideration and support. Our success depends on the support of our community.
Organizer
Lauren Thomas
Organizer
St. Peter, MN