Join the Center for Social Justice Dialogue for a fun and reflective evening of storytelling, dialogue, and community! We'll be learning about the importance of storytelling and how stories can be told through stitching. Come for a chance to stitch your own story, make some new friends, and enjoy some snacks and refreshments.

Storytelling is a powerful and multifaceted practice that is deeply rooted in our identities, values, experiences, and connections with each other. With the upcoming holiday season, highlighting and centering Indigenous stories and voices is essential in challenging and decolonizing dominant narratives. 

At our event, we'll learn about the importance of storytelling and how stories have been told through stitching, especially in Indigenous communities, then have the opportunity to do our own stitching and storytelling. Come for a chance to stitch your own story, make new friends, and enjoy some snacks and refreshments. 

Visit this event page to RSVP (helpful, but not required to attend), or copy-and-paste the following URL into your browser: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/148027

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with the Center for Social Justice Dialogue via email, csjdialogue@umbc.edu, with "Stitching Your Story" in the subject line. This event is open for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy."

"The program encouraged me to think deeply about identity, privilege, and systemic inequality, while also helping me develop skills to create meaningful social change."

"In my DoIT role, I will use what I learned at STRiVE to foster better communication and collaboration among my team. Understanding different perspectives and being mindful of diverse experiences will help me create a more supportive and inclusive work environment."

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day immersive learning experience for UMBC undergraduate and graduate students to explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore. Participants will spend much of the week in Baltimore City connecting with local leaders, policymakers, organizations, and community members, to gain a nuanced understanding of the resources and challenges related to their topic areas. The program supports students in linking their knowledge and interests to local contexts, and in identifying pathways for long-term community engagement.

This year's ASB program will take place from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, 2026. Participants spend much of the week in small groups, each co-led by UMBC students trained by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, exploring a specific topic in depth. 

This year's focus areas are:

• Housing Equity and Access
• Justice in Psychiatric Care
• Fostering LGBT+ Belonging in Schools

Complete the ASB 2026 application by December 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Accepted and waitlisted applicants will be notified via email in late January.

ASB is hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. More information is available on the the Center for Democracy and Civic Life website.

ASB is open for full participation by all undergraduate and graduate students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.