The Student Wellness Awareness Network (SWAN) can help you learn how to prioritize your well-being. SWAN volunteers host workshops, provide resource and more so you feel connected, supported and successful throughout your journey at Douglas.
SWAN is made up of student staff and volunteers, overseen by a Student Life staff member. SWAN volunteers are keen to share wellness information with their peers to help foster healthy lifestyles and well-being throughout the college journey. The group uses a variety of fun and innovative strategies to promote health on campus, including educational events and campaigns, interactive tabling, social media content and more.
Note
Applications for new volunteers for the Student Wellness Awareness Network (SWAN) for Fall 2023 intake are currently *CLOSED*. Please reach out to the Student Life Wellness Coordinator if you are interested in future volunteer opportunities with SWAN.
Volunteer Benefits
As a volunteer with SWAN, you’ll get many benefits, including:
- Meeting other students with a passion for wellness and self-care
- Building your self-confidence
- Developing your public speaking, program planning and leadership skills
- Learning about student wellness, healthy coping tools and mental health literacy
- Taking part in consent training, and other trainings to build your knowledge and awareness
Volunteer with SWAN - Fall 2023
Eligibility Requirements for Prospective Fall 2023 SWAN Volunteers:
Please Note: All new SWAN volunteer applications go through a screening process. There is a limited number of student volunteer positions available.
Please carefully review this list in detail prior to applying to the program to ensure you can attend all meetings, trainings, and fulfill all the requirements.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Complete the mandatory online Blackboard volunteer leadership training modules
- Mental Health Literacy Module
- Sexual Violence & Education Module
- Attend the mandatory new volunteer training orientation session
- New SWAN volunteer orientation will be held on Monday, September 25th from 9:30AM - 12PM at the New West Campus
- Attend the five (5) scheduled volunteer meetings. Meetings are typically held twice a month on Mondays, 10–11:30am, New West Campus
- October 16th
- October 23rd
- November 6th
- November 20th
- December 4th
- Attend the mandatory consent training session and other required trainings:
- Monday, October 30 from 10am – 11:30am: Consent & Sexual Violence Prevention Training Workshop Part 1 - with Nova McLeod, Sexual Violence Prevention & Education coordinator
- Monday, November 27th from 10am – 11:30am - Mental Health Literacy Workshop - with Douglas College Counselling Services
- Complete 12 or more volunteer hours per semester
- Volunteer hours will be completed by attending volunteer meetings and volunteering for events
- Volunteer for at least two (2) SWAN events per semester
Volunteer Expectations:
- Have excellent communication skills
- Demonstrate leadership capabilities and interest in building your skills to support academic and career goals
- Have an interest in at least one or more of the following wellness topics: social, mental, physical, financial, sexual, occupational, emotional/spiritual health, consent and healthy relationships, or environmental sustainability
- Be motivated, willing to learn, and have a positive attitude
- Be respectful, encouraging and a team player
- Have prior experience with volunteering, event planning, public speaking, or health promotion education and/or advocacy work
- Have interest in being a member of SWAN for two (2) or more semesters
Volunteer Testimonials
"SWAN has provided me with a sense of community because I get to work with fellow volunteers and inform awareness about mental and physical health to fellow students. Being part of SWAN has also taught me how small actions can make a big impact on someone's life" - Fall 2022 – Winter 2023 SWAN Volunteer
“One of my most precious memories with SWAN is tabling because I get to engage students in dialogue about various wellness topics [...] I greatly appreciate that these experiences have shaped my personal and professional growth." - Fall 2022 – Summer 2023 SWAN Volunteer
“I became a SWAN member during the pandemic as a way to foster social wellness when I couldn’t connect with other people often, but I stayed for 2+ years because of the supportive community!” - Fall 2020 – Summer 2023 SWAN Volunteer
“As a SWAN volunteer, the whole experience challenged me to become a better public speaker, as well as a better person. [...] I really can't thank SWAN [staff] enough for such an incredible journey so far!” - Fall 2022 SWAN Volunteer
“My experience with SWAN has been incredible. I’ve learned a variety of topics, tips and services for wellness at Douglas. I am happy that I get to share that knowledge with my fellow peers and advocate for well-being.” - Winter 2023 SWAN Volunteer