The Student Wellness Awareness Network (S.W.A.N) can help you learn how to prioritize your well-being. S.W.A.N hosts workshops, provides resources and more so you feel connected, supported and successful throughout your journey at Douglas.
S.W.A.N is made up of student staff and volunteers, overseen by a Student Life staff member. They are keen to share wellness information with their peers to help foster healthy lifestyles. 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 are *CLOSED*.
The new volunteer application period for Fall 2023 will be open in September 2023. Please check back for more information.
Please check back each semester for updates or email the Wellness Coordinator to indicate your interest and be informed of future opportunities.
Volunteer Benefits
As a volunteer with S.W.A.N, 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, active bystander training and more
Volunteer Testimonials
"Being a part of S.W.A.N has been a really helpful learning journey for me. I learned about others’ experience and at the same time gained the confidence to be more myself.” – Fall 2020 volunteer
“I gained a lot of physical and spiritual wellness tips that helped me as a student while volunteering with S.W.A.N. The team is very wholesome, mindful and always willing to help each other. Being part of S.W.A.N. makes me feel grounded and very motivated.” – Winter 2021 volunteer
“I learned so much during my time with S.W.A.N. and look forward to applying my knowledge and skillset in my daily life.” – Winter 2021 volunteer
Volunteer with S.W.A.N
Here are the eligibility requirements for prospective volunteers:
- Complete mandatory online volunteer training module(s) as required every term
- Complete 12 or more volunteer hours per semester
- Volunteer hours will be completed by attending volunteer meetings and volunteering for events & other Student Life programming
- Be available to attend the mandatory new volunteer training orientation session
- Be available to attend five scheduled volunteer meetings. Meetings are typically held twice a month on Mondays, 10–11:30am, New West Campus
- Be available to attend the mandatory consent training session
- 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 of the following wellness topics: social, mental, physical, financial, sexual, occupational or emotional/spiritual health, consent and active bystander intervention or environmental sustainability
- Be motivated, willing to learn, and have a positive attitude
- Be respectful, encouraging and a team player
- Have interest in being a member of S.W.A.N. for two (2) or more semesters
Prior experience with event planning, health promotion, and public speaking or volunteering is an asset, but not required.