AW: Alternative Weekends
Vision Statement
To provide an experience for a diverse group of participants which will:
- educate and raise awareness about social justice issues
- establish lasting relationships among participants, organizations and communities
- work toward positive change and
- inspire a life-long commitment to service
Program Description
Alternative Weekends (AW) is one of six SERVE run programs at the University of Michigan that provides opportunities for students interested in community service and social action. Education and Training (E&T) sessions equip participants of the program with issue-based education and the skills required to properly address the various social justice issues in collaboration with community members and organizations.
Participating in Alternative Weekends is a yearlong commitment centered on the community service experiences that occur one weekend a month. AW primarily focuses on providing service projects in Michigan and the surrounding states. Participants learn about and work with a particular community issue at one of the sites throughout the school year. During this immersive living and working experience, students perform services and explore the culture and history of the area. Furthermore, the recurring visits to site allow students to build and maintain long-lasting and impact relationships with the community and community members.
