What is AWOL?
AWOL (Alternative Week of Off-Campus Learning) is a University of South Dakota student organization centered around meaningful, hands-on service-learning experiences, educating students about diverse social issues and how to become an active citizen, no matter where they are or where they end up. As a national chapter of the Break Away organization, AWOL members are properly trained and culturally prepared for their experiences.
The student based Executive Board creates a framework of training and agendas for the daylong Alternative Weekends, which occur once a month within the local community, and the weeklong Alternative Breaks, taking them wherever they are needed across the country. Using their leadership skills, the Executive Board trains AWOL members to become Site-Leaders and lead other university students on the multiple scheduled excursions.
This winter break, our Alternative Break students will be traveling to Texas, Tennessee and Missouri to volunteer and gain knowledge on Healthcare Access, Mental Wellness and Environmental restoration. They will be engaging with communities from completely different backgrounds and identities, looking critically at root causes of social issues, and actively taking part and making a difference.
AWOL also hosts a weeklong experience for in-coming or first-time USD students called New Yotes Community Engagement or NYCE, formerly known as Serve & Learn. Students get to move in a week early, learn about core values, connect with campus and community partners, and build a network of lasting relationships.
How can you help?
- The full cost for each student to participate in an Alternative Break is around $600, so any donations made under the fundraising teams goes directly to that student! Any amount is appreciated and every dollar makes a difference!
- Please follow AWOL (@USDAWOL) on Facebook & Instagram and share this project with those who would like to support one of our AWOL Coyotes! Be sure to tune in during the Alternative Breaks (Dec 14th - 22nd) to see what they are up to!
If you prefer to make a check or cash donation, please use the following address:
(Please add AWOL and the name of the fundraising team in the memo)
1110 North Dakota ST
Vermillion, SD 57069
For more information or questions:
https://usdinvolved.usd.edu/organization/AWOL
engage@usd.edu
605-658-3566
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