Alternative Reading Week
What is Alternative Reading Week?
Alternative Reading Week (ARW) is a three-day initiative where students are given a chance to learn more about, and to understand the local issues within the Region of Peel during the Winter Reading Week. Within small teams guided by project leaders, student volunteers work on projects that revolve around the needs of different organizations within the community. ARW is a great way for students to start their journey to becoming involved in volunteering and be a leader within the community.
ARW is an opportunity for student volunteers and community organizations to mutually benefit from working together on community projects. Meet like-minded individuals and network with people within the industry while gaining hands-on experience in a field you are passionate about. Students will participate in a project from start to finish and develop skills along the way, such as:
- Community and civic engagement
- Decision-making and action
- Fostering inclusivity and equity
- Inquiry
- Knowledge application to daily life
- Leadership
- Project management
- Teamwork
Responsibilities
- Volunteer 7.5 hours per day from Feb. 21st-24th, 2023 to help with executing a project that meets the challenge of a community-identified issue, working with a team of other student volunteers and an ARW Community Leader.
- Complete online training modules prior to the experience and an online reflection survey after the experience and add Alternative Reading week to your Co-Curricular Record
Reading Week 2022-23 Projects
This year's projects are coming soon!
Building Partnerships
To develop new initiatives, we encourage partners in the community to connect with us to explore ways we can work together to provide these opportunities at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and in the local community. We invite schools, parents and families, local community organizations, and UTM community mentors and student groups to explore how we can work together. If you are interested in partnering with the Centre for Student Engagement on Social Innovation Projects, please fill out the provided form.
Become an ARW Community Leader
Interested in volunteering for a Community Leader role for ARW? Consider registering for the Community Leadership Development Program, a full-year program focused on helping students develop skills in team building, facilitation, conflict resolution, leadership awareness and more!
Learn more about this program!
Registration Information
Registration is closed. Check back in January 2023!
Inquiries
For all questions and feedback regarding Alternative Reading Week, please contact:
- Room: 5224, Maanjiwe Nendamowinan Building
- Phone: 905-569-4724
- Email: jivi.ratnam@utoronto.ca
