Wellness Advocate Program
The Counseling and Wellness Center's Wellness Advocate Program is a unique volunteer opportunity for passionate Western students who are committed to enhancing their own health and the health of Western's community. This program gives students opportunities to make meaningful connections with peers and professional mentors and build a strong skill set in leadership and education that supports their academic learning and career plans.
Wellness Advocates come from various academic majors and backgrounds, and we continually seek to expand the diversity of this team to increase the unique skill sets and valuable perspectives that the Wellness Advocates contribute to this important work.
Program Information and Application Process
The application deadline for the 2023-2024 cohort of Wellness Advocates has been extended! Please submit your application by Friday, June 16, 2023.
Applicants to the Wellness Advocate program are required submit an application and attend an interview and orientation during spring quarter. Within two weeks of your interview, you will be notified whether or not you were selected. All Wellness Advocates will complete training during the week before fall quarter classes start. Once fully trained, Wellness Advocates will volunteer 3-5 hours per week beginning in fall quarter.
See below for detailed information about the application and training process. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please email cwc@wwu.edu or call 360-650-3164.
The Application Process
Submit a completed Wellness Advocate Application by Monday, June 12, 2023. We will be in touch after the application deadline with next steps.
Program Requirements for Accepted Applicants:
- Attend a full week of Wellness Advocates training the week before fall quarter classes begin (Sept 18-22, 2023).
- Volunteer 3-5 hours per week during the academic year.
What We Do
Wellness Advocates receive health promotion training to:
- Plan and implement health promotion events, workshops and campaigns
- Create and share health promotion content for social media
- Be a knowledgeable and supportive resource for friends and peers
- Advocate for policies, practices and resources that support the wellbeing of our campus community
Our Topic Areas
Wellness Advocates provide outreach and education around the following college health and wellness topic areas:
- Substance harm reduction
- Mental health promotion
- Sexual health advocacy
- Consent and healthy relationships
Program Benefits
Many of our students tell us their experience with the Wellness Advocates program was a highlight of their college career. Students who participate in this program receive:
- Increased knowledge & skills to enhance personal and professional growth
- Expanded network of friends
- Ongoing support and mentoring from staff
- Campus leadership opportunities
What Students Say
"The other people in the program are incredible and you get to be part of a really great community!"
"You get to contribute to the health and wellness of Western which is very rewarding."
"The training you receive will stay with you your whole life, even if you don't work with that subject matter again. The fact that you know about resources, how to seek them out, how to utilize them, and how to refer others so they can receive the help they need is something that will be valuable in whatever you do with your life."
"The core staff members are a group of amazing people and the nature of the program allows you to develop meaningful relationships with them and they can serve as excellent references for you."
"Looks great on your resume!"