Our current application cycle has closed for the Fall 2024 semester, if you are interested in joining the Vols2Vols, you can email us at wellness@utk.edu to be placed on the interest list for next semester. .
The VOLS 2 VOLS are students who are passionate about creating a healthier Volunteer community. They educate their fellow students about health and wellness. The peers are trained to provide programs and host events throughout the year around the following focus areas:
- Interpersonal Wellness
- Sexual Health Promotion
- Alcohol and Other Drug Education
- General Wellness (e.g. nutrition, sleep, stress)
Applications are reviewed early fall and early spring semester. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, have an interest in public speaking, and the ability and willingness to respectfully engage diverse students, faculty, staff, and other university and community members. To become a certified Peer Health Educator, applicants must complete the Certified Peer Health Educator training provided by the Center for Health Education and Wellness either in the spring or the fall following recruitment.
Mission
The mission of the VOLS 2 VOLS Peer Health Educators is to promote healthy lifestyles and better decision making to the university community by providing unbiased and inclusive information with easily accessible resources. They strive to help build a supportive environment for all Volunteers by creating an open dialogue about health issues that matter to students.
Vision
The VOLS 2 VOLS Peer Health Educators seek to promote a healthy and connected student body where students are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. Through peer-to-peer engagement, VOLS 2 VOLS hope to increase accountability among fellow peers and encourage them to speak up and intervene in potentially harmful situations. Through these efforts, the VOLS 2 VOLS strive to become a respected resource for student health and wellness at UT.
What are alumni saying about VOLS 2 VOLS?
“Thank you for making my time at UT memorable. Your office has done more for me than any other I have been a part of. Decades from now, being a peer health educator will be something I strongly remember about college.”
“I feel like I have a huge attachment to VOLS 2 VOLS and I love out mission, our office, and our members so much. It is so hard to leave but my last year was everything I wanted it to be and more…I truly believe that what we do on campus can change the culture here.”
For questions about VOLS 2 VOLS, collaborating with VOLS 2 VOLS, or if you need assistance planning a program or event, please contact us at amalon23@vols.utk.edu.