Since 1993, the student organization VOICES (Volunteer Organization Involving Community, Education and Service) has guided hundreds of students each year to help serve communities near and far through their participation in alternative break experiences and community service opportunities.
With guidance from Leadership and Volunteer Services (LVS), VOICES continues to provides multiple community services opportunities and alternative break experiences.
"Through VOICES and LVS I have been able to engage and connect with my community in San Antonio. My admiration for the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope grows as I am able to assist on a more consistent and individual level. I have also made friends and met individuals passionate about service through VOICES and at Day of Service as well. I truly enjoy being able to have the chance to give my time to good causes and organizations that help make a difference within San Antonio!"
-Alondra Castillo, VOICES Project Coordinator 2022-2023
In 2022, Roadrunners provided 5,102 hours of services to more than 54 community partners in the San Antonio area. The alternative break trips over the last three years have focused on LGBTQIA+ advocacy, environmental justice and conservation, AIDS awareness and affordable housing, children with special needs, and restoration from the effects of hurricanes.
Through generous gifts from previous Giving Day events, these experiences have been free to participating students. Donations from this year’s campaign will be used to continue providing these immersive experiences by funding meals, transportation, and housing costs for trip participants, as well as the cost of adding additional community service projects to expand our program.
Give today to help VOICES and LVS expand their efforts supporting roadrunners as they meet a community need, get a deeper understanding of a social issue, and leave UTSA with a better understanding of how to be a life-long active citizen in our greater communities.
Celebrate 30 years of VOICES with a donation of $30 to service opportunities and alternative breaks!
- Students who come by the VOICES office to donate $5 on Giving Day will receive a unique donor sticker
- For every $30 the Services Opportunities and Alternative Breaks earns, a VOICES officer will get a pie in the face right outside the office on Giving Day. Photos will be posted on the VOICES Instagram.
Service Opportunities and Alternative Breaks, Multicultural Events, and Wellbeing and Mental Health Initiatives are connected to two Giving Day 2023 challenges:
- Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students LT Robinson will cosplay a Disney Villain chosen by students if we reach a combined 75 total donors to these funds on the last day of class for Spring 2023. If we reach a combined 120 total donors to these funds, she will cosplay again with a character during Roadrunner Days.
- If these projects receive 60 donations of any amount, it will unlock an anonymous donation of $10,000 to the Birds Up for Barry fund, which supports Student Affairs programs, events, and traditions.
