Alternative Reading Week
Alternative Reading Week (ARW) 2026: February 17 – 20
Join hundreds of University of Toronto students volunteering with local community organizations during your winter reading week. As you work in your project team, you’ll make meaningful contributions to communities, build new relationships and deepen your understanding of social issues in our city. ARW offers both virtual and in-person opportunities, allowing you to build your network and gain valuable experience. You will also be eligible for CCR credit for your participation.
All UTSG students are eligible to take part.
Three ways to participate
Become a Project Leader
Lead a group of your peers to complete a project that supports the work of a local community.
Commitment includes monthly training from October – January and approximately 26-28 hours during Reading Week, total commitment of approximately 40-45 hours.
Learn with your peers during monthly skills development workshops and liaise with community partners to coordinate project details. You will lead a small group to work together on a project that supports the work of your community partner. You will earn CCR credit for your participation.
Training topics include:
- Working with Community Organizations
- Leadership and Group Facilitation
- Principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Project Management
Register for Alternative Reading Week on Folio and select the project leader role.
Register as a Participant
As a Project Participant in ARW, you will join a group of your peers to complete a project that supports the work of a local community organization. Contribute your time and talents to building vibrant communities across Toronto.
Approximately 26-28 hours commitment.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Make new friends and collaborate with team members
- Contribute to important community priorities
- Develop your professional skills and network
- Learn about the community sector and social issues in Toronto
- Earn CCR credit for your participation
Both project leaders and participants are required to participate in a project launch the morning of February 17, and attend either an in-person or online Reflection Session on the afternoon of February 20 in order to be eligible for CCR credit.
Register for Alternative Reading Week on Folio and select the participant role.
Register as a Student Group
As a Student Group in ARW, you will join forces with a project leader to complete a project that supports the work of a local community organization. Spend Reading Week with your friends doing meaningful work.
Approximately 26-28 hours commitment.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Demonstrate your skills and abilities through project participation
- Network with community sector professionals and earn CCR credit
- Build connections and strengthen teamwork within your group
- Contribute to meaningful community priorities across Toronto
Gather a group of 4–10 students who want to collaborate on a community project during ARW 2026. Your group could be a team, a club, a residence community or a group of friends who want to spend Reading Week together.
Both project leaders and student groups are required to participate in a project launch the morning of February 17, and attend either an in-person or online Reflection Session on the afternoon of February 20 to be eligible for CCR credit.
To register as a group, please complete the group registration form.
The deadline for student group registration is December 10, 2025.
