Spots still available for public service travel program

A participatory glimpse into day-to-day life on an American Indian reservation or in a West Virginia coal-mining town will be available this year to the general public, and to UW–Madison students, alumni, faculty and staff.

The university’s Service and Learning Adventure (SALA) program plans to send two travel teams to Browning, Mont., and another to Beards Fork, W.Va in August. Each of the trips still has room for additional participants.

SALA is a cooperate effort of WAA, the Morgridge Center for Public Service, the Wisconsin Union, Division of Continuing Studies, University Communications and the Office of the Chancellor.

Two teams will visit a Montana Blackfeet reservation. From Aug. 17-24 or Aug. 24-31, travelers will live on the reservation and help with prenatal care, teen counseling, diabetes education and other tasks. The SALA program was inaugurated last year with two trips to Browning. Journal excerpts from those team members and a Quick-Time video inspired by their personal experiences is available online.

Another team will visit Beards Fork, W.Va. from Aug. 23-31. Those travelers will make home repairs, tutor local children and increase recreational opportunities by working in a community park.

According to analysts, service travel is one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry. While a number of universities offer service travel, it usually is limited to particular members of the community, such as alumni, or students and faculty in a particular class. On the other hand, SALA offers its volunteers a wide-open opportunity to work side-by-side with members of the host communities, and puts the Wisconsin Idea of reaching out into personal focus.

“UW-Madison has long been known for its tradition of education and service, and we’re proud to be able to facilitate a way for individuals to benefit others in a true exchange of ideas and culture,” says Paula Bonner, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA). “SALA beautifully illustrates the Wisconsin Idea.”

For trip availability, costs and other information, contact WAA at (608) 262-2551 or visit the SALA Web site.