1. How and when did the Youth Action Institute get started?
The Youth Action Institute was established five years ago (2005) alongside the creation of the non-profit organization, The Campaign to End AIDS. They wanted to have youth representation of the organization. It began with young activists who had an interest in HIV/AIDS awareness & prevention who formed the Youth Caucus. They identified the disparity of services & attention being shed on HIV/AIDS as it relates to youth/young adults and wanted something to be done. Youth HIV/AIDS infection rates were continuing to rise at an alarming rate. They decided to stand up and take action. They saw a need for a re-birth in activism. They hoped that in forming the YAI it would serve as a annual training and meeting to prepare the next generation of activists. At that time, there was no initiative similar to it. At the first YAI, there were 100 attendees. The Youth Caucus works year-round in HIV/AIDS activism. The efforts of the Youth Caucus are guided by the elected co-chairs. The 2009-2010 Youth Caucus Co-Chairs are Kimberly Jefferson & Anthony Roberts, Jr.
2. What are some of the Youth Action Institute’s accomplishments?
Over the past 5 years, here are other accomplishments:
* Here’s are two article that highlights our efforts last year while in Berkley, CA. The rally was planned in only 3 days. http://www.housingworks.org/news-press/detail/youth-take-to-the-streets/ http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/107685.
* 2006, Youth Caucus held a seat on the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on AIDS. It’s held every 5 years.
* Last year, 3 members of the Youth Caucus were invited to the White House Town Hall Meeting with the Office of National AIDS Policy in Washington, D.C.
* Youth Caucus members have formed an LGBTQQI Caucus within the Campaign to End AIDS
* Youth Caucus members organized & attended HIV/AIDS community conversation meetings in conjunction with the Office of National AIDS Policy in Puerto Rico, Michigan & D.C.
* Youth Caucus members have presented at national & international conferences and forums such Sex::Tech
* Youth Caucus members have been Safe Sites with the Great American Condom Campaign
* Youth Caucus members have served as planning members of national/international HIV/AIDS groups & organizations.
* Youth Caucus members have helped develop the youth programming in Mexico & Austria with the International AIDS Conference
* 4 Youth Caucus members also been members of the UK Students Stop AIDS speaking tour.
* Youth Caucus has worked with MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation.
* Youth Caucus members participate in demonstrations/protests on a local to national level
3. Who are the Youth Action Institute’s target groups?
The YAI targets youth and young adult populations in the U.S. & abroad. We have representation from a large number of states and outer-lining countries.
4. What are the requirements to get into the Youth Action Institute?
Anyone can participate (between the ages of 16 and 26) and is encouraged to apply, regardless of past experience working on HIV and AIDS issues. If you’re passionate about working to end AIDS, then you qualify. The Campaign To End AIDS especially encourages people living with HIV and AIDS, women, and people of color to apply.
5. How much does the Youth Action Institute cost?
YAI participants are asked to raise $600 towards the cost of the Institute, travel, and stipends during your project. (A signed commitment will be part of your application.) C2EA will provide basic guidance and support through dedicated oversight from the field organizing staff; we’ll get you in touch and keep you in touch with someone who can help you through the rough spots and help you celebrate the victories. And we’re committed to providing stipends to help with food and travel during your summer project.
Travel expenses, food, and lodging will be covered for the entire stay. The only cost is the $600 we are asking participants and their partnering organization work together to raise to defray the cost of the institute. You and your partner organization will be expected to present a plan for a summer project by April 1 and fundraising by May 1, when it will be confirmed that you are coming. By March 21, all participants will have either raised the $600 or have an approved plan to have the funds raised in hand by the beginning of the institute.
6. Where does the Youth Action Institute’s vision sit with the long term goals of the C2EA’s vision?
YAI’s vision is in alignment with C2EA’s vision as we collaboratively work together towards HIV/AIDS activism, awareness & prevention.
7. How will the Youth Action Institute’s fight to end AIDS/HIV be instilled into the participants?
Participates hear from field experts, other activists, community organizers and guest lecturers. They are given the tools, knowledge and guidance to further their individual efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. They learn about the history of HIV/AIDS, it’s current state in America and learn how we (youth) can collectively take action. The agenda will be finalized shortly before the conference, but will include 2-3 speakers per day, comprehensive trainings on advocacy, including media and action trainings, and organizing. After each day of teach-ins there will be opportunities for direct ways to apply the days learning. Participants will also have time to work with their partnering organizations on their ongoing projects. In addition, there will be time to brainstorm ideas with people from your region.
8. How can one fight to the end AIDS/HIV if they aren’t able to attend the Youth Action Institute, but still want to be a supporter/donor of the Youth Action Institute?
Sponsors and supports of YAI are essential to our efforts. Donations are encouraged and interested individuals should forward their contributions to:
CAMPAIGN TO END AIDS
YOUTH ACTION INSTITUTE 2010
727 15th Street NW Suite #210
Washington, DC 20009
Donations and sponsors help defray the cost to participants and allow us to provide individuals with scholarships who might not financially be able to attend YAI or raise their needed $600.00.
Although the deadline for application reads 2/23, applications will be accepted shortly after that deadline. Interested applicants should inform Anthony of their intention to apply. Applicants are encouraged to apply and fax their completed applications directly to Anthony Roberts, Jr., Youth Caucus Co-Chair at 1.888.274.6621. Questions regarding YAI can also be directed to him at that number of via e-mail at c2ea@arobertsjr.com. Youth between the ages of 18-26 may also join the Youth Caucus without attending YAI and can contact Anthony for more information, if interested.
Anthony Roberts, Jr.
National Youth Caucus Co-Chair ‘09-’10
Campaign To End Aids
P/F: 1.888.274.6621
E: c2ea@arobertsjr.com
W: www.c2ea.org
Don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything. Do something. Anything.
Colleen Patrick – Goudreau
Applications are now being accepted for the ‘10 C2EA YAI. Visit http://bit.ly/c2eayai for details!
