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!

“Boss Ladies” produced by Red Label Media Group is the newest project to join the growing list of reality tv shows. Unlike any other show, Boss Ladies follows the trials and tribulations of 5 transgendered women hoping to open their own boutique on Rodeo Dr. in Los Angeles, California. Based out of Atlanta these women each bring their own unique personalities and stories to the project. Not much information has been revealed as to what station the show will be featured on, but more info should be available within the upcoming weeks. The show is said to be a mix of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and “Project Runway”. Check out 3 of the 5 ladies introduction video below.

For more information goto: Boss Ladies Official Website

Meet Nadia
You might remember Nadia from the rumors swirling around that she was Bow Wow’s “Special Friend”. She is always on the Los Angeles and Atlanta making things happen. She is a fashion designer and makeup artist.

Meet Tempress
The sassy head bitch in charge is one of those grandiose diva that likes to work for the camera.

Meet Londyon
A former Morehouse College student (Get Into That!) and creative director of Shoecrush.com she is legendary in Atlanta and in many fashion circles.

Recorded on February 1st, 2010, in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier (Henson Recording Studios) ” We Are The World 25 For Haiti” premiered tonight (2/12/10) on NBC’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The recording of “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” is said to embody the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose and generosity as the original recording 25 years ago.  Take a look at the video for the recording below.

For more information on this recording and on how you can still help, Click here: #Haiti

For a list of the participants in the re-recording, Click here: #World25

Ryan

Follow me on Twitter: @Goldmind82

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has named Beyoncé as the official face of their limited-edition “Fashion For Haiti” T-shirt. The charitable tee features black and lime green graphics designed by Peter Arnell, who also created the CFDA’s iconic “Fashion for America” mended heart T-shirt that raised $2 million dollars following 9/11 for the Twin Towers Fund. As the spokesperson for “Fashion For Haiti,” Beyoncé has a message for all fashionistas: “Join me and the fashion industry by buying and wearing the Fashion for Haiti T-shirt. Together we can send a message of hope by raising much needed funds for the people of Haiti.” In addition to Beyoncé, fashion designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger and more are rallying to promote the $25 knit. The CFDA will donate the net proceeds from each T-shirt to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Look for the tee to hit shops and e-boutiques on February 16. For more information and a full list of stores, visit CFDA.com.

Ryan

Follow me on Twitter: @Goldmind82

The New Orleans Saints win the 44th Super Bowl overtaking the Indianapolis Colts in a 31-17 victory in Miami’s Sun Life Stadium!!

If you were out in the streets of South Beach (Miami) this past weekend like I was, you might have felt like you were on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras. In what has been a weekend packed with concerts, special events and parties, it all was just a precursor to tonight’s 44^th Super Bowl game pinning the New Orleans Saints against the Indianapolis Colts.

By halftime the game could have gone either way. It wasn’t until Saints cornerback Tracy Porter stepped in front of Peyton Manning’s pass intended for Reggie Wayne, intercepted it, and returned the pick 74 yards for a touchdown to give New Orleans a 31-17 lead with 3:12 minutes remaining in the game that it became pretty evident who would be victorious. The Colts were unable to come back in the final minutes, giving New Orleans its first ever Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Kicking off the game between the Saints and Colts was Actress, Singer/Rapper Queen Latifah who sang “America the Beautiful.” American Idol winner and Country/Pop music superstar, Carrie Underwood sang the National Anthem. The halftime show featured English rock and Grammy Award winning band “The Who” whose song “My Generation” was recently selected for preservation in the U.S.’s National Registry.

Here is a video of Queen Latifah and Carrie Underwood’s performances.

During the Vince Lombardi trophy ceremony, quarterback Drew Brees was named Super Bowl XLIV MVP.

With Mardi Gras just days away, I can just imagine the kind of party it will be this year as the Saints bring the Super Bowl trophy home to New Orleans! Let’s Geaux Saints!!

Ryan

Follow me on twitter : @Goldmind82

We received this in our  email a littler earlier today. For all you thriving gay rality stars you may want t check out this cating call!

CASTING CALL:

Announcing a special audition for a pilot promo for the reality television series, “Road Trip!” Directed by Jamal Simmons and Producing Director J. Tebias Perry.

MTV’s “Real World” meets “Amazing Race” with “Jerry Springer” drama, as the lives of eight varied members from the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Trans-Gender/Trans-Sexual and Questioning (LGBTQ) community must travel together from Atlanta to San Francisco. Along the way, they will also work as a unit for various non-profit, service-oriented organizations in each state
to help inspire equal rights and global tolerance. In this pilot promo the (prospective) cast is introduced to our targeted demographic.

AUDITION DETAILS:

This casting call will be held from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2010, located at:

1755 The Exchange SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
Come to the second floor!

*No appointments are necessary.

Actors are asked to arrive early to fill out a contact and conflict form. Please bring a current picture and a resume. Be prepared to be interviewed on and off camera.

Good Luck!

The Finding Me cast and crew recently taped their “Citizens of the World” PSA video for their upcoming Haiti Clothing & Food Relief Drive in an effort to encourage fans and viewers to unit for the cause.

Produced by OMEProductions CEO, Director, Writer and Producer Roger Omens, Jr, the PSA video was released via The Finding Me blog yesterday (02/02/10) and includes many of the cast members and crew from the popular Drama movie. The focus of the PSA addresses that the Haiti disaster is not just a regional or one country emergency but an emergency that calls for people to drop their thoughts of being a “Citizen of a Country” and to be a “Citizen of the World”.

Those who would like to participate in the Drive can bring clean and gently used clothes, canned food, can openers, shoes, health care items, linens, and toys this Sunday, February 7th to The Pier 59 Studios in Chelsea Piers, NY. Light refreshment will be served and a minimum of 3 donated items are requested for admission.

The cast is currently in production to the follow-up sequel of Finding Me “Finding Me | The Truth” which is scheduled to be out later this summer.

For more info on the “Citizens of the World” log on to http://omeproductionsblog.wordpress.com/.

For more info on “Finding Me” log on to http://findingmetruth.wordpress.com/.

Tonight (1/27/10) President Barack Obama delivered his first State of the Union Address in which he touched on subjects such as unemployment, the economy, a proposed government spending freeze, education, tax cuts/incentives for small businesses, health care, Haiti and gay rights (specifically the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy) among others.

If you have been following his administration the last few months, you know that he has had a few set backs and his approval rating is at an all-time low at  88% among Democrats and 23% among Republicans (lowest for any president in his first year in office). This speech was very important to both the American people watching and the people in attendance.

I think the underlining theme of his speech was that he was elected as the agent of CHANGE and that it continues to be his mission despite the set backs.

Here is a clip of President Obama discussing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rule…

Click here for the entire speech.

Ryan

Follow me on Twitter: @Goldmind82

BET will be hosting a very special SOS Saving Ourselves: Help for Haiti Benefit in Miami, FL on Friday, February 5 at the American Airlines Arena during the Super Bowl weekend.

The show will be hosted by Queen Latifah and Sean Combs and will air live on BET, Centric, MTV, and VH1 beginning at 8pm. So far, BET has confirmed that Mary J Blige, Justin Bieber, Ludacris, Robin Thicke, and Pharrll Williams will be a part of the 3 hour telecast. Considering that it’s Superbowl weekend, I’m sure there will be plenty more major entertainers and celebrities that will be added to the event.

BET chose Miami due to it’s close proximity to Haiti and the fact that Miami is home to the largest Haitian-American population. Prices for the event have not been revealed yet but tickets will be available via www.ticketmaster.com.

Pop/R&B diva Beyonce has been one of many to be added to the “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief” telethon/telecast. She, along with hubby Jay-Z and Rihanna will be performing in London for the telethon. Artist such as Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Sting, Jennifer Hudson, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and many others will be performing in the U.S. for the telecast portion.

Well this should be entertaining, there are soooo many acts! I like that we as a nation can come together on things such as a natural disaster but if only that could transcend into everyday issues. That would be a blessing and a miracle for us all. Make sure you tune in to watch. Here is a list of channels that will broadcast the telethon/telecast on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and 7:00 p.m. CT:

“Hope for Haiti Now” will air across ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, CMT, PBS, TNT, Showtime, COMEDY CENTRAL, Bravo, E! Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, CENTRIC, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, EPIX, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health, Planet Green, CNN en Espanol, HBO Latino, and Canadian networks including CBC Television, CTV, Global Television, and MuchMusic.  The event will be live streamed online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, CNN.com, MTV.com, VH1.com, and Rhapsody and on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and FloTV. “Hope for Haiti Now” will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic, and MTV Networks International, which is available in 640 million homes worldwide.  ”Hope for Haiti Now” will be available non-exclusively to all terrestrial radio stations around the globe and SIRIUS XM Radio as a one time only radio broadcast via the MTV Radio Network and Westwood One.

Jake Jacobs VI

Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI