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.

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/.

As you all know, Haiti is recovering from one of the most devastating earthquakes in history. With the disaster, the time has now come to rebuild Haiti and the work that will be required to do this will take much man power and time. We were made aware of a contractor based out of Maryland, ACET, INC, that are now hiring immediately for those who are interested in going over to Haiti to help rebuild. These are NOT Voluntary positions. Please read the letter below from ACET and if interested apply! Additionaly, if you know someone who would be interested please refer this article to them.

HAITI Greetings,

ACET, Inc. has received an immediate request to provide assistance to
the devastation from the recent earthquake that has befallen the nation
of Haiti. We are looking for anyone interested in going to Haiti to help
for a 3- 6 month period.  There are no particular skills sets defined at
this point, except the willingness to help wherever needed. We will be
presenting folks and highlighting their unique skills and trade
qualifications, so if the opportunity to help in your area exists – it
will be noted and presented. As you can well imagine, any skill that you
may have – can be of great help.

Typical skill sets needed:
Carpenters
Masons
Electricians
Medical Personnel
Communications
Builders
Heavy Equipment Operators
Plumbers
Logistics
Etc.

THIS IS NOT A VOLUNTEER REQUEST – you will be paid for the work you do.
This is a temporary employment assignment that will include travel,
expenses, remuneration with an understanding that housing accommodations
will be very basic.  All that is needed at this point is a passport or
ability to obtain one ASAP.

If you are seriously interested or know of someone who would be
interested – please email me back ASAP or forward this email,  and I
will provide more details for you at that time.
This is a unique opportunity to make a difference to the people of
Haiti!

Onekqua Beverly
Corporate Recruiter/Security Specialist
ACET, Inc.
301-861-5023 (Office)
301-885-3199 (Fax)
otbeverly@adamscomm.com
www.adamscomm.com<http://www.adamscomm.com/>

Over the weekend, Mariah Carey performed  at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas. During her performance, Mariah also played host to a surprise marriage proposal for Mathew Almeida from his fiance Maurie Sherman.

According to VegasBlogs, Maurie had spoken with Mariah’s management to arrange the stage proposal and did not know whether it was going to happen until 5 minutes before the show.

While it is not legal for gay couples to marry in Vegas, there is no law that does not say you can’t make a proposal in Vegas. The Couple will officially tie the knot in Toronto, Canada where gay marriage is legal.

How sweet! Let me get in contact with Mary J Blige for my proposal! Hmmmph…

Last night was a big night in Washington, DC for the LGBT community as two of the biggest stars, Lady Gaga and President Barack Obama, were guest at the Human Rights Campaign’s 13th Annual National Dinner.

President Obama was tapped as the guest speaker of the night and in his first address to a big gay rights group since his Presidency, Obama vowed to end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military rule and also reiterated his support to eventually repeal the marriage act. Obama’s speech was met with a standing ovation although many of the LGBT supporters who voted him in office had lost confidence in President Obama since his presence in the Oval office. With issues like the economy, health care, the Afghan war, and climate control, many feel that President Obama has put Gay and Lesbian agendas on a backburner. The dinner last night was partially aimed in pressuring Obama and congress to start taking action.

Before making his speech, President Obama joked, “It’s a priveledge to open tonight for Lady Gaga, I’ve made it”. Hmmmm, damn Kanye, I guess you’re really not needed for real!!! Lady Gaga performed John Lenons “Legend” last night in honor of the night. (Video Below)

President Obama’s speech was aired last night on CNN. Check the videos out below.