YouthCO AIDS Society offers support, training and education

A non-profit agency run by and for youth, YouthCO is Canada's only AIDS service organization working exclusively to meet the needs of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative youth (ages 15 to 29). YouthCO provides outreach, education, training and support to youth infected with, at risk for, and affected by HIV.

Support for HIV-positive Youth:

The Positive-Youth Outreach Program (POP) and Project 'SAFER' are two programs run by HIV-positive youth, for HIV-positive youth. They allow HIV-positive youth to identify their own support and advocacy needs. Both include regular social dinners, annual retreats, confidential support groups and the creation of resources. For more information call Ron at 808-7209.

Outreach & Education Programs:

Through the Speakers' Bureau, YouthCO provides innovative education to students, youth groups, and street-involved youth; and training for youth service providers and outreach workers. They also provide Information Centres at events such as concerts, festivals, fund raisers and performances. Their Theatre Project is an innovative, interactive way of getting people thinking and talking about the issues around youth and HIV/AIDS. They also publish a monthly newsletter called "Spicy."

Educational Training Programs:

YouthCO provides a variety of trainings to meet the diverse needs of volunteers and the community, including Core Training (an interactive forum which explores the basics of HIV/AIDS); Speaker's Bureau Training (which focuses on public speaking and group facilitation skills); Outreach Training (which prepares volunteers for outreach education) and Theatre Training (which uses a "form theatre/popular education" format).

YouthCO offers monthly workshops delivered by members of the local sexual health community, called "FIRESYDE Chats." Held at YouthCO from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on the third Wednesday of each month, FIRESYDE Chats address issues relating to youth, health, sexualities, and/or harm reduction. All youth are welcome to attend, and you don't need to have any prior knowledge or work experience around the discussion topic. To register or for more information, call Sheena at 688-1441.

Volunteer Program:

YouthCO has several educational initiatives that are primarily volunteer driven. To get involved, contact YouthCO and complete an application form. They'll call you to come in for an informal interview, during which you can discuss and choose your ideal volunteer placement. Once you've attended YouthCO's Core Training, you can start volunteering!