ACT e-Bulletin Vol. 3 No. 5
Jan./Feb. 2009 |
| SNAP! is back! |  |
Our 8th annual photography fundraiser for the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) promises to be the best one yet, showcasing works from both renowned and emerging artists. We are pleased to welcome Glen Baxter, host of In Fashion, reporter for FashionTelevisionChannel, and photographer, as our Honourary Chair. The SNAP! Photo Competition is Open All photographers - from amateur to professional - are invited to submit original works of photography or photo-based art. The competition closes on Friday, January 30; entries must be received by 5:00pm EST. The first 100 submissions will be entered to win an exclusive SNAP! Prize Package. Submission fee is $25 (per submission); all fees collected benefit ACT. Fast and easy online submission at: www.snap-toronto.com Your participation allows ACT to continue to deliver free programs and services to people living with, affected by, and at risk for HIV/AIDS, and to develop new initiatives to reduce the spread of HIV in our communities. Why enter? · Have your work viewed and judged by photography professionals. · Win fantastic prizes and gain industry recognition. · Support ACT's programs and services for people with HIV/AIDS and those at risk. Event details Sunday, March 1, 2009 National Ballet School (400 Jarvis Street, Toronto) Tickets SNAP! Pak $95, General Admission $65 5pm: SNAP! Pak VIP Cocktail Reception; Doors Open at 6pm Live Auction, Silent Auction, complimentary beverages & culinary delights SNAP!Stars Awards: selected from Image Art schools nationwide, sponsored by TD Canada Trust To purchase tickets visit: www.snap-toronto.com Want more information? SNAP! Hotline: 416.340.9255 or online: www.snap-toronto.com Questions about tickets: tickets@actoronto.org Competition: snapphoto@actoronto.org Media: Kelly Hechler at 416-982-2469 or kelly.hechler@td.com Sponsorship opportunities: Meredith Marr at mmarr@actoronto.org Volunteer opportunities: Jim Billing at jbilling@actoronto.org SNAP! 09 would like to acknowledge the generous support of: Dimensions Custom Framing, Elevator Digital, The Lowe Martin Group, Paradigm Public Relations, Tall Poppy Advertising and Design and Xtra! | |
| Positive Youth Outreach (PYO) Survey | |
Then we want to hear from you! Positive Youth Outreach (PYO) is doing a survey to find out what you think about the programs and services it offers. We also want to find out what kinds of information and services youth living with HIV are interested in, even if they've never used them before. Your survey answers will be kept confidential. Everyone who completes a survey will also be invited to enter their name for a chance to win an iPod. The survey will be available in the ACT office and online at www.positiveyouth.com from January 19 to February 20, 2009 and it will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. To access the survey online, visit www.positiveyouth.com. For more information about the survey, contact Angel Parks, PYO Program Coordinator at aparks@actoronto.org or at 416.340.8484 x 281. | |
| Recruiting participants for Exploring Choices | |
The group is part of a study that is being run by researchers and community service providers from the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), Casey House, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Ontario AIDS Bureau, St. Michael's Hospital and the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. We are now recruiting both HIV positive and negative guys, who identify as gay or bisexual, for groups beginning in late February. Men who take part in the study will be compensated for their time, and provided with TTC tokens for transportation to and from the meeting place. Eligibility details can be found by calling 416.535.8501 ext. 7188 or by email at exploringchoices@camh.net. | |
| Common Approaches to Hepatitis C and STIs | |
| In 2008, the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) received money from the federal government's Hepatitis C strategy to ramp up resources at ACT on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). A key result of the project would be the development of training models to ensure baseline expectations of knowledge levels on an agency-wide basis in regards to HCV and STIs, as well as putting in place additional useful resources around STIs and HCV. In addition to the agency's staff and volunteers, the project is also consulting with community partners outside of the agency to ensure that any resources developed for ACT can also be of use to other agencies doing similar work. Consultations have already started internally and externally, with more slated until the end of September. Based on pre-existing ACT core skills training, an initial pilot training has been conducted. In the process of doing the work, the project staff have also taken the opportunity to include more HCV and STI information in some resources that are being reprinted (such as the new BDSM pamphlet that is to be released), while flagging other resources for future reprints. While conducting a systemic review of ACT's resources, the project is taking the opportunity to update training and other resources on a large number of newly emerging issues in fields ranging from trans health issues to rapid HIV testing. The project is expected to end by April 2009, leaving a legacy of a better integrated common approach to these important sexual health issues, and ensuring ACT continues to work with current information in its programs and resources. For more information about this project, please contact Rui Pires at rpires@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 264. | |
| Condom Stuffing Parties | |
| Providing safer sex materials are an integral component of our community outreach. At condom stuffing parties (organised twice a month), volunteers meet up to package condoms, lubricant, and safer sex information in packs which are distributed during outreach and through our Condom Dispenser Network. In 2008, our volunteers put together over 75,000 condom-lube packs! All are welcome to attend condom stuffing parties, and no registration is required. Drop by and join us! Our next party is on Tuesday, January 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For further details, check www.actoronto.org/condomstuffing or contact Wilson Ho at who@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 275. | |
| Upcoming Community Health Forum | |
| Open discussions for people living with HIV/AIDS. Free admission. Registration is not required. Child care subsidy is available. A light buffet will be served. February 26: HIV Newly Diagnosed: Issues and Concerns, Disclosure Guest Speakers: Gordon Arbess, MD, CCFP. Primary HIV Health Care, 410 Sherbourne -- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto Buffet at 6:30 p.m. Presentation 7 - 9 p.m Where: Metro Toronto YMCA 20 Grosvenor Street (one block north of College, off Yonge) For more information about ACT Community Health Forums, please contact Robin Rhodes at 416.340.8484 ext. 219 or rrhodes@actoronto.org | |
