ACT e-Bulletin, Vol. 4 No. 2

The ACT e-Bulletin May/June 2009 Thank you for subscribing to the AIDS Committee of Toronto's e-Newsletter. We hope you enjoy our news! If you'd prefer not to receive the e-bulletin by email, simply click the unsubscribe link at the bottom.

ACT's new Executive Director: Hazelle Palmer

Dear friends of ACT: I am thrilled to be the new Executive Director of the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT).  I began on April 14th, and through my initial meetings with volunteers and staff, and after further briefings on the agency's history, my respect and admiration for the accomplishments of ACT have surpassed my expectations. It is an amazing organization, and I am honoured to join the team. I come to this position after eight years as the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Toronto, a pro-choice community health centre dedicated to sexual and reproductive health. I have also had the privilege of volunteering with a number of organizations that have enhanced my knowledge and appreciation of the work of community-based organizations and institutions. They include Hassle Free Clinic, Springtide Resources (formerly Education Wife Assault), the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health and Women's College Hospital. Throughout my career, I have sought to work for organizations that are committed to and passionate about making a difference in people's lives, that focus on improving the social determinants of health, and identify and champion equity as one of their organizational values. ACT embodies all of these aspects, and I am energized and excited to learn as I get settled in to this position. I look forward to working together with all of you as we continue the fight against HIV/AIDS in our communities through prevention and support. Sincerely, Hazelle Palmer Executive Director

Date changed: Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life

The date has been changed to: Sunday, September 13th, 2009. This is when we Walk for Life again (for real, this time)! So now update your calendar, mark your iPhone and Blackberry, create a Facebook event, make a note in Google calendar, post it on Twitter. Whatever you do, just don't forget this new date! Get your walking shoes ready.  Let's make this another year to remember!  For more information, please contact Adrienne at agiroux@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 257. Our website will be launching soon so check back at www.aidswalkforlifetoronto.ca

ACT named Honoured Group at Pride 2009!

We would like to extend our thanks to community members who voted to recognize the AIDS Committee of Toronto as the 2009 Toronto Pride Parade's Honoured Group.  Many worthy groups were nominated for this honour, and over 500 ballots were cast at the Pride Toronto general meeting. As part of this recognition, we will be leading the parade, which takes place on Sunday, June 28th.  If you'd like to join us at the head of the parade this year, please contact Sergio at smartinez@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 224. What a great way to end our 25th year!

15 years of serving men: Gay Men's Outreach

2009 marks the 15th anniversary of Gay Men's Outreach (GMO) as a formally funded program of the AIDS Committee of Toronto.  The various programs of GMO now reach more than 200,000 gay men annually! This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the innovative programming and responses to the changing nature of gay men's sexual health over the years. To kick off the "gay15" project, we are hosting a Community Forum: Conversations from the Front Lines, featuring GMO staff and volunteers from the past and present. Monday, June 1, 2009 7 to 9 p.m. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre Join us for a provocative discussion about the new realities of HIV and sexual health for gay men in Toronto.  Where we've come from.  Where we are.  Where we're going. Also look out for our upcoming anniversary condom/lube packs and a special Gay Men's Outreach contingent in the Pride Parade.  For more information, contact Duncan at dmaclachlan@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 254.

ACT presents "Stubblejumper" at Inside Out

Attention all film lovers!  ACT is presenting a film at this year's Inside Out, Toronto's LGBT Film and Video Festival. Stubblejumper, directed by David Geiss, is a compelling docudrama on the life and work of Doug Wilson, an early pioneer in the fight for LGBT rights in Canada. Screening: Monday, May 18, 2009 4:30 p.m. Isabel Bader Theatre Doug Wilson, the subject of this film, is also featured on the cover of the current issue of Xtra!  In 1988, after becoming the first openly gay federal political candidate in Canada, Wilson and his partner were both diagnosed with AIDS during the election campaign.  The film follows Doug Wilson's life of activism from Saskatchewan to Toronto. Join us at the screening!  To purchase tickets, visit www.insideout.ca, call 416.967.1528, or visit Inside Out in person at 2 Carlton Street, West Mezzanine. A limited number of free tickets are available for Inside Out screenings to people living with HIV/AIDS.  For more information, please email us at ask@actoronto.org or call 416.340.2437

Sound of Music discount for ACT supporters

During the month of May, Mirvish Productions is offering friends of ACT a 25% discount on select performances of the Sound of Music!  Plus, five dollars from each ticket will be donated to the AIDS Committee of Toronto. To take advantage of this special offer, go to the website www.soundofmusictoronto.com and use code SOMPRIDE. On Sunday, May 24th, you can also step on to the stage and perform your favourite song or scene from the musical at Sound of Music Night at Woody's (467 Church St, Toronto), hosted by Miss Conception.  You could win round-trip airfare aboard Air Canada.  Prizes will also be given out for best costume! If you would like more information, please contact Jim at jbilling@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 255.

Open Art Studio Nights for people with HIV/AIDS
Come and explore your creative side and spend time with others at Open Art Studio Nights.  All skill levels welcome!  Hosted by Sheila Hannon, DTATI, Visual Artist and Art Therapist. Thursday, May 14th and Thursday, May 28th 6 to 8 p.m. 399 Church Street, 2nd Floor, Room 220 Advance registration is required.  To register, please contact Kate at kmurzin@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 283.

Employment Action: New website!

We are pleased to launch the new website for Employment Action, a program of the AIDS Committee of Toronto to help people living with HIV enter or re-enter the workforce. www.employmentaction.org The website includes extensive information for both employers and job-seekers, from testimonials for the program to an outline of skills upgrading classes. Employment Action is a unique project and the first of its kind in Canada.  We support HIV-positive people throughout every step of the employment process - from searching for a job to upgrading skills and even job retention. We also work with employers to find candidates with the skills and experience that match what they're looking for. If you or someone you know could be helped by this program, please email solutions@employmentaction.org or call 416.623.1782.

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! Our next party will be held on Wednesday, May 20th from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  We will also have a special Pride condom stuffing party on June 17th at the same time. All are welcome to attend condom stuffing parties, and no registration is required. Drop by and join us! For further details, check www.actoronto.org/condomstuffing or contact Wilson Ho at who@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 275.

Towel Talk: Bathhouse Counselling

ACT is proud to introduce a new program we are offering in bathhouses around Toronto. Towel Talk: Bathhouse Counselling Intervention is a pioneering program with professional counsellors right in the bathhouse! To view a calendar of when the counsellor is in, or for more information about the program, please visit: www.actoronto.org/toweltalk or contact Marco at mposadas@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 289.

What's new in the ACT Library

Want to learn more about HIV/AIDS in Toronto and the community response? Visit the ACT Library - the largest of its kind in North America - to check out these reports recently added to our collection. You can also view some of these reports online. Who feels it knows : the challenges of HIV prevention for young black women in Toronto / written by Shani Robertson ; copy editor Monika Goodluck ; graphic design and layout, Frantz Brent- Harris, 2007. REF 305.8 ROB WHO 2007 Communicable diseases in Toronto 2007 / David McKeown [for Toronto Public Health], 2008. GEN 614.59 COM TPH 2008 [Link] The view from the front lines : summary and preliminary analysis of data provided by community-based HIV/AIDS services in Ontario : 2001/02 to 2005/06 / a collaborative project of the AIDS Bureau, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Region, 2007. REF 362.108 VIE AID 2007 [Link] Building bridges : an analysis and summary of the HIV/AIDS community planning initiative in Ontario / AIDS Bureau, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2007. REF 362.108 BUI AID 2007 [Link] To keep up to date with what's new in the library, visit our catalogue or see our "What's new" postings every month at www.actoronto.org/library.

Information Board Network gets a makeover!

The AIDS Committee of Toronto's Information Board Network consists of more than 25 locations in Toronto throughout the gay community and beyond.  This long-standing community outreach network provides sexual health information as well as promotion of prevention campaigns, ACT programs and services, and fundraising events. We have rebranded our boards with a new look and a new name: Info Centre.  Our newest community partner is Priape.  Look for the Info Centre as you enter the store. If you have a suggestion for an Info Centre location or would like more information about the network, please contact Duncan MacLachlan at dmaclachlan@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 254

Spring 2009 Volunteer Outreach Training

Joint Volunteer Outreach Training equips volunteers for three primary program areas at ACT: Gay Men's Outreach, Portuguese-speaking Men's Outreach, and Harm Reduction Outreach for Gay Men and Youth. The training builds on the basics established in Core Skills Training, to apply specifically to outreach volunteer work.  It includes a practical component on the street, in bars and clubs, and the ever-popular field trip to the Hassle Free Clinic. New this spring, bound training manuals will be produced for training participants and partner agencies. Spring 2009 training dates are May 27th, 30th, and June 3rd, 5th and 6th.  For more information, please contact Duncan at dmaclachlan@actoronto.org or 416.340.8484 x 254.

donate

Help ACT by making a secure, on-line donation. All donations are tax receiptable.

what's on

• Toronto Franc Parler présente: Votre A venir financier, Mardi 7 Février de 18h à 20h
• Totally outRIGHT - Leadership workshops for young gay/bi/queer guys: starts in 2012
• Support Groups for People living with HIV: New group members are welcome!
• Community Health Forum - HIV and the effects of other conditions: Wednesday February 15, 2012
• GPS: A confidential group for HIV-positive gay men

further reading

Home / About ACT : e-Bulletins / ACT e-Bulletin, Vol.

Search