In the Blog
Volunteering is hot
This summer the XVI International Aids Conference is happening in Toronto (Aug 13-18) and the women’s march committee is looking for volunteers for the Women & Girls Rally and March (Aug 14).
This is a pressing issue. As an e-mail from the committee states: “Globally, women comprise almost 50% of adults living with HIV. Nearly 25 years into the epidemic, gender inequality and the low status of women remain two of the principal drivers of HIV. Yet current AIDS responses do not, on the whole, tackle the social, cultural and economic factors that put women at risk of HIV and that unduly burden them with the epidemic’s consequences.”
“The purpose of this march is to demonstrate support for women and girls infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, to raise awareness of issues related to women and girls and HIV and to urge world leaders and other key stakeholders to act now.”
Speakers at the rally include: Louise Binder, Blueprint for Action on Women and Girls and HIV/AIDS, Stephen Lewis, UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Violeta Ross Quiroga, International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS, Dr. Helene Gayle, President, International AIDS Society & CEO, CARE USA and Kecia Larkin, Red Road HIV/AIDS Network. Posawawajek ‘Echo Singers’ Drummers will perform.
They need folks to volunteer in the following areas: 1. Promotion (flyer distribution)* 2. Placard Construction & Banner Making* 3. Memory Flag Installation* 4. Marshals 5. Placard Distribution 6. T-Shirt Table 7. Water table 8. Media/Speakers Table 9. Chant Leaders
*These volunteers will be needed in the days prior to the march.
If you’re interested send an email to Venus Yam, Volunteer Coordinator (venus.yam at gmail dot com) with your name, age, phone number, email, and your top three volunteer preferences. Please include the dates and/or times from August 10-14 that you are available. If you are volunteering as a marshal, please indicate whether or not you have experience marshalling.
