AIDS Ambassadors

Statement of Interest, 2011-2012 Thanks for showing interest in being part of 2011-2012 AIDS Ambassadors. By now, we hope you have a good idea of who we are and what we do! AIDS Ambassadors at UCLA is an organization composed of undergraduate students from disciplines across the entire campus, who are joined in their passion for changing the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Los Angeles. We work together with the UCLA Art | Global Health Center, the UCLA AIDS Institute, PEP/LA, and other organizations (UCLA and non-UCLA affiliated) to address various health-related and social aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Most commonly, we visit local high schools, continuation schools, and youth correctional facilities, where we engage teenagers in a classroom setting in an effort to inform and educate in an interactive, fun, safe peer environment. We focus on educating youth about the risks of unprotected sex, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections and diseases, while at the same time de-stigmatizing these uncomfortable topics. Our teaching program focuses on providing tools and resources for self-empowerment in order to allow students to protect themselves, and to take action in their communities. We aim to relate information in a number of ways including, but not limited to peer education, art, facilitated discussion, interactive activities, and role-playing. We will be requiring and enforcing the following of all members, so please keep these in mind when considering your interest in AIDS Ambassadors: Minimum membership requirements: 1. Commitment to AIDS Ambassadors through the entire 3-quarter academic year (and potentially participation in summertime recruitment efforts). Most memberships will begin Fall Quarter, and active participation will be expected through the end of Spring quarter. 2. Attendance at a minimum of 2 classroom presentations per quarter. Every effort will be made to schedule presentations conveniently, and most are on Fridays. Please remember, the primary purpose of our group is these in-school teachings. 3. Regular attendance at general meetings; participation in retreat(s), trainings, and AIDS Ambassadors-sponsored events, as available. Certain events, such as training retreats, will have more stringent expectation of attendance than others. 4. Prior to being scheduled for presentations, members will be trained from the AIDS Ambassadors handbook, covering important information about HIV/AIDS, commonly asked questions, etc. Each member must pass a quiz on this material, indicating their understanding. Other Expectations: 1. Members are expected to go beyond minimum requirements. For example, going to as many presentations as fits their schedule, and attending publicity events such as tabling or flyering. 2. If an event/general meeting is going to be missed, Directors must be notified via email at least a day before. If more than two consecutive events are missed without reasonable prior explanation, it will be assumed that member has withdrawn from the group. 3. If any member fails to meet the membership requirements/expectations, they will be asked to meet with executive directors to discuss their situation. Continuity and cohesion within the group are vital to our success!

Please respond to the following questions on a separate sheet, and submit via email to AIDSAmbassadors@gmail.com. Please include your full name, email address, and phone number at the top of the email. (If you prefer to submit your responses in-person, please email us so that we can make arrangements with you.) 1. What motivates you to be part of AIDS Ambassadors? 2. Do you have any experience related to the work AIDS Ambassadors does (e.g. HIV/AIDS education, classroom teaching experience, etc)? 3. What is your time commitment like during the 2011-2012 school year? Are you able to fulfill all the requirements stated above? 4. Any other information you would like us to have? The Directors will confirm receipt of your Statement of Interest via email as soon as possible after receipt. Within the first few weeks of the fall quarter, we will be arranging times for both new and returning members to meet with one or two of the Directors, in an effort to reaffirm interest and to get to know you personally! Thanks again for your interest in AIDS Ambassadors! We look forward to an even more productive 2011-12!