The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more american’s than ever are practicing “safer sex”. This means they are actually engaging in less “high risk for HIV” behavior, such as illicit drug use, multiple partners, or unprotected sex.

Use of condoms increased to 35% during 2006-2010 up from 30% in 2002.

The most important finding of the study is identifying which population groups are most at risk. For example, participants ages 20-24 are more likely to engage in one of the ten “risky behaviors”.

There’s no definitive reason for the decline in risky behavior, however this success could imply that the public health awareness campaigns are working.

Want to read more about this topic?

We suggest MSNBC’s article “High-Risk HIV Behavior Declines in US” or USA Today’s article “More Americans practice safe sex, CDC Reports”

Volunteer Program Manager

Job Description: SIC seeks a dynamic and organized individual to take leadership of Tanzania-based volunteer programs in rural villages.  This is an eight month position with possibility to extend.  The position in based in Arusha, Tanzania, but may require a long term stay (eight to ten weeks) in Babati town.

Responsibilities:

•         take overall responsibility for all Tanzania-based aspects of the development, planning, execution and evaluation of volunteer programs for international volunteers and Tanzanians, including to

•         develop relationships with local leaders, teachers, and other nongovernmental organizations

•         identify appropriate homestays

•         organize a ten day orientation seminar

•         manage transportation logistics

•         recruit, select, train and manage talented Tanzanian teaching partners

•         respond to health and safety concerns of volunteers

•         facilitate community-based events

•         compile program-related data for monitoring and evaluation

•         account appropriately for money used in the administration of the volunteer program and follow budget guidelines

•         participate in development of annual budgets for volunteer programs

•         work to improve the quality of SIC volunteer programs – both in terms of the quality of the volunteer experience, and the quality of services provided to target communities

•         select, train, supervise and support volunteer program coordinators to facilitate the program

•         communicate regularly with other SIC staff, especially the Program Officer and the Field Officers in whose wards volunteer programs take place

•         assist the SIC Tanzania Managing Director in supervising the smooth running of general SIC operations, especially the support of staff members while engaged in volunteer-related activities

•         contribute as appropriate to monthly and quarterly SIC reports and the SIC blog

•         participate in strategic planning meetings and conferences both internal and external

•         write Program Reports for each volunteer program, based on volunteer evaluations and staff input

•         perform any other tasks designated by the Tanzania Managing Director

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• · Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• · Experience living and working in a developing country and/or cross-cultural environment.
• · Swahili language skills preferred.
• · Strong organizational skills, and proven ability to multitask and to respond flexibly to changing situations.
• · Experience managing staff and/or volunteers.
• · Good people skills combined with strong leadership and ability to be tough when necessary.
• · Ability to live and work in areas with limited amenities
• · Driver’s License, experience with four wheel drive vehicles preferred.

Terms: Prefer the applicant is available to begin work May 1^st of 2012.  The position is compensated at a stipend level and resident permit costs are included.  International airfare included for those applying from outside Tanzania.

To apply: Submit cover letter and CV/resume to applications@sichange.org by February 11th, 2012.  Please title your email “Volunteer Program Manager Position”.

Be a part of SIC’s commitment to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS services in our partner communities. To start off the new year, we’re asking SIC alumni and friends to donate $12 for 2012.

Consider what just $12 can do:
- 650 condoms -
With just $12, we can provide condoms to a rural village for proper HIV prevention

- 25 bars of soap -
Soap, while seeming simple, is a key factor in increasing health standards in rural villages for HIV positive patients

- Fuel for patients visits in 3 villages -
Without transportation we couldn’t deliver supplies or support to our positive patients

- Monthly salary for a Community Health Worker-
Without our CHW’s, we wouldn’t have a working support system. They dedicate their time and efforts to our cause and deserve proper compensation.

-Train 2 hospital staff members in a remote area-
$12 makes it possible for staff members to attend a mobile care and treatment clinic in a remote area, who might not otherwise have access to these necessary skills

SIC relies on our donors€™ generosity to keep the programs you have come to know and love. We appreciate your participation and wish you the best in 2012.

TO DONATE AND LEARN MORE CLICK HERE

Tuko Pamoja Kuushinda UKIMWI!
We are united in the fight against AIDS!

Applications for the GHC’s next cycle are now available!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FULL TIME, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

FACE AIDS is seeking its next Executive Director. Founded in 2005, FACE AIDS is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a global movement of young leaders to fight HIV/AIDS and promote global health equity. Based in San Francisco with programs spanning the United States and Rwanda, FACE AIDS is a leading organization in the youth mobilization and global health space.

FACE AIDS is seeking an outstanding, dedicated leader to serve as its Executive Director beginning in spring 2012. The Executive Director will lead the strategic growth and development of FACE AIDS; secure funding to support its operations and programs; lead and manage staff members; and serve as the organization’s public face. The successful candidate will have deep passion for the organization’s mission and work, meaningful leadership experience with demonstrated results, significant experience with and capacity for fundraising and management, and the desire to be part of a dynamic, start-up work environment. The position is based in San Francisco, and requires a  multi-year commitment.

For information on how to apply and more details CLICK HERE

As you can see from other posts, SIC around the world was very busy! In addition to our events in Tanzania and Southhampton, check out what we’ve been doing Stateside…

Cornell’s SIC team hosted a bake sale.

Our lovely interns Kelly, Meghan, and Chloe manning the table

While at University of Arizona, SIC volunteers hosted an event complete with HIV testing

SIC volunteers Michael & Karlie working it for the camera!

U of A HIV Testing

Our Boston University SICers got involved on campus too!

Chloe tabling for WAD at Boston University

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More in SIC/ WAD in the news:

SIC’s World AIDS Day dance party event was mentioned in the Tuscon Weekly put on by our very own Jeremy Isajiw from VP 4. HUGE congratulations on the successful event!!

This New York Times article “Foreign Aid is Not a Rathole” by Ezekial Emanuel is especially relevant to our cause.  This past WAD, we have proof foreign assistance funds are making a difference.  Despite foreign aids bad reputation as a “rathole” or waste of resources/ money, we have clear proof that the measures taken by the United States and other countries to fight HIV, and other preventable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, are working. World AIDS Day this past year was a benchmark celebration boasting the value of foreign aid and efforts.

Can't stop grinning about our WAD success!

Support for International Change (SIC) volunteers and teaching partners huddled around a dala dala, decorating the mini bus with SIC banners, balloons, and ribbons. Behind it a goat, adorned with crown and cape, tugged restlessly at its leash, deathly uncomfortable with the attention it was receiving. With the volunteers’ cameras recording their progress, SIC prepared for the parade that they had been planning since their arrival in the village. While curious villagers, amused by these preparations, lined the road, SIC waited patiently for the rest of the parade to arrive. Soon enough, a procession of dala dalas and government cars began to arrive from Arusha. As the vehicles came to a stop, the passengers, beating their drums and singing, began to exit the busses. With their arrival, SIC’s World AIDS Day  (WAD) celebration had finally arrived in Nduruma.

Nearly 100 people walked, dala dalas drove, goats kicked.  Eight performance group marched to the event center where their dances and dramas attracted countless people. Intrigued by the drumming and singing coming down their normally quiet road, villagers filed out of their houses and began to follow the procession to the testing tents. Government leaders made inspiring speeches and SIC volunteers organized sack and chicken races.  Most importantly, villagers had the opportunity to learn about HIV.  It was a huge success.  Over 200 members of Nduruma learned their status, many having been convinced to test by American volunteers with only 3 months of Swahili and a lot of hand gestures.

This year, World AIDS Days was a great collaboration between SIC and the Tanzanian government.  And this time, the celebration was in the village.  Much like the government efforts in fighting HIV, past WAD events have focused in the city of Arusha.  Good planning (and good fortune) meant that this year SIC was no longer alone in the rural communities on this important occasion.  Thanks to an early conversation between Mama Kibwana, Arusha Rural Council HIV/AIDS coordinator and SIC Board Member, SIC Coordinator Jeremy Isajiw and SIC Program Officer Johnson Gabriel about WAD, the Arusha Rural government met us in the village.  Mama Kibwana led the Tanzanian government as they worked side by side with SIC, in the dusty village of Nduruma.