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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How Does One Become An HIV Educational Speaker To Our Younger Generation?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

Lately, I have been thinking about being an HIV speaker, educational speaker, or something of that sort. I think I would love to teach the truth about HIV, get the education out there, reduce the stigma, especially to our young people, preferably high school kids
The problem is I do not know how to begin such a journey, or where I could get such information or even how to get started. I believe once I got my foot in the door, things will get easier, but it is opening that door in the first… read more

February 1, 2018
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A myHIVteam Member

Hello Xavier,,
I did alot of public speaking in my community. It was a challenge getting into high schools. But, it can be done. I must say it sounds easy and fun. On the contrary one must have a thick skin and be prepared for those who belittle, blame and shame you. One must be aware of our surroundings. Enough of that.
What I did was contact the AIDS/HIV agency in my area. Each agency should have an education dept. Sign up with them. Educate yourself as this is the way you capture your audience. Ice breakers a must. Be fun, funny, and friendly. Awareness is absorbed when presented in a entertaining manner.
I would open my presentation with a q an a block. This would give me an idea how to proceed. Make sure you communicate clearly your intentions to the person who invited you.
I would share my Pantry Story but that will be another time.
Good luck! Be Safe, Be Tough, Be a Champion. Our younger generation are hungry for knowledge. Believe that and you will succeed.
On another note. Contact your city hall there may be block grants that will allow you to start your own educational venture. Check it out. Ryan White also has funding resources. Talk to the executive director of the agency near you. Again, good luck and may the power of God almighty shield you in your journey. Mucho love mi amigo. Buena Suerte.

February 2, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

OK since most of the types of places mentioned herein are for the most part out of the question due to distance perhaps a fone call to a nearby health dept might be your best chance to gleen some intenl on how to go about achieving your goal seems in my mind to be your best way to go :)

February 3, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

Sounds to me as if you might have already begun the journey to becoming a public speaker for " our people " and by asking your questions about how to begin all I can recommend is that first you begin by conversing in a heart to heart conversation with your id pcp and see if they can perhaps provide some insight about your own medical journey from diagnosis until hearing the words of " your undectable " to have a firmer grasp on the undertaking journey your embarking on ( I mean unless like myself and U have copies of your medical history and the letters sent out with approval or denial from Social Security which to be able to cite various points on your journey and also have them as a hands on reference point speaking from the heart is a good way to begin but brining your own personal pertinent details to show might make the road of the journey a lot less rocky ( but then what the frack do I know I'm not an md msw or even an scholar I am merely myself out and proud and no longer ashamed of myself or the mistakes of the past that have led me to where I am ) ) .

February 2, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

I started by assisting to prevention groups. There I started putting my voice out. It was an organic process. Little by little I became more and more visible. Then, when I got the diagnosis I was already inside a community who knew me and trusted me so they could listen to me. I used that experience to then jump into a career as an HIV testing specialist at an LGBT organization's HIV team. I have been very open about my experience, I have taken any oportunity I was offered to talk about it. I am looking forward to create something for the local latino community.

February 2, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

The best stage is developing your storyline and your goal. I would suggest you talk with a career advisor with a university in your area. They usually have the right resources and a better understanding. Get the education behind it, become a counselor or advocate in a facility in the area you live. Reach out to caseworkers or become a caseworker and build a strong foundation. The best speakers are those that have a special connection with people and make a movement personal. I'm in the middle of doing this myself, in the state of South Dakota the disease is exploding and the only way we can stop it is stepping in front of it and being the face of change! Education is key and then continued health maintenance and a strong healthcare team helps!

Essentially think of those that helped you get where you are now, the ones that didn't approve and the ones that did, start notating the details, feelings and such and come up with a message you want to build into your message, I think to erase the stigma you have to focus on the negative side that has built the positive you! I know you have a message, you have a motive and you have a story! How do you tell it to people, start out small in small groups before a large crowd becomes the focus.

February 2, 2018

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