Now is your chance; AIDS Services of Austin will be training new volunteers to
work the information line. Many of the calls we get are about sexual
transmission of HIV. The anonymity of the phone allows callers to speak freely
with a stranger. The phone line volunteer gives information about local testing
sites, what to do if diagnosed HIV+, how to stay negative and so much more.
Getting the facts out to the public helps educators send out the message of
prevention, which is the true cure in this epidemic. Part of our effectiveness
is due to the extraordinary assistance of our volunteers. If you are one of
those folks who enjoy sharing your knowledge with others and assisting ASA in
the educational process, become a part of the education volunteer team. The
expertise of the volunteers is highly valued and well received by the agency.
Volunteers are asked to attend an agency orientation to learn of the variety
of opportunities. An upcoming general orientation will be held Tue, Jul 2,
6-8:30pm. The next training for new education volunteers will be on Sat, Jul
13, 9am-6pm. The training will provide more in-depth information about HIV
testing, more specific AIDS information, communication skills, cultural
awareness and risk reduction. Sun, Jul 14, 9am-6pm phone line volunteers will
have the opportunity to learn about client issues and usage of the information
system to help with the variety of calls they will receive. The overall
training is extensive, but the rewards are very gratifying.
If you have more questions about the upcoming trainings or wish to attend
please call Jan Rueb at 406-6170. Let’s spread the facts, so we can help stop
the epidemic.
This article appears in June 21 • 1996 and June 21 • 1996 (Cover).