SEPTEMBER 17, 1993 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Health Issues Taskforce

by Jeff Hirst

The Health Issues Taskforce is the oldest and largest community-based AIDS service organization in Greater Cleveland. Our primary mission is threefold:

Support services. We provide a wide range of services to people with AIDS and HIV, including Buddy (companion) support, case management, financial and in-kind assistance, help with day-to-day tasks, counseling and sponsorship of social activities.

Education. We educate the general public in our region about AIDS/HIV to foster awareness and understanding. We also conduct programs and campaigns to help people reduce their risk for HIV infection.

Advocacy. Through educational programs and fundraising events, we aim to promote a comprehensive and compassionate response to AIDS/HIV from the general public, the business community and gov-

ernment.

It was great Dancin' with you. If you were one of the 5,500 people who attended 1993's Dancin' in the Streets on August 1, many thanks to you. The ninth annual fundraiser, which had a rodeo theme this year, netted about $42,000, making this the most successful Dancin' ever.

Did you know that Dancin' was organized entirely by a committee of 15 volunteers? They worked tirelessly for six months to make the event a success. Thanks to everyone who served on the committee.

Last but not least, we're indebted to the 100 volunteers who worked the day of the event-the entertainers and deejays as well as those working the gate, selling food, holding the raffle, staffing the "general store," etc. You were great. We can't thank you enough.

Hey Buddy! The Taskforce is in serious need of Buddy volunteers. We especially need more people of color, people in recovery and men. We now have 80 Buddy volunteers, but we need about twice that number to meet client demand. Our Buddy/ Practical Support Program Training has been revamped into 20 hours of training in eight sessions. The next group of sessions will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in October. If you'd like to know more, call Mistinguette at the Taskforce office.

Be a Leader Among Women. We're looking for women to lead workshops on safer sex and HIV testing for women. Training for workshop leaders is scheduled for Friday evening, October 15 and Saturday, October 16 at the Taskforce office. Interested? Call Chrisse or Doris at the HIT office, 621-0766.

OF CLE•V•E•L•A•N•D

A Speaking Part. HIT is looking for people who are interested in speaking to the community about AIDS/HIV issues. As a Speakers' Bureau volunteer, you must be willing to commit to a minimum of one year's availability for speaking engagements. Speakers' Bureau training will be on Monday and Wednesday evenings, October 11 through November 3. For more information, please call Barbara Epstein at the Taskforce office.

Be a Human Resource. Going into its third year, the "We Got You Covered!" safer-sex campaign is expanding. John Beres, HIT's Gay Education Coordinator, is planning several Sunday brunch information and training sessions throughout the fall. These sessions will be directed at bartenders, entertainers, community leaders and others who can be resources for HIVprevention information in the lesbian and gay community. The brunches will offer updated information on AIDS and skills development in education and outreach techniques. Call John if you're interested.

Our Way of Saying Thanks. A potluck dinner for all current, former and future Taskforce volunteers will be held October 1 at Euclid Clubhouse. We appreciate the work you do, so join us for some food and fun. Call Sue Drazdik at the HIT office for details.

Join the Force. The Taskforce welcomes volunteers at all levels: in service and education programs, fundraising and public relations, and management and administration. Consider offering your energies and talents in any of these areas. Contact Sue Drazdik, our volunteer coordinator, at 621-0076

If you're unable to volunteer your services but would like to become a paid member of the Taskforce, call our office for a membership form. Basic membership costs $15 per year. You'll receive our quarterly newsletter with updates on our activities.

Job Opportunity. The Taskforce is searching for a new Coordinator for Education in the Hispanic community. Knowledge of AIDS, the local Hispanic community and fluency in Spanish are musts. If you're interested, call HIT for a job description.

Counting to 10. Health Issues Taskforce will start its 10th year of service next spring. Planning is underway to commemorate the spread of AIDS/HIV and the evolution of the Taskforce during this sobering decade. "One Decade, One Challenge" will be the theme for a program of special events.

This space has been provided to the Health Issues Taskforce by the Chronicle. Views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Chronicle staff or management.

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