Hatchett J, Pedraza J; National HIV Prevention Conference (2003 : Atlanta, Ga.).
Abstr Book 2003 Natl HIV Prev Conf July 27 30 2003 Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel Atlanta Ga Natl HIV Prev Conf 2003 Atlanta Ga. 2003; abstract no. TP-002.
Cicatelli Associates Inc, New York, NY
ISSUE: As the AIDS crisis continues to devastate communities throughout New York City and State, particularly communities of color, and public funding becomes increasingly uncertain, it is critical that people living with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) partner closely with service providers, government agencies and others responsible for program planning, policy making and funding decisions. Community Planning processes require the meaningful participation of PWHA, but consumers identify the lack of necessary skills and basic information as a significant barrier to their effective participation and leadership in these processes.SETTING: The People Living with HIV/AIDS Leadership Training Institute (PWA/LTI) provides skills-building training programs to PWHA in New York City and throughout New York State. Programs in New York City are delivered at the Cicatelli Associates Inc. Training Center. Statewide trainings are held in centrally located hotel and other training locations. PWA/LTI workshops are open to all persons living with HIV interested in learning more about Community Planning processes and in acquiring skills to enhance their effective participation in those processes.PROJECT: The PWA/LTI Core training is a three-day workshop designed and developed by PWHA to encourage their HIV+ peers to discover their own leadership potential, and to identify next steps for developing and applying that potential in the HIV/AIDS community. The programs are led by HIV+ trainers and delivered in a highly interactive, learner-centered format. LTI Core training topics include: History of PWA Advocacy; Leadership; Identity, Diversity and Disclosure; Opportunities for Community Involvement, Self-Assessment, Personal Action Plan.RESULTS: Evaluation results from over 832 respondents indicate a high level of satisfaction with the Core and an increase in awareness of opportunities for involvement in government and community-based planning and evaluation processes. Results also suggest feelings of increased self-efficacy in behaviors related to leadership, advocacy and in participants' feelings of being empowered. Respondents report placing extremely high value on knowing that the program was developed and is being delivered by peers (i.e., PWHA). Anecdotal feedback indicates increases of as much as 60% in the number of PWHA participating in local AIDS service planning bodies after completing the Core training.LESSONS LEARNED: PWHA leadership development is an ongoing process that requires training and skills building. Lack of experience with and knowledge of HIV/AIDS Community Planning activities or opportunities for involvement creates a significant barrier to PWHA participation and leadership in these activities. Interventions focused on peer-to-peer skills transfer and development are effective in overcoming this barrier.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Consumer Participation
- Evaluation Studies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Planning
- Leadership
- New York
- New York City
- Organizations
- Peer Group
- Social Planning
- Teaching
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102262109
From Meeting Abstracts