PROGRAMS
WE SPEAK- Young Women's Committee
Women Empowered Support Protect Advocate and Know (WE SPEAK), a Peer Empowermwnt and Advocacy Component of the Coalition for Young Women of Color was formed with 25 young women of color from the five boroughs. This group consists of both HIV positive and HIV negative young women who have been meeting weekly since October 2006. They assist in – identifying the goals and program priorities of the Coalition and the development of activities and events for young women of color.
Safer Sex Education Parties
The Safer Sex Education parties offer a safe environment which is created by the young women to discuss and learn about safer sex techniques and negotiation skills, as well as have an opportunity to get free rapid HIV test. In addition, several youth-serving agencies table at the parties providing valuable information where young men and women can access services.
Annual Health Summit
An Annual Health Summit for young women of color in NYC in honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, in March. Members of WE SPEAK along with the steering committee and general members work collaboratively to design, implement and evaluate the event. The overall goal of the summit is to address HIV/AIDS and its impact on young women of color, in addition to providing information to attendees on issues impacting HIV infection rates. Specifically, the topic addresses educational options, financial literacy and health concerns.
Quarterly Meetings
Our quarterly meetings for youth service providers in NYC on topical issues impacting the lives of young women of color enable the Coalition to strengthen partnerships with HIV and non-HIV identified agencies highlighting the intersection of youth services and HIV/AIDS prevention because HIV prevention is youth development. The information and knowledge sharing will also raise awareness in communities and agencies to further develop programs, policy statements, and affect funding priorities that include best practices and lessons learned.