A Night of Broadway Benefits Metro TeenAIDS
Kim Parker, Intern
On Friday May 19th the DC Jewish Community Center rang out with the sounds of Broadway. Pamela Myers performed to a packed house full of enthusiastic listeners in a concert benefiting Metro TeenAIDS (MTA). Well attended, the show was a hit with everyone and provided a forum for the mission of MTA ( preventing the spread of HIV infection among youth) to be presented. The concert was promoted with an article in The Washington Post, highlighting the star's first DC appearance. Roger Browner, a member of the MTA Board of Directors, introduced the organization and its mission. He brought the attention of the audience to the work that MTA does and its importance in the community. Following his speech, Myers also addressed the impact of the AIDS epidemic by sharing that she has lost friends from AIDS related complications. As the mother of a teenage son, she also spoke movingly about the difficulties of raising a teen in the age of AIDS. She expressed support and appreciation for the important role that MTA plays in the community.
It was a night of laughter and tears. Myers, best known for her role in "Company", performed selections from shows that she had been featured in as well as other standards. She brought down the house from the start with rousing renditions of these classics. For a change of pace she sang a series of medleys on children and inspirational music. Very few eyes in the audience remained dry during these numbers. Showing a flair for comedy, she engaged the audience with one liners and humorous stories of her life in the theater.
Accompanying Myers was her long-time pianist, composer and arranger Jeff Kennedy. Kennedy played straight man for her comedy bits. The two performed a duet of inspirational Broadway favorites. Also joining Myers throughout the show was local attorney Joseph diGenova, a former college classmate. Their duets were well received by the audience.
The show was a rousing success and left the audience hoping that something like it will be attempted soon.
Who Are We?
Thoughts from the President
Troy Petenbrink
It was rare for me to be in the hospital in the evenings but on this particular night I had to stay with a TV crew. I finished and while rushing to head home after a long day, I spotted Danny's father. I knew his doctor worked at the hospital and so was not surprised to see Bill. I quickly stopped to say "Hi" and asked how Danny was doing, he said that he'd been admitted. We talked for a few minutes and I sent along my best wishes.
As I walked to the parking garage, I suddenly felt the need to visit Danny. It had been months since I'd seen him and I'd heard he was not doing well. It was well past visiting hours but I knew I could get some time with Danny. When I got up to the room his mother Sarah was standing outside the door. She smiled, giving me a warm hug. I asked if I could speak with Danny, she lead me into his room. I was not prepared for what I saw. He was thin and pale, his hair dull, and his face gaunt. Danny was one of the first people I met when I moved to DC after college and we became good friends. He introduced me to Metro TeenAIDS, inspiring me with his courage. But seeing him there so tired and weak I just wanted to leave. This was not the Danny I wanted to remember. Although his body was weak, he was still strong in mind and spirit. I told him all about MTA's new programs and how much we were growing. We probably could have talked all night, but we were both tired. I said good-bye knowing this would be the last time. As I walked past the nurses' station I told them to take extra special care of my friend. Once the elevator doors were shut I began to cry. Danny's funeral was beautiful, filled with music and stories. During his short time with us, Danny touched so many lives-myself included. I miss him.
Metro TeenAIDS touches many lives too. Danny knew the importance of MTA's work and he showed that to people.
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Staff Lori Swain,
Executive Director Freestyle Drop-in Center Quanitta
Favorite, Community Program Manager The HOUSE Drop-in Center Tia Gaines,
Community Program Manager The STOP Drop-in Center Renol Ratchford,
Community Program Manager Sisters for Life Carole
Harper, Program Manager |
Board
of Directors
Troy Petenbrink,
President |
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Help Needed Volunteers are needed for all MTA's activities. We need people who can lend a hand at the drop-in centers. So, if you have something that you would be able to teach the kids or just want to spend time with them call Volunteer Coordinator Michael Seneco at 202.543.9355 This newsletter was complied and edited by Kim Parker, with help from the MTA family. |
New Projects
"Flow So Fabulous!"
Its the New School Activists-The Future of Peer Education
Cassandra McFerson, New School Activist Project Coordinator
The New School Activists (NSA) are the most outgoing, creative, funk-filled bunch of educators this side of the universe and they are the brainchild of Metro TeenAIDS. News about these youth educators has been spreading like wildfire. "Good! That is just what we thought would happen," says New School Activist Project Coordinator Cassandra McFerson.
In fact, news of the Activists spread all the way to Princeton, New Jersey. NSA was invited to Princeton to kick off a day of education and learning for over 700 New Jersey high school students. "You guys rocked!", said one student. "That was the best presentation ever!", exclaimed another. As the Activists left for home (here in Washington, DC) the compliments followed them right out the door.
The Activists practiced the entire 45 minute presentation from 12 to 2am. And just like kids, they managed to get only two hours of sleep before getting up at 6am for their 8:30am performance.
They wowed the audience with their "Holla, Holla" introduction, which encouraged the crowd to participate by repeating hooks of "(All my people who are ready to get) 'smarter, smarter' (I can't hear you a little) 'louder, louder' (come on if you're rolling with us) 'Follow, Follow' the New School." Then the audience was blasted by the NSA signature call and response, "The Camp" which includes the hit phrase "flow so fabulous." The entire performance was jam-packed with emotions, education, and information. The repetitive monologue from the show-stopping skit "the Virus" drove it all home:
This is the virus that never ends. Yes it goes on and on my friends. Some people started spreading it not knowing what it was. And they'll continue spreading it forever just because.
The whole show was a hit with the crowd, but the live drum beat introduction and back up beat (performed by staff member Ben Johnson) for the "Wrong Song" really brought down the house. NSA sang the entire spin-off of the "Thong Song" complete with backflips. One person said it all "Incredible!"
The new millennium has arrived and has brought forth the dawning of educational excitement. Ladies and Gentlemen-The New School Activists-"Holla, Holla!"
Another Way to Have Fun Over Spring Break
Michael Seneco, Ass't Operations Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
For the third year in a row, Metro TeenAIDS participated in the college Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. The ASB program originated at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a national program that facilitates college undergraduates traveling to cities all over the US and working with non-profit community organizations as their spring break activity as opposed to going on more "traditional" Spring Break trips.
This year, MTA hosted groups from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte; Vanderbilt University; University of Northern Colorado; Yale University; Princeton University; St. John's University; and the College of Saint Benedict. A total of 105 college students worked with MTA staff this year. ASB participants did outreach, helped at fund raising events, planned and presented programs in the drop-in centers, hung out with our kids, mentored, bonded, and even helped paint at the old HOUSE!
As a thank you, the volunteer resources department scheduled special tours of the United States Holocaust Museum. Most had never been, and all were very moved by the experience. Additionally, the Programs Department gave each student a certificate of appreciation.
Update-Drop-in Centers
"The HOUSE"
Tia Gaines, Community Program Manager
"The HOUSE" has moved to a new location at 5304 Kenilworth Ave. in Riverdale Park, Maryland. A project of MTA, it services youth in the Maryland area. Here students are participating in various activities to stimulate awareness of the decision-making skills that could later effect their lives. On May 6, the community of Riverdale Park welcomed "The HOUSE" during our Grand Opening; students participated in a double Dutch contest, 3-point shoot-out, and other games and fun. P Stew from WKYS was the guest DJ-the kids enjoyed listening to music, eating, and just meeting other people in the area.
Along with meeting new people, students are given the opportunity to participate in group activities such as Sister to Sister and Protecting our Brothas and Sistahs (PBS). Sister to Sister is a group for young ladies that allows them to discuss the issues that they are facing in 2000. PBS is a peer education group in which students are trained to educate their peers about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. With the growing infection rate of HIV/AIDS among youth, this is a great way for students to become involved in their community and youth advocacy. Another activity that the students are enjoying is Hairbraiding 101. Students are given one on one instruction in the new styles of braids, both for themselves and others. They are allowed to practice on a model and other participants in the class.
This summer "The HOUSE" will have a variety of events in the works. For further information, please contact us at 301.699.8900. We look forward to seeing you there.
"The STOP"
Kim Parker, Intern
"The
STOP" is back! Under the new leadership of Renol (Community Program
Manager) and Christine (Peer Advocate Sponsor) "The STOP"
is off and running. We now have a core group of teens who come and visit
us on a regular and consistent basis.
The following was written by one of these teens.
Fun at The STOP
Jomo Raqib, 9th Grade Student
"The STOP" is a cool place to go to chill out or to find out about HIV and AIDS. I have been going to "The STOP" for about two months with my friends. Christine and Renol are the best. Coming here is like going somewhere fun and going to a program about AIDS at the same time. They have games on the computers, ping-pong, movies, and board games. The best part is that if you come by yourself there are going to be volunteers there to play with you and to talk to you about whatever you want to know about AIDS
"Freestyle"
Quanitta Favorite, Community Program Manager
Freestyle, a program of MTA, is a youth community outreach center, located at 1523 Pennsylvania Avenue SE in Washington, DC. Our program primarily targets African American youth ages 13-24. Freestyle is open to young people Monday through Friday from 4-8pm. At the center we tackle the real issues of teens in a non-traditional fashion. We listen to young people; involving them in planning, simply keeping it real. Please contact us for more information at 202.547.8799. We look forward to seeing you this summer.
Freestyle
Dwayne Brown, Student
Stories of
the street, launched with a beat,
Recreating lines that
get you movin' in your seat
Face to face we meet
with a battle on mind
Graffiti by the mile,
Verses in rhyme.
Dancing on the floor, am forever
more
Listen to the crowd
as they start to roar
They feel the MC, throw
hands
Never a dull moment,
never at a home.
Many styles, many names like
Wildfire,
Emasculate times, chill
and spill for a while,
Let yourself loose,
relax, have some juice,
And get ready for another
shot of "Freestyle."
"Sisters for Life"
Kim Parker, Intern
"Sisters for Life" (SFL) is a mentoring program for minority girls aged 9-14 living in Alexandria, VA. Using the principles of Kwanza the girls learn that they have the inner power to realize their goals and that they have the responsibility to change their communities for the better. By learning about and developing this inner strength it is hoped that these girls will make good decisions when faced with drugs and sex. Young minority girls are the fastest growing population to become infected with HIV; by providing these girls with power and knowledge they can protect themselves from infection.
"SFL" is a year-long program of daily after school meetings. When they begin the program the girls become "little sisters" ("kidadas"). Throughout the year they learn how to become a part of their community through "SFL's Principles": Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), Imani (faith), and Heshema (respect). These lessons are learned through discussions, speakers, and field trips.
At the end of the year the kidadas graduate out of the program. While they are no longer kidadas the girls are encouraged to stay with "SFL" as volunteers and mentors for their new younger sisters.
International Programs
Metro TeenAIDS is stretching its boundaries into the international community. In order to learn more about the communities that we serve at home, MTA has been building partnerships in El Salvador and Russia.
Lessons About Home Are Being Learned Far Away
Kim Parker, Intern
In an effort to increase MTA's presence in the local Latino community we have become involved in the Powerful Partnerships Network. This is a partnership between community groups in DC and El Salvador who work largely with young gay men. The majority of Latinos in the DC area come from El Salvador, thus the choice of this particular partnership. The project runs for two years and is designed to provide assistance to a couple of El Salvadorian outreach organizations-primarily Entre Amigos-who work with young gay men and are trying to begin HIV prevention and risk reduction education.
Due to the social stigmas of homosexuality and AIDS in Latin America, Entre Amigos is very isolated in their efforts to assist these populations and provide prevention education. Outreach workers, as well as the organization, have been the subject of several death threats this year alone. MTA is able to provide these groups with some much needed assistance.
MTA is working with the Partnership to help develop peer education training in El Salvador, allowing the El Salvadorian partners to create a network for risk reduction education. Through this they hope to begin to reduce the high rate of HIV transmission among young gay men. MTA is providing training and experience to the El Salvadorian groups. In return we are gaining continuing experience working with Latino communities around the issue of HIV/AIDS. In the true spirit of partnership, each partner contributes to a regular information packet and newsletter which allows all the organizations to get a sense of the work that each does. This project has been a great education for MTA and will hopefully help us to expand farther into Latino communities.
Working Together to Help People a World Away-Focus on Russia
Kim Parker, Intern
In Russia Metro TeenAIDS, along with two other local organizations (Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive and the Whitman Walker Clinic), is working with three Russian AIDS organizations-AIDS Center, Center for International Understanding, and Harmony. These groups are working on HIV prevention in Russia, each serving a different community. Through this partnership MTA has been providing instruction and training in peer education, outreach work, harm reduction, and fundraising. This two-year program began in April of 1999 and has led to a couple of trips by MTA staff to Russia.
In addition to the assistance provided to the Russian partners this has been a learning experience for MTA. The hardest issue to overcome was the language barrier. Many things just do not translate the way that you mean for them to. Cultural differences between the two countries has made presentations and workshops more difficult. What works here in the US sometimes is not at all applicable to the same setting in Russia.
Just as other cultural issues differ, so too does the drug culture. Drugs are more easily acquired than they are in the US. The starkest contrast was the level of acceptance that outreach workers see; from both users and dealer. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are desperately needed in the area. AA groups are now up and running, and NA meetings are beginning. The hope is to provide safe spaces for addicts to discuss problems and a place for HIV risk reduction counseling to occur. Prostitution is an extremely dangerous enterprise in Russia; many of those found to be infected are killed on the street.
MTA has been very well received by the Russian partners as well as other groups in the area. Some have even sat in on our training sessions. The trips have been marked by the Russians' hospitality. "I like it more every time that I go." says Director of Programs Keleigh Matthews.
Metro TeenAIDS Event Calendar
June:
22-Seventh Annual Art and Articles Auction
23-All Drop-in Center Picnic (Hosted by "The STOP")
24-"Rise and Shine" Rave Party
Upcoming
July:
4-"The Ride" Ends in DC 1-World AIDS Day
23-Run for Research 5K Race
September:
TBA-Bartender's Auction
December:
Ryan White Awards
"Walking on Pennsylvania" CD Release
2-Shopping for Life fund-raiser
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True or False? #1. You don't need birth control if you have sex in a hot tub, while standing up, or if you "wash" afterwards. #2. Oral Sex is totally safe. #3. If you can't afford birth control, you're out of luck. #4. People who have sexually transmitted diseases just don't look healthy. #5. HIV isn't much of a problem any more. Quiz courtesy of MTV.com All answers are False |
You can save years of your life by seeing a doctor and getting treatment early-or lose years because you were too afraid to get tested. So, take a deep breath, and go get an HIV test. National HIV Testing Day is June 27.
Asked to offer advice to peers, 11% of girls recommended that their female peers wait to "have sex."
It never occurred to me that this 15 year old who I was in love with could possibly have HIV."-Bill, an HIV+ 21 year old
"Let me find out who I am before you tell me. Be supportive of my decisions no matter what. Understand that we are a different generation with different issues." A young teenage girl
For more information about Metro TeenAIDS, donations, or volunteering please contact us at 202.543.9355 or visit us at www.metroteenaids.org
Metro TeenAIDS
PO Box 15577 Washington, DC 20003-5577
tel. 202.543.9355 fax 202.543.3343
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