ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

Advocates for Youth Hosts Youth Institute at U.S. Conference on AIDS and Calls for More Youth Involvement In HIV/AIDS Prevention

Interview Opportunities Available Immediately with Young People Attending the Conference

WASHINGTON, DC (September 29, 2000) Advocates for Youth today brings together 15 young people from throughout the world for a series of trainings to increase the active involvement and leadership of youth in HIV/AIDS prevention.

"Nearly half of all new HIV infections occur in those under the age of 25, yet young people are seldom included or represented in HIV prevention efforts. That must change, and bringing dedicated and responsible young people to the table is a critical first step in that direction," said Jessie Gilliam, 23 year old Program Associate for Advocates for Youth.

The U.S. Conference on AIDS is sponsored by the National Minority AIDS Council and numerous other partners. This year's conference, held in Atlanta October 1-4, will feature a Youth Institute hosted by Advocates for Youth. The Youth Institute, designed to empower young people and adults to work in partnership around HIV prevention and education efforts, comes at a critical time for American young people.

"With the number of AIDS cases among adolescents increasing, the American public must listen to what young people say they need to protect themselves from HIV. Now, more than ever, young people deserve a voice among policy makers, educators, and service organizations," said Gilliam.

While participation in the Youth Institute is encouraging, Gilliam notes that more progress must be made in including young people in HIV prevention efforts. "Of the 3,000 conference participants, typically less than 1% are young people. It is not enough to simply represent young people, as a community we must listen to them and respect their views in battling this epidemic," said Gilliam.

In addition, prior to the start of the conference, Advocates for Youth will host peer educators from its various youth-run Web sites, including www.youthresource.com and www.ambientejoven.org, to participate in a day-long training and brainstorm session to determine the future content and design of Advocates for Youth's Web sites.

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Note to Editors and Producers: For additional information on the conference events, or to set up an interview with participating teens or experts, please contact Bill Barker at (202) 419-3420.

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