AIDS Network Volunteer Update

Friday, July 25, 2008  

Message from the Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dear Volunteers,

 Wow! The ACT Ride is less than a week away, so I’ll keep it short. Thanks to all of you who are participating in the upcoming ride as riders, crew, or day volunteers. We still have a few placements open, particularly in moto and on early morning shifts, but your response has been sensational. We’re also still looking for some help with deliveries next week. If you’re available, give us a call or send us an e-mail

 However, as always, there’s more than just the ACT Ride going on. We’ll be at Africa Fest and the Latino Health Fair on August 16^th. And, don’t forget, there is always the Johnny Winston Streetball and Block Party on August 9 if you can’t make it out to the ACT Ride or for some reason have an aversion to spandex. Let us know if you’d like to volunteer.

 Finally, I probably sound like a broken record, but I’m still waiting on many volunteer reports. If you need me to send you a report, give me a call or send an e-mail. I’ll be happy to send one to you in the mail or e-mail you a copy. It’s important that we have a record of your volunteer contributions.

 Happy Reading,

Mark Fetzko, Volunteer Services Coordinator

AIDS Network, Inc.

600 Williamson Street

Madison, WI 53703

Ph: 608-252-6540 x26;  Fx: 608-252-6559;  E-mail: mfetzko@aidsnetwork.org

Quote of the Week

 "Compassion is the chief law of human existence."  -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

HIV/AIDS in the NEWS

 U.S. AIDS policies neglect blacks: report

Clinton pledges more support to fight AIDS in Ethiopia

Conservative Malaysia faces uphill battle in HIV fight

Bush signs bill to triple AIDS funding

China's maintains HIV-AIDS entry ban despite Olympic scrutiny

U.N. report shows world AIDS deaths edging down

Front Desk

 Like working in a fun, relaxed, supportive office environment while learning about the inner workings of an HIV/AIDS service organization? If so, we’ve got an opportunity for you! We’re looking for people to cover the following shifts:

Monday, 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. (August 18 through September 1)

Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (August 5 through September 2)

Wednesday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. (August 13 through September 3)

Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (August 14 through September 4)

Friday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. (August 8 only)

Farmers’ Market Information Table

 Like to spend your Saturdays during the warm summer months up on the square surveying the finest local arts, crafts, and foods in Dane County? If so, then why not volunteer for our summer information table at the market? We’re looking for volunteers able to cover two to four hour shifts on an occasional basis between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Contact Mark with dates and times you’re available.

Africa Fest

 On August 16, we will be participating in the annual AFRICA FEST, produced by the African Association of Madison, Inc in collaboration with the African Women’s Association and the University of Wisconsin at Madison African Studies Program. This year’s event is entitled “Influence of the African Diaspora on American Arts and Culture,” and will take place at Warner Park. We will be hosting an information table and are looking for six volunteers to help with two hours shifts from 12 p.m. through 6 p.m. Contact Mark for more details if you are interested in this great event!

Johnny Winston Streetball and Block Party

 We will be hosting a table at the Johnny Winston Streetball and Block Party on Saturday, August 9^th at Penn Park. In its eighth year, the event features a basketball tournament, drill team competition, music, food, and a host of many other family friendly activities. We are looking for a handful of volunteers to help from around noon until 6:30 p.m. in shifts of two to three hours. You can find more information about the event at http://www.madisonstreetball.com. Contact our own Bethany Matson at bmatson@aidsnetwork.org or 252-6540 ext. 51 if you are interested in helping!

Client Support

 1) One of Michele’s clients needs some help getting from the East Side to an important once a month appointment on Monroe St. The appointment typically lasts around 30 to 45 minutes. If you have 90 minutes a month, please consider helping meet this client’s need. Contact Mark for more info if you’re interested! Thanks!

2) One of Jesus’ clients is undergoing a minor, short surgery on August 19 at 10 a.m. and will need a ride back home around noon from the UW Health Center to the East Side. Contact Mark if you’re available to help. Thanks!

3) Dan has a client that recently moved to Madison from Sauk City, but he still has one more trip to make to pick up a valuable family heirloom hutch and bring it back to his apartment in downtown Madison. He would be able to help with the loading and unloading, but doesn’t have a truck large enough to move the sizeable piece of furniture. Let Mark know if you can assist!

ACT RIDE

(http://www.actride.org/)

 PRE-ACT and ACT PICK-UPS

 With the ride less than a week away, we are looking for some week of the ride help with pickups of food from various locations needing to find its way to AIDS Network and camp locations. If you can help with any of the pickups, please contact Angela Dupont at 252-6540 ext. 30 or adupont@aidsnetwork.org for more information. Pickups include:

Tuesday, August 5th first thing (8-9am) and bring to AN:

1. UW Provisions ( Middleton) - lots of meat.

2. Whole Foods (on University) - milk, carrots, soy bacon and soy sausage

3. Schreiber Foods ( Richland Center)-yogurt

Thursday, August 7th

1. Market St. Bakery (Sun Prairie)-pick up 10 pies and deliver to Albany High School (camp for day one), pies are ready at noon.

2. Hubbard Ave. Diner ( Middleton) – pick up 12-15 pies and deliver to Albany High School (camp for day one), pies are ready at noon

DAY VOLUNTEERS

 ACT 6 is the sixth annual AIDS Network Cycles Together and is scheduled for Thursday, August 7 through Sunday, August 10. A four day bike ride throughout our 13 county service area, ACT raised nearly $300,000 for AIDS Network last year while raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. Our primary need currently is for volunteers who can help with moto, ensuring that cyclists can ride safely at potentially dangerous intersections. If you are interested ensuring the safety of our nearly 160 riders, now is the time to ACT! Contact Mark for a day volunteer application today!

CREW

 If one day of volunteering isn’t enough, why not consider becoming part of crew? Crew is the backbone of the ride, providing support to riders each day and night so that the ride can run smoothly. There are several types of crew: food, camp services, security, gear and tent, medical, chiropractic, massage, route marking, pit stops, lunch, sweep, and traffic control. To register for crew, visit:  

http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1488398&assetId=da512772-7371-4e56-abf7-71d6954cb438

Donation Can Pickup Program

 Over the years, various local businesses have supported AIDS Network by allowing us to place donation cans in their workplaces. We are looking to expand this program, but need volunteer teams which can take responsibility for various areas in Madison and beyond, picking up filled donation cans and depositing new ones when necessary to participating businesses. If you are interested in helping expand this program, contact Mark.

Board of Directors Position

 The AIDS Network Board of Directors is now welcoming applications to join the all volunteer Board of Directors. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to contribute to the mission of AIDS Network, please contact Director Mary Vasquez at 608-235-7802 or email aidsnetworkboard@gmail.com to learn more. Make a difference today by serving on the Board!

Case Manager Opportunity

 AIDS Network, the AIDS Service Organization for South Central Wisconsin is searching for a full time Case Manager.

Roles and Responsibilities include: coordination of services across a variety of service settings; formal assessment of needs; care plan development and monitoring; consumer advocacy; consumer education; and education of community service providers. Qualified applicants will have Social Work or equivalent degree, basic computer skills, HIV/AIDS knowledge, effective communication skills, both written and oral.

Good starting salary with full benefits. Interested applicants can go to www.aidsnetwork.org for complete job description and to retrieve an application or call (608) 252-6540 ext. 10. Submit application, cover letter and resume by Friday, August 8^th to:

Wes Radtke, Office Manager

AIDS Network

600 Williamson Street

Madison, WI 53703

**Limited English Proficiency/EEO/AA Employer