Youth Pocketbook Guide to Navigating

International AIDS Conferences

Youth Pocketbook Guide to Navigating International
AIDS Conferences - Condensed Version

An initiative of:
Vienna YouthForce, Main Conference Sub-Committee

Copyright 2006 AIDS 2006 Local Host and United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-
Canada) Renewed 2008
This document is a revised and condensed version of the Youth Pocket Guide to Navigating
International AIDS Conferences, a joint initiative of the AIDS 2006 Local Host and United
Nations Association of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada.

Writing team: Lia De Pauw (AIDS 2006), Alex McClelland (AIDS 2006 Local Host), Julie
Coulters (UNA-Canada), and Cyndi Fuss (UNA-Canada).

Condensed Version Lead Editors: Ankit Saxena, Elisabeth Rohrmoser, Ivens Reyner, Ricardo
Baruch and Selbi Jumayeva.

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational or non-profit

purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledge-
ment of the source is made. The only exceptions are any graphics identified as protected
by other sources.
No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any other commercial purpose
whatsoever without prior permission in writing. The contents of this book represent the
perspectives of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the
financial contributors, AIDS 2010 Secretariat, or UNA-Canada.

Graphic Designer and Layout: Arturo Loría.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

1. Young People and the International AIDS Conference

What is the International AIDS Conference?

Young people’s participation in AIDS 2010
Why do we want young people at AIDS2010?
Why is young people’s participation important in the global response to HIV?
What do young people have to offer other delegates?
What is the AIDS 2010 Youth Programme?
What is the Vienna YouthForce?

2. Conference Basics

Where do I fit at the Conference?

What are the program areas?
What happens at the different types of sessions and events?
How do I find out when sessions and events are happening?

3. Youth in Action: How to Be Effective at the Conference

Model for Effective Youth Action at the Conference

Before you go
During the Conference
Networking and partnership building
Back home

4. Taking Care of Yourself at the Conference

5. A Final Word

6. Agenda of Youth Activities

7. Glossary of Terms

4. Taking Care of Yourself at the Conference

5. A Final Word

6. Agenda of Youth Activities

7. Glossary of Terms
1
Young People and the Conference

If you are reading this Pocketbook, it is likely that you are at, registered for, or interested in
attending an International AIDS Conference (called the Conference herein). This Pocketbook
was created by the AIDS 2010 Youth Program to support young people’s efforts to raise and
influence important issues that affect their lives and the lives of their peers and communities.
Based on the pocketbook created for AIDS 2006 in partnership with the United Nations Asso-
ciation in Canada and in the one created for AIDS 2008, we hope this resource will be a toolkit
and a call to action to encourage the full participation of all of us – young people.
We recognize that young people often face barriers to participating in the programs, policies,
and research that directly influence our vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. The AIDS 2010 Youth
Program believes that you are an asset in your community and the global response to HIV and
AIDS. We believe that it is important to provide opportunities for you to build your knowledge
and skills, as well as to contribute to key international events such as the Conference. We hope
this guide will help you overcome some of the barriers you must face and, in turn, fulfill your
important role in the global response to HIV and AIDS.

What is the International AIDS Conference?

The International AIDS Conference happens every two years is the premier gathering for those
working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individu-
als committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent
scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward. We expect
over 25,000 participants from more than 100 countries around the world to attend the confer-
ence. Many of these will hopefully be young people!

Given the 2010 deadline for universal access set by world leaders, AIDS 2010 will coincide with
a major push for expanded access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. With a
global economic crisis threatening to undermine public investments, the conference will help
keep HIV on the front burner, and is a chance to demonstrate the importance of continued HIV
investments to broader health and development goals. AIDS 2010 is also an opportunity to
highlight the critical connection between human rights and HIV; a dialogue begun in earnest in
Mexico City in 2008.The selection of the AIDS 2010 host city is a reflection of the central role
Vienna has played in bridging Eastern and Western Europe, and will allow for an examination of
the epidemic’s impact in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The AIDS 2010 programme will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities
for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. A variety of
session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging sessions and plenaries
– will meet the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global
Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions and affiliated events, will contribute to an exceptional
opportunity for professional development and networking. Following the success of the pilot
programme at AIDS 2006 and AIDS 2008, the XVIII International AIDS Conference will provide
or facilitate hubs (centres) where selected sessions of the conference will be screened, to
increase the access to the conference programme.

Why is the Conference important?

The Conference is a key event and impacts the world’s response to HIV & AIDS on a local,
national, and regional level. This is done through sharing research findings and best practices.
The world’s media focuses on HIV & AIDS issues during the Conference week, which provides
an important opportunity to raise awareness in this region. Many researchers, governments,
and funders make important announcements during the Conference week. All of this helps to
create a more coordinated way of dealing with HIV & AIDS.
 ?
Young People’s Participation in the
Who are “youth”? Conference
The UN defines youth as those aged 15 to
24 inclusive. This term was defined by
the General Assembly during Interna- We, young people, and our adult allies have chal-
tional Youth Year (1985). Outside of the lenged Conference organizers since AIDS 2002 in
UN, the definition of youth varies Barcelona to recognize the importance of our
between countries and institutions. For participation and find ways to include us in all
example, the European Union considers
an individual as “youth” until 30, while aspects of the Conference.
Indonesia goes as far as 40. For the Inter-
national AIDS Society youth is people The Barcelona Youth Force was formed by two
aged between 16 to 26 years old. ¹ youth-focused and two youth-led organizations –
How many youth are there? Advocates for Youth, Family Health International,
Using the UN definition, there are Students Against AIDS, and Student Global Justice -
approximately one billion youth spread in response to the lack of attention to our issues as
across the world today. That’s one-sixth well as to establish platforms for youth participa-
of the world’s population! If you include tion at previous Conferences. Youth Force’s advo-
everyone under 25 youth make up cacy efforts were continued at AIDS 2004 in Bang-
almost half (48%) of the world. ²
kok, at AIDS 2006 in Toronto and AIDS 2008 in
Mexico City.
These efforts were supported by many global leaders who recognize that we, young people,
play an important role in the response to HIV and AIDS. Conference organizers have also made
great strides to welcome us at the Conference since Youth Force began. They have lowered
registration fees and increased scholarships for youth and students and encouraged young
people to participate in the Conference’s governance and planning committees and in deciding
the priorities for each Conference. A Youth Reporter Team was formed, to report on the Confer-
ence from a youth perspective, and the Youth Program was created within the Global Village,
to encourage and support young people’s participation throughout the Conference.
Why is young people’s participation important in the global response to HIV?
First of all, we make up one-sixth world population! We have never known a world without
AIDS. We are disproportionately affected in the HIV pandemic: almost 45% of the new infec-
tions worldwide are among youth aged 15 to 24.³

The Convention on Children’s Rights, signed by 192 countries, emphasizes that people under 18
years have a right to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Meaningful
participation involves adults sharing decision-making with young people. This requires that
they see us as assets within their communities and provide opportunities for our voices to be
heard and our talents to be cultivated. The United National General Assembly’s Declaration of
Commitment (DoC) also highlights the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people and the impor-
tance of their participation in the global HIV and AIDS response.
Young people have opportunities to gain knowledge, build skills and confidence, develop mean-
ingful relationships with adults, and contribute to their community. Our involvement ensures
that policies, programmes, and services are more youth-friendly; increasing the likelihood that
young people’s needs are met. This fits with a common belief within international development
and health promotion that programs and policies work better when the people for whom they
are intended are involved in the development process.

¹ Navigating International Meetings: A pocketbook guide to Effective Youth Participation: United Nations
Association in Canada.
² Ref: Navigating International Meetings: A pocketbook guide to Effective Youth Participation: United
Nations Association in Canada.
³ Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, UNAIDS, 2008, P13.
Why do we want young people at AIDS 2010?
Because we are greatly affected by HIV and AIDS. Estimates show that more than 7,400
people become infected with HIV daily, 3,300 of whom are young people. Globally, 5.4 million
young people are living with HIV. Young women under age 25 are at an even greater risk for HIV
infection and comprise 57.4% of infected youth. Young people remain the most vulnerable to
HIV infection due to many factors, including lack of information, education, societal influences,
and inability to access healthcare services.⁴

Because we want to mobilize youth networks worldwide and make young people visible at
the conference not only as delegates, but also as organizers, speakers, leaders and peers. Young
people will have their own areas at the conference but shall be empowered to take part in the
larger discussions, too.

Because we want to empower young people, advocate for current and critical issues affecting
youth worldwide, and further pinpoint current strategies for effective change. Building youth
leadership is crucial to an effective response to HIV and AIDS among young people and by
young people, especially for those marginalized youth groups. This includes, but is not limited,
to young people living with HIV, young people who use drugs; young sex workers, young men
who have sex with men, young women and young migrants. We are excited to reach out to
young people throughout the world, and to focus specifically on issues in Austria and in the
Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.

What do young people have to offer other delegates?

We play an important role in drawing attention to the issues that leave young people vulnerable
to HIV and AIDS and providing ideas for effectively responding to the HIV pandemic. Our
perspectives and energy have the potential to stimulate, direct, and contribute to progressive
change. We can challenge long-held ideas that leave our peers without the necessary informa-
tion, programs, and services to make healthy choices. And we often have innovative and cost-
effective ideas for meeting the needs of our communities.

We are able to share our perspectives at the Conference in many ways: asking questions and
contributing to discussions during sessions, drawing attention to the gaps in research and
programs that exclude young people, talking to the media about youth issues, speaking in
plenaries about our experiences and needs and participating in advocacy efforts with other
young delegates.
As young people, we also present our research and our projects and act as staff and volunteers.
And, finally, we are delegates for our communities.

What is the AIDS 2010 Youth Programme?

The Youth Programme Working Group is the official organizing body that prepares the AIDS
2010 Youth Programme. The Working Group plans sessions and workshops related to young
people, organizes the Youth Pavilion in the Global Village, and a space for young people living
with HIV. It consists of young people and adults from different regions of the world, who work
together to prepare the official AIDS 2010 Youth Programme.

⁴ 1 For more information, visit: www.youthaidscoalition.org

2 You can read more quick facts at www.unaids.org/learnmore/en/index.html#
The aim of the Youth Programme is to strengthen the participation of young people and the
profile of youth issues at AIDS 2010. The objectives of the AIDS 2010 Youth Programme:

Encourage consistent and effective participation of young people at the Interna-

1 tional AIDS Conference and throughout the conference planning processes;

Promote the participation of young people and the inclusion of youth issues in the
2 main conference programme, in media coverage generated at the conference and
in AIDS programmes and policies in general;

Work to ensure young people have the resources to access decision-makers with
3 effective advocacy to protect the rights of all young people, especially the rights of
vulnerable groups such as young people who use drugs, young sex workers, young
men who have sex with men, young migrants, youth in prisons and young people
living with HIV;

Support peer-to-peer capacity-building among young people in order to provide

4 them with necessary advocacy skills and technical knowledge, support, and
resources for meaningful participation during the conference and beyond;

Demonstrate to conference participants, especially decision-makers and donors,

5 that the participation of young people is beneficial, and advocate for the creation of
youth-adult partnerships and greater investment in young people’s initiatives; and

Remind individuals of their commitments to promote youth leadership to mitigate

6 the impact of HIV on young people. The Youth Programme will also provide oppor-
tunities to generate new commitments to youth.

What is the Vienna Youth Force?

The Vienna Youth Force was launched after AIDS 2008 and is a global platform for international,
regional and local youth organizations that focus on HIV and AIDS, as well as on the sexual and
reproductive health and the rights of young people. The Vienna Youth Force organizes youth
activities and advocacy campaigns prior to and during the conference, such as the Youth Pre-
Conference, youth advocacy campaigns and the Youth Commitment Desk. Ten youth organiza-
tions are currently represented by the Vienna YouthForce, including Advocates for Youth, Commu-
nity Forum Austria, Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS, International Federation of Medical
Students’ Associations, the World AIDS Campaign, Youth Coalition on Sexual and Reproductive
Rights, YouAct, Y-Peer, CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality and Youth R.I.S.E.

The Youth Programme Working Group and the Vienna YouthForce are working closely together to
act as a common body for young people at AIDS 2010.
You can look for us if you need any help, or even if you’re feeling home sick and need a nice
warm hug!

Liping Mian (China),

Co-Chair, Youth
Programme
Working Group,
Vienna Youth Force

Korey Anthony
Chrisholm (Guyana),
Co-Chair, Youth
Programme Working
Group, VYF

Ivens Reis Reyner

(Brazil), Member, Youth
Program Working
Group - Member,
Vienna Youth Force

Ricardo Baruch
(Mexico), Member,
Vienna Youth Force,
Member, Vienna Youth
Force

Elisabeth Rohrmorser,
(Austria)
Youth Programme
Coordinator

Isabella Wieser
(Austria) AIDS 2010
Youth Pavilion
Coordination

Charlotte Steenbergen
(Austria)
Pre-Conference
Coordination
2
Conference Basics

Rights here, ritgh now is the theme of AIDS 2010.

It highlights the importance of protecting and promoting Human Rights, including Human Rights
of young people. The rights of women and girls, the right to dignity and self-determination for
affected populations, the right to equal access to health care and life-saving prevention and treat-
ment programmes, and the right to evidence-based interventions driven by science, rather than

?
ideology, are the basis for action and a successful response to HIV.
The Conference will provide many opportunities for
Geneva Principle: The Geneva Principle was presentation of important new scientific research
agreed to by Science and Community at AIDS and for productive, structured dialogue on the
1998 in Geneva. It states that “…the notion of
community involvement in the planning of
major challenges facing the global response to
an international AIDS conference is as impor- AIDS. Conference organizers are developing a wide
tant as that of the scientific community, and variety of session types that meet the needs of
that representatives of both groups should various participants and support collective efforts
participate on an equal footing towards this to expand delivery of HIV prevention and treatment
goal.” This is a useful principle for supporting to communities worldwide. Key to many of these
young people’s participation in the Confer- sessions will be the transfer of knowledge and shar-
ence. ing of better practices. In addition to the conference
sessions there are numerous activities, including
satellite meetings, exhibitions and the Global Village, that are integral to delegates’ experiences
at the conference.

Where do I fit in AIDS 2010?

First and foremost, you can participate by being part of the meeting’s environment and learning
as much as you can about the process and the issues which drew you to the meeting in the first
place. There are so many interesting people, unique events, and exciting things going on that
there is much to be gained simply from being there. Being present among like-minded people
and organizations also gives you a tremendous opportunity to make beneficial contacts.

Another opportunity for participation is in the agreement process itself. Having a youth pres-
ence in international political processes is important, but the work is very different from the
grassroots, local community-based activities with which young people most often find them-
selves involved. Working “in the corridors” of an international meeting has to do with building
relationships, common language, mutual understanding, and trust. It is highly political in nature
and requires some training and experience to be poised and effective in this environment.

We’ve all heard the popular expression “think globally, act locally” many times. This expression
is not only relevant to those wading into an international meeting for the first time, but also for
those who are more seasoned at international negotiations. For those of you wanting to find a
balance between international negotiations and local grassroots work, you may find yourself
needing to bridge the gap. International negotiators often become wrapped up in drafting text
and policy, and forget what it means to local government, community organizations, or a
member of the general public. On the other hand, grassroots workers sometimes forget to view
their work in the context of international frameworks that are created through many efforts.
The various roles that youth can play at international meetings can serve to bridge this
international-local gap.

What are the program areas?

Unique programs are created for each Conference to respond to the current state of the HIV
pandemic and the needs of those responding to it. For example, AIDS 2010 has three program
areas: Scientific, Community, and Leadership. This is to acknowledge that stopping HIV and
AIDS involves many different players. Each area is guided by an international committee of
people who are knowledgeable about that area, including scientists and students, community
workers and activists, and political and faith-based leaders.

Scientific Programme focuses on research in fields such as social, biomedical, and public health
sciences.

Community Programme aims to allow communities and people living with HIV to reclaim own-
ership of the HIV and AIDS agenda. It focuses on human rights, social justice, a merging of com-
munities and evidence-based science and a demand for accountability and action.

Leadership and Accountability Programme recognizes the important role that leaders of
governments, businesses, faith organizations, and other groups play in the global response to
HIV and AIDS. It brings together leaders in dialogue and debate to identify solutions and chal-
lenged in addressing the HIV epidemic

What happens at the different types of sessions and events?

There are many different types of sessions and events during the Conference. These include:

· The Youth Programme: Aims to strengthen youth participation and profile youth issues’ in the
conference through activities such as a Youth Pavilion, a Youth-Adult Commitment Desk, an
electronic youth bulletin, a team of youth journalists and a youth website.

· Plenaries: Plenaries are large meetings that are open to all delegates. Daily plenary sessions
provide an opportunity to listen to leading experts present on key topics. The Reporters provide
a summary of the entire Conference in the last morning session. No other formal sessions are
scheduled during these important sessions.

· Abstract-driven sessions (Scientific Program): Poster and oral abstracts provide an overview
of research findings from around the world. All abstracts presented are submitted and then
scored by a panel of international reviewers.

· Non-abstract sessions (Community, Leadership and Scientific Programs): These sessions

provide opportunities to discuss what people have learned through their work, find common
ground between different opinions, help the three program areas work better together, and
build skills for future work.

· The Skills Building Programme (Community, Leadership and Scientific Programs): This
program offers workshops covering a diverse range of topics with the principle aim of teaching
specific skills or strategies to specific audiences that can then be applied within their own work
or life settings once they return home.

· The Global Village: Aims to intensify the involvement of affected and marginalized communi-
ties in the Conference and in the global response to HIV and AIDS, in order to bring effective
prevention and treatment to communities. Examples of activities include sessions, forums, oral
presentations and awards, networking zones, NGO exhibition booths and marketplace booths.

· People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Lounge: This lounge provides a space where PLWHA
can rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Many people enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk with other
PLWHA, hold informal meetings, take their medications, or get a snack.

· Satellites: Satellite meetings are organized independently by host organizations – from private
companies to government agencies to NGOs. They occur during the first day of the Conference,
and before and after the official program from Monday to Thursday.

· Exhibits: Exhibit booths can be found in the Global Village and inside the Exhibition Area of the
Conference. These are hosted by private companies, governments, and NGOs.
Affiliated Events: Affiliated events are other meetings, symposia, or forums organized for Con-
ference delegates outside the Conference venue, outside of program hours, by other organiza-
tions.
· Affiliated Events: Affiliated events are other meetings, symposia, or forums organized for Con-
ference delegates outside the Conference venue, outside of program hours, by other organiza-
tions.

· Cultural Programme in Vienna: A number of Viennese artists and cultural institutions are
planning a number of events focused on HIV to create an extensive Cultural Programme.
Participating institutions and artists are solely responsible for the content, financing and organi-
zation of the events. There are approximately 40 contributions including visual art, film, dance,
music, design and architecture with a special focus on children and youth. The Cultural
Programme will begin in the city in early May, and will set the stage for the conference and its
theme Rights Here, Right Now. The highlight will be a unique music act and performance on
Saturday, 24 July, the day after the conference closes.

How do I find out when sessions and events are happening?

The most up-to-date information about what is happening during the Conference will be in
your delegate bag, given to you upon registration at the Conference site. The delegate bag
should include the Conference Program, which lists all the sessions and the General Informa-
tion Booklet, which provides key information on all the programs and services at the Confer-
ence. You may also find documents that provide an overview of specific kinds of sessions and
events. You will find in the end of the pocketbook a list with all directly related youth activities.
Information is also available on the Conference and Youth websites before the Conference
begins.

If you wish to know more you can check: www.aids2010.org

3 Youth in Action: How to Be Effective at the
Conference
What does it mean to be “effective” at an international meeting? It can mean setting goals in
advance and then achieving those goals. It can refer to how you support other participants
during the actual meeting. Or it can mean understanding the relevant outcomes of the meeting
so that you can translate these outcomes back in your home country. Effectiveness at interna-
tional meetings means different things to different people, but all participants must accept one
reality: there is hard work to be done before, during, and after the meeting. It is also easier to
cover more ground if you work in groups – don’t try to do it alone. To help to overview your
participation at the conference we share with you the “Model for Effective Youth Action at the
Conference”.

Efficient action model for youth at the conference

Before you go

Here are some tips on what to consider as you prepare for the Conference:

1. Identify what issues are most important to you and why you care about them

• What groups are most affected by HIV and AIDS in your region? Why?
• What do you believe needs to be changed?
• Why should other people care about the issues you care about?
• How do the social, political, economic and physical environments affect these issues?

2. Learn about the major human rights issues in your country and how they are related to HIV
and AIDS, universal access and communities most affected by HIV

• Are there non-discrimination, decriminalization or even discriminatory laws that affect

people and communities affected by HIV (LGBT people, drug users, sex workers, and people
living with HIV)?
• How does human rights and civil society movement address youth rights and human
rights of the communities mentioned above? Are they involved in the human rights move-
ment?

3. Ask your peers, fellow activists and colleagues what human rights and HIV issues are impor-
tant to them, why are they important and how they can be addressed and solved? How your
participation in the conference can contribute to the realization of human rights in relations to
HIV and affected communities.

Thinking about your issue

The following web-mapping activity is adapted from the work of health promotion specialists
Drs. Ron LaBonte and Blake Poland, is meant to help you figure out which part of your larger
issue you want to focus on. You can fill in the blanks or make a map of your own.

1. Become familiar with the literature and evidence concerning the issues you are interested in!

Here there are some suggestions of publications that may interest you:

• Youth Coalition: Young People and Universal Access to Reproductive Health [2009]
http://youthcoalition.org/site08/html/index.php?id_art=202&id_cat=7
• Youth Coalition: Young People and HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination
http://youthcoalition.org/site08/html/index.php?id_art=175&id_cat=7
• Youth Coalition: Comprehensive Sexuality Education for Young People
http://youthcoalition.org/site08/html/index.php?id_art=175&id_cat=7
• WAC: Briefing Paper: Young People Living with HIV
http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/Constituencies/Youth/Resources/Briefing-Paper-Youn
g-People-Living-with-HIV
• WAC: Fact Sheet: Young Women and HIV
http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/Constituencies/Youth/Resources/Fact-Sheet-Young-W
omen-and-HIV

2. Propose a solution for your issue(s). Try to come up with realistic solutions. Think about how
they fit with key global commitments and goals.

Key global commitments related to HIV and AIDS

A number of international agreements have been initiated in the past two decades that set
goals and priorities for the global response. It is a good idea to review such documents and do
an informal assessment to see how your country measures up. You can use this information
when you are talking with decision makers at the Conference.
Some of these agreements and documents include:

· The Principle of Greater Involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA). Signed by 42
governments at the Paris Summit in 1994, GIPA states that greater involvement of people living
with and affected by HIV and AIDS is required for ethical and effective national HIV and AIDS
responses.

· The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are 8 goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond
to the world’s main development challenges. Goal 6 is dedicated to combating HIV, malaria and
other disease. Other goals address structural causes of HIV and AIDS such as poverty, gender
inequity and education.(www.un.org/milleniumgoals and www.chasingdream.org)

· The UNGASS Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (2006) commits to addressing rising rates of
HIV infection among young people to ensure an HIV-free future generation through the imple-
mentation of comprehensive, evidence-based prevention strategies, responsible sexual behav-
iour, including the use of condoms, evidence- and skills-based, youth-specific HIV education,
mass media interventions and the provision of youth-friendly health.

· International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) secures Human
Right to the highest attainable standard of health in Article 12. The General Comment 14 elabo-
rated on non-discrimination in more detail in terms of universal access regardless HIV status,
sexual orientation and age.⁵

· Yogyakarta Principles is an international document of recommendations on how to apply

international Human Rights law to sexual orientation and gender identity a set of international
principles relating to sexual orientation and gender identity
(http://www.yogyakartaprinciples.org).

1. Identify who you are representing at the Conference: your voice, young people from your
home community or country, your organisation, or a specific sub-group of people.

2. Get familiar with the complexity of issues surrounding HIV and AIDS:

Learn a bit about the following broad areas:

• Biomedical science (e.g. the biology of HIV, how the ARVs work)
• Behavioural sciences (e.g. influencing behaviour to reduce risks)
• Social sciences (e.g. social, political and economic factors that affect the HIV pandemic)
• Human Rights: There is a common idea that Human Rights come from the legal proc-
esses or international legal documents. Educate yourself about Human Rights beyond the
conventions, optional protocols and legal documents. Human Rights are not limited to those
legal outlets, but rather always contested, critiqued, reinforced and created in many forms of
interpretation and in terms of issues. For example, just 20 years ago HIV was perceived only as
a medical issue and homosexuality is seen as medical illness. Today HIV and Human Rights are
interdependent (See UNAIDS resources http://data.unaids.org/publications/irc-pub06/JC999-
HumRightsViol_en.pdf). A couple of decades ago WHO removed homosexuality from its DSM
(list of mental health illnesses) it was further decriminalized in many countries and has been
advocated for inclusion into Human Rights and non-discrimination policies
(http://yogyakartaprinciples.org/yogyakarta-article-human-rights-law-review.pdf). Therefore
Human Rights are not only based on International Human Rights Law, but also social aspects of
human rights, “new” Human Rights that are being advocated for but not yet included in to any
international legal documents

⁵ 1 http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/(symbol)/E.C.12.2000.4.En
2 http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cescr.htm
3. Connect with other delegates through the Delegate Connector that could be found at your
AIDS 2010 profile and online resources such as the Youth Programme Facebook page, the Youth
Site, the Vienna YouthForce Twitter Page. You can also get in touch with other delegates from
your country to meet them prior to the Conference to plan your participation in partnership
with them.

4. Develop an advocacy plan:

What is your issue? (Be concise)

What are some key points about why your issue is important? What are the causes and the
consequences? Choose a few causes or consequences to focus on.

Who else have you consulted with when you developed your advocacy plan? What do you
want to achieve?

Who are possible allies and opponents? What other factors make your issues challenging
to address? How will you address these challenges?

What is your strategy? Building a coalition? Lobbying? Raise public awareness and
support through the media?

What is your strategy? Building a coalition? Lobbying? Raise public awareness and
support through the media?

Who do you need to convince, and how you can motivate them to do what you believe is
necessary? What key stakeholders will be at the Conference?
Some additional tips for advocacy:

· Work with your allies. There are many competing agendas at the Conference. Work with
likeminded people to increase the chances of your agenda being noticed and having influence.

· Know what motivates people. Facts are not as engaging as stories.

· Foster support not defensiveness. Focus on building support for your issue among those in
power. Avoid getting angry with or blaming those who have power. People are often less willing
to consider another perspective when they are on the defensive.

· Stay on message. Know your key messages and say it in different ways. Do not get sidetracked
by someone else’s agenda.

· Have an answer. Know the counter arguments for your position and have a well-thought out
answer.

· Make it easy to act. Many people who support your position will only show that support if it
is easy for them to do so. Provide concrete ideas for changes in policies and/or practices.

· Understand the media. Give them an angle to present your story.

· Start telling your story yourself through TIG blogs or other new media outlets available online
(amplify website by youth advocates, Youth Site AIDS 2010, Youth Programme Facebook page
etc).

· Manage your information. Keep track of the information you have collected and use it to
inform your strategy.

During the Conference

Here are some tips on what you can do to get the most out of your time at the Conference.

1. Make a Conference plan.

• Go through the program and choose what you want to go to.

• Use key words that describe the kind of information you are interested in (e.g. youth,
MSM, women). This will help you search for sessions to go to.
• Look for sessions and abstracts that relate to your interests.
• Don’t forget to include the Global Village activities in your plan.
• The Conference Program provides an overview of key themes and populations.
Abstracts and sessions related to these priority areas will be highlighted in a separate
section. Check this section to see if your priority areas are covered.
• You can use the schedule planning tool on the next page to help you plan your Confer
ence experience.
• Find out about sessions ran by youth from other youth delegates online and/or at the
Youth Pre-Conference.
• Explore new topics, themes and issues – you never know how relevant they can be to
your experience or context.

Tips from a Pro: Before I get to

the Conference, I try to decide
the three main things I want
to get out of being there and
then I select my activities and
sessions, making sure I
achieve my goals.
Schedule planning tool

You can use this schedule to keep track of what sessions you will be attending:

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

08:30- 10:30
(Plenary)

12.30 Youth
10:30- 13:00 Pavilion Opening

13:00- 14:00
(Special Session)

Pavilion Talks Pavilion Talks Pavilion Talks

14:00 - 16:00

16:00 - 18:00

18:00 – 20:00

1. Find a mentor. Pay attention to seasoned veterans of the Conference, especially experienced
young people. Do not be afraid to ask for their support.

2. Build relationships with other young people.

3. Take advantage of your youth. Young people are increasingly being recognized within the
global HIV response as a group whose voices must be heard in designing policies, programs,
and services. Often government officials, policy-makers, and community workers will welcome
conversations with you.

4. Gracefully manage times when things don’t go your way. Some of the Conference delegates
will be very busy. If they do not have time to talk to you, don’t get discouraged.

5. Understand diversity among delegates. Respect that there are different beliefs about
gender, sexual orientation, and sexuality.

6. Handle disagreements and conflicts calmly. If you disagree with someone or feel discrimi-
nated against, calmly communicate your feelings with the goal of coming to a mutual under-
standing.

7. Recognize language barriers. Try to use simple, easy to understand language if English is your
first language. If English is a foreign language for you, don’t be afraid to ask people to slow
down or repeat things that you don’t understand.

8. Be sensitive. Be mindful that each person comes from a different context and has a different
relationship to HIV. Some people may have lost many people in their family and communities to
HIV.

9. Keep your self-confidence up. Mistakes happen.

9. Approach other delegates the way you want to be approached – with courtesy and respect.

10. Listen and observe whenever you can. Be open to diverse input.

11. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to other delegates, and ask questions if you need
some answers. Remember, “veterans” are usually more than willing to explain lingo or proce-
dures to newer people.

Finally, make an effort to attend social events – formal ones as well as those that are more
casual. Getting to know other participants in a social environment can be fun and relaxing when
you need it most.

Networking and partnership building

The Conference is a great place for networking because you can connect with people doing
similar work, build partnerships, promote your work and possibly secure funding for projects,
and influence government policy and decision makers.

Networking should start long before the Conference itself. Making local connections with like-
minded individuals and organizations is important in order to familiarize yourself with major
issues, establish a support system, and even share resources.

Some great online networks where you can make a profile and meet other young people inter-
ested in similar issues include Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS and TakingITGlobal.

Here are a few tips for effective networking:

Tips from a Pro: I make
notes on people’s cards as I
• Prepare networking tools. get them to remind myself
o Business cards of the conversation that
o CV or resume took place and then I try to
o Materials about your organization spend half an hour each
night entering the new
• Know who you want to talk to and what your objective names into my contact list
is. Get the names of relevant executive directors, and sending a quick email
to follow up on the ideas
government officials, and media contacts in advance. we had shared.
The internet can be a useful resource for this purpose.

Tips from a Pro: It can be hard to talk
with VIPs. The easiest way is to
approach them is after their speech.
Ask them their opinions on youth
participation or youth-specific HIV and
AIDS programming. You have a minute
at the most, so ask very direct
questions. When you engage them in
conversation about something they
talked about, they are a lot more open
to discuss your concerns.
• Avoid approaching people early in the morning,
late in the evening, or if they are in the middle of
something important.
• Be patient and resourceful. Use different tactics
to make contacts: corridor encounters, writing
letters, emails or faxes. Be persistent, but not
pestering. Take risks. Approach high-level
delegates and negotiators and ask them for a
meeting – or coffee.

• Leave a brief summary of your project or policy state Tips from a Pro: Often the
ment with people you meet. VIP is surrounded by
people and press, but the
assistant can help you get
access and could be useful
for reaching the VIP after
the event.
Back home

Your Conference experience should not stop when you leave the Conference. What you do
afterwards is often the ultimate test of being effective at the Conference.

The Conference is only a week long, but can serve as a catalyst to addressing the issue(s) that
are important to you. The next step is to put all of the information and knowledge you have
gained to use in your own work and community.

Here are some tips for doing just that:

· What did you learn and how will you apply it? Use your experience at the Conference
for writing reports, press releases, and even program plans.
· Stay in touch with your international youth contacts. An e-group is a great way to stay in
touch and keep each other motivated and going! Consider starting a collaborative
follow-up task at the Conference.
· Follow up with your contacts.
· Apply it to your work. Consider how to integrate the research and best practices you
learn at the Conference in your own work.

Take it to your community. There are many ways to share what you learned with others
in your community and country. You can generate media attention by writing a letter to
the editor or submitting a press release to newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations.

You can arrange to do presentations for schools, faith-based communities, AIDS service
organizations, and youth groups. You can write and distribute a formal report on your
experience or post a blog on a website. The possibilities are endless.

Here are some questions to get you started for writing reports or giving presentation:

WHAT?
What sessions and events did you attend? What did you learn? What questions were raised
that intrigued you? Who did you talk to? What did you talk about? What advocacy did you
participate in or see? What did you find surprising during the Conference? What did you find
challenging?

SO WHAT?
What did you learn from sessions, events, conversations, and advocacy campaigns? How does
this fit within your community? What can you use in your work? What does not fit with your
community’s reality? What meaning do you make of your time at the Conference?

NOW WHAT?
What are you going to do differently in your own work? How can you apply best practices to
your programs, policies, or the ways you do your work? What will you do differently at the next
Conference?