07: Making a Difference as a Community

When the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) began, much of the early programming about HIV was initiated by a committed group of volunteers who started by trying to serve as a source of health information about an emerging health threat. Little information was available, and responding in a rapid manner was critical as new theories and research began to identify how the disease moved within a community.

Volunteering for MAP probably looks very different now than it did 25 years ago. In fact, we could say that volunteering has evolved as much as the epidemic itself over that time. Whereas volunteers used to be the frontline of compassionate care for people living with HIV, most basic services are now handled by committed staff. One reason this has changed so dramatically is that volunteers themselves were effective in the 1980s and early 1990s as advocates for government-funded services for people living with HIV.

Today, volunteers undertake significant roles in educating the community and advocating for smart public policy. In the realm of education, there are a number of targeted efforts toward members of at-risk communities, like gay/bi men (PrideAlive and Positive Link). We’re steadily moving to increase opportunities to educate the general public with volunteer educators. Meanwhile, the HIV Action Network (administered by Public Policy staff) enables volunteers from around the state to help advance HIV policy by contacting their legislators about HIV-related issues.

In 2007 alone, 1032 volunteers contributed more than 10,000 hours of donated expertise to the Minnesota AIDS Project.

Volunteers also play key roles on leadership committees that guide decision making of the agency. Volunteers compose the bulk of the Marketing Committee, Development Committee, Special Events steering committees, the Core Groups for both PrideAlive and Positive Link, and also PrideAlive’s Community Advisory Board. In each of these groups, volunteers devote significant time and energy to guiding the direction of key MAP programs.

One dedicated volunteer, Kristina Schnabel, donates her time by serving on the Minnesota AIDS Walk steering committee and as a Volunteer Educator. She said, "I enjoy volunteering in my role with MAP because, since I started, nine years ago, I have yet to find something else that means as much to me as MAP does. I have been greatly enriched by the people I have met and the experiences I have encountered. No matter what the task is: large or small, easy or hard, odd or normal, it brings me great joy to be able to help with something I truly believe in. Someday I envision a world without HIV and that vision is wholly made possible by the work that MAP does."    

Without volunteer support, the agency could not provide the reach that it does in terms of supporting education, advocacy, services, and fundraising efforts. In 2007 alone, 1032 volunteers contributed more than 10,000 hours of donated expertise to the Minnesota AIDS Project.

Why would you want to be involved as a volunteer?

• To share a skill
• To support a community
• To gain Leadership skills
• To help others
• To be challenged
• To make new friends
• To change your world

Many challenges remain for MAP and other service organizations and, without the continued support of volunteers, advancing key programming and initiatives.

If you are interested in supporting your community and helping the Minnesota AIDS Project stop HIV in Minnesota, you can contact us at volunteer@mnaidsproject.org to find the right fit for you.

~ Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~

Margaret Mead

Last Updated: Monday, March 31, 2008
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