TWP ACTIVISTS MARCH AT AIDS CONFERENCE 2012

  Teens With a Purpose joined thousands of Medical professionals, policy makers, and advocates for those living with HIV/AIDS at the 19th  International AIDS Conference to “Turn Back the Tide of the Epidemic.” They hailed in from from more than 180 countries, making it the largest AIDS conference in the world and assembled in Washington, D.C., for a week of speeches, symposiums, exhibits and more.

A group of Teens With a Purpose youth activists joined the march led by TWP Mentor, Andrea Castleberry. Teens With a Purpose has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Awareness since 1996. TWP uses creative & evidence-based methods to spread the message including Peer education, Spoken Word, Drama, Dance and Original Music inspired by Role Model Stories. Role Model Stories are stories that have been collected from real teens in Hampton Roads. The primary purpose of the role model stories is to model risk-reducing behaviors, suggest solutions to risky situations, and illustrate positive outcomes of taking steps toward protecting oneself. Last fall, Teens With a Purpose hosted their first full theatrical production titled “Imagine Me”. The event was held at the Crispus Attucks Theatre and included break-out sessions and workshops. The production was well received and included over 300 guests. This theatrical event, written, produced and featuring local Teens, raised awareness so Youth can better understand the consequences of their actions thus reducing their risk for: HIV/STI, Dating Abuse, Bullying, Suicide and Dropouts. To view our current Role Model Stories click here.

Teens With a Purpose work is imperative, the numbers are alarming, according to the CDC In 2009, young persons accounted for 39% of all new HIV infections in the US and young blacks accounted for 65% (5,404) of diagnoses of HIV infection reported among persons aged 13-24 years. TWP is committed to finding new and innovative ways to educate young people on how to protect themselves from HIV infection.