INTERNS WANTED!!!!

New Jersey Women and AIDS Network is searching for Special Events and Social Media Interns!

Do you have what it takes? Check out the descriptions down below. Send all SERIOUS Inquiries to office@njwan.org

SPECIAL EVENTS INTERNS

The Special Events Intern works directly with NJWAN’s Special Event and Volunteer Coordinator in planning and promoting events. This internship will allow the student to assist in raising awareness and funds for The New Jersey Women & AIDS Network, while gaining experience in planning and promotion of special events.  This is flexible position that allows students to learn all aspects of event planning, marketing and fundraising. The position will engage students with opportunities for public relations, event promotion and planning, and development experiences.

 

Responsibilities:

Event Planning

 

Contact vendors

 

Work with committees and/or volunteers.

 

Attend planning committee meetings

 

Organize materials and timelines as needed

 

Help to establish logistics for the events

 

Public Relations/Marketing

 

Assist with recruitment/fundraising
Utilize social media to promote events

             

 

Skills Needed:

Detail oriented Creative, some graphic design experience helpful

Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher
Great written and verbal communication skills, experience with Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

 

Time Commitment and Compensation: Minimum 8-10 hours a week unpaid internship.

Interested applicants should send application, resume, writing samples and cover letter.

SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS

The Social Media Interns will work directly with NJWAN staff in posting information, connecting with agencies and networks, and promoting events. This internship will allow the student to assist in raising awareness and using their personal and social skills for The New Jersey Women & AIDS Network. Students will gain more experience in using social media on a professional level. This is flexible position that allows students to use Twitter, Facebook, & You Tube as their contribution to the agency.

 

Responsibilities:

Write interesting blog posts about sex, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, Contraception, Women’s Health etc.

Create videos for the agency on sex tips, HIV/AIDS Info, Events etc.

Tweet and Post on FB about latest news, and what’s new in the agency.

Attend Social Media Meetings

Organize a Social Media Schedule for the agency

 

Skills Needed:

Great written and verbal communication skills, experience with Facebook, Blogging, Twitter and YouTube (or making short videos).

 

Time Commitment and Compensation: Minimum 8-10 hours a week unpaid internship.

Interested applicants should send a link to where we can find your work, blog, youtube, fb etc, resume, and a cover letter stating why and how social media can make an impact on community service agencies.

 

SEND ALL SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY TO OFFICE@NJWAN.ORG

 

Tips,Tricks, and Fun Facts About Getting It On

  Find Out What You Might Be Missing Out On!!!

1.  During 30 minutes of active sex, the average person burns approximately 200 calories.
2.  Statistics show that approximately 90% of men and 65% of women masturbate from time to time.
3. Get extra clitoral stimulation in the classic 'spoons' position with a simple body twist. Lying on your left sides, place your right leg over the top of his and your left leg between his. Now position yourself so you're almost flat on your back. Grip his right leg and grind away - this is a sure-fire route to orgasm for you.
4. The hotter the room, the fiercer the orgasm.  Vasocongestion, or the heat flush on your skin, is akin to blushing from sex.
5. Statistics suggest that approximately one in every five Americans has indulged in sex with a colleague at work.
6. One out of seventeen, or 400,000,000 people have sex a day. 4,000 people are doing it right now!
7. The average length of a man’s penis (when erect) is 5-7 inches.
8. Average number of calories in a teaspoon of semen is seven.
9. Men have an average 11 erections per day.
10. Colors create a sexy mood. Red, dark blue and violet are the three most erotic colorswith grey being the least erotic.
11. Feed your man cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint and lemon if you're planning to give him oral pleasure.  It will make his semen taste nicer.
12. The pelvic spasms caused by an orgasm move sperm up stream towards fertilizing your eggs.
13. The endorphins released during sex relieve headaches.
14. The fastest speed a sex sensation can travel from your vagina to your brain has been recorded as a speed of 156 mph.
15. Cutting off oxygen to your brain to feel a strong new sensation during sex causes around 500 American deaths every year.
16.  During sexual intercourse, in addition to the genitals and breasts, the inner nose also swells.
17.  The clitoris contains twice as many nerve fibers as the penis at 8,000.
18.  It tends to be easier for women to orgasm during ovulation than at any other time in their cycle.
19. Inside the female body, sperm cells can survive for up to nine days.
20. Eat avocado to get in the mood for love. It's loaded with the feel-good, pleasure-intensifying substance, phenylethylamine.

Why Get Tested

Often times people are scared to get tested, but it is extremely important to do so. Here are some reasons why.

1. The earlier you get tested, the better chance you have to be treated and live a healthier and longer life.

2. Knowing your status is extremely important! If you are HIV negative you can learn more about how you can remain HIV negative and if you are HIV positive, you can seek out treatment.

3. Testing is very quick and there are many clinics and organizations that will test you for free.

4. Getting tested means protecting yourself and any others.

5. The HIV virus can be passed on to infants through breast milk so if you are pregnant or thinking about having a child, testing is essential. 

6. If you are or have ever engaged in unprotected sex or needle sharing, you are at risk.

7. When you are informed of your status, you gain more control over your health. Being aware of what is going on in your body is essential to leading a healthy life.

8. If you are infected, you could pass the HIV virus to others unknowingly.

9. By getting tested you are playing a huge role in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS.

10. You can not tell if someone has HIV by just looking at them. The only way to ensure your own safety is to be tested.

MTV Casting Call

As part of a long-standing, broader commitment to sexual health issues, MTV is currently casting for a documentary special about HIV/AIDS in America today as seen through the eyes of young people living with the disease. They are looking for HIV positive people who appear to be between the ages of 16-24 to share personal stories of how HIV has affected their lives, including both the challenges they face as well as how they have triumphed. MTV is looking to explore the everyday life experiences of those who are positive in their friendships and intimate relationships, work, family and hopes for the future.

If you are HIV positive and want to reach and inspire other young people, MTV wants to hear from you. If you appear to be between the ages of 16 and 24 and want to be a part of this television special please email MTV as soon as possible at: mtvspecials@gmail.com Include the city and state you live in, your contact details, a picture and why you want to share your story on MTV. Also, let them know if you are currently pursuing any specific goals relating to school, career, or relationship.

My Teen is Pregnant... and so Am I

'Teen Mom' and '16 & Pregnant' watch out cause there's a new show on the block!  TLC's new series "My Teen Is Pregnant and So Am I" chronicles the lives of teen girls who are expecting--at the same time as their mothers.

The show, which premiered on August 1st, highlighted the journey of 17-year old Liz Forbes and 36-year old Ann Golden, both from Oklahoma City, who found out they were pregnant just a month apart from one another.    Liz admits that she "wanted the attention to be on [her] and her baby" and was not too happy about the news of her mother's pregnancy.  Ann revealed that she indeed did "[want] to be the grandma and...help her and coach her through things" but has found herself in the same situation as her daughter.

The premiere of  show raises some very interesting questions.  The most prominent being, where should the distinction between being close 'friend' with your child and being a parent to your child lies.  Ann maintains that she would rather have a close girlfriend/confidante relationship with her daughter as opposed to a heavily strict parental one.While Ann may fall victim to the critical eye, Liz maintains that "her being hard on me is not going to change the fact that it happened...I know that she was dissapointed and everything, but she didn't let it show too much."

Watch a clip from the show's pilot episode:

'My Teen Is Pregnant And So Am I' airs Wednesday, August 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.

What do you think about this show?  Will you be tuning in?

INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE 2012

Stop Waiting!...One of the many performances at the 2012 International AIDS conference!

Upbeat performance at the 2012 International AIDS conference...Turning The Tide Together! 

Naina Khanna from Positive Women's Network, takes to the streets chanting "Women's rights will turn the tide!"

INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE 2012

Jamar Rogers, winner of singing competition The Voice and an HIV positive individual himself, opens up for the Global Village 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C.!

Native American drum group plays "Healing Song" at the 2012 International AIDS Conference!

Activists Protest for AIDS Housing in D.C.

Garden State Equality’s Dialogue Day with Chick-Fil-A

Hi, everyone. Today, Friday, August 3, 2012 is Garden State Equality’s Dialogue Day with Chick-Fil-A. If you live or work in New Jersey, we’d like you to call the operator of your nearest Chick-Fil-A restaurant in New Jersey today, to ask him or her to meet with a local group of Garden State Equality members. We want the operators to see and hear in person how the national owners’ anti-LGBT advocacy hurts real people deeply – families, couples and children who yearn for equality. We ask you to call today even if you personally may not be able to join such a meeting.
Instructions:

 1. Below please find a list of the 22 Chick-Fil-A stores across New Jersey with the store locations, phone numbers and individual operators’ names. Ask for the operator by name. If he or she isn’t there, you can ask to speak to the senior manager on duty.

 2. When you call, say: “I’m a member of Garden State Equality and we want equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We know the national owners of Chick-Fil-A don’t believe in equality, but we hope you may be fair. We believe in talking and mutual respect. Are you willing to meet a group of us in the next few weeks?”

 3. If the owner says no, express your pain, not anger, as you conclude the conversation quickly and respectfully. Respond: “I’m hurt you won’t meet us. I’ll let others know. I wish you well.” Please do not engage in hostility. We advocate equality in love.

 4. If the owner says maybe, respond: “Then I’m going to call you back on Monday, is that okay?” Then please do call back on Monday.

5. If the owner says yes, respond: “That’s great. Before we set up a day and time, I’m going to talk to others to see their schedules. I’m going to call you back next week, is that okay?”

6. Then please email Chick@GardenStateEquality.org your name and your phone number, the location below of the Chick-Fil-A you called – that’s important so we know which Chick-Fil-A you’re talking about – and the operator’s response, whether yes, no or maybe. If the operator said yes, we will call you and other Garden State Equality members in your area next week so we can coordinate schedules to do the meeting.

We understand that activists in other states are staging “kiss-ins” at Chick-Fil-A stores. We respect everyone who engages in the activism that inspires them. At Garden State Equality, we’re aiming for something beyond one day. We aim to start dialogues wherever we can. We want everyone to see the love and commitment of families with LGBT people – indeed, to see all people as real people. That, we believe, is the basis of winning equality everywhere.

Thank you all so much. Immediately below is the list of the 22 Chick-Fil-A stores in New Jersey with their phone numbers and names of the store operators. If the spirit moves you, please consider making a $13.00 donation today to Garden State Equality – that’s what it would cost a couple to eat a typical Chick-Fil-A meal. A $26.00 donation would represent the cost for a family of four. You can donate online at www.GardenStateEquality.org


 Audubon, (856) 547-0815, operator Charles Bohs
 Cherry Hill, Marlton Pike, (856) 488-9117, operator Dave Curran
 Cherry Hill, Haddonfield Road, (856) 488-1600, operator Dave Curran
Delran, (856) 764-0765, operator Sal Miliziano
Deptford, Clements Bridge Road, (856) 853-0425, operator Doug Clark
Deptford, Deptford Mall, (856) 848-7712, operator Christian McGrory
Eatontown, (732) 542-2243, operator Jeff Bassett Edison, (732) 548-6024, operator Travis Biggs Egg Harbor, (609) 407-4900, operator Amy McCloy
Galloway, the Stockton College Chick-Fil-A is closed for the summer. Please call the next closest store. Hamilton, (609) 581-7601, operator John Velarde
Howell, (732) 730-9033, operator Ted Reim
Marlton, (856) 985-4391, operator Brian Bowman
Mount Laurel, Centerton Road, (856) 439-2696, operators Brian Bowman or Bob Mancini
Mount Laurel, (856) 778-1900, Nixon Drive, operator Bob Mancini
Paramus, (201) 967-9494, operator Ken Walsh
Sewell, (856) 464-2277, operator Jeff Price 
Sicklerville, (856) 262-0002, operator Burley Clark
Turnersville, (856) 228-2111, operator Burley Clark
Vineland, (856) 327-4414, operator Phil Kelley 
Voorhees, (856) 772-2201, operator Zach Johnson
 Woodbridge, (732) 634-8981, operator Jim Strole

NJWAN Goes to the 2012 International AIDS Conference

The New Jersey Women and AIDS Network attended the 19th International AIDS Conference which was held in Washington, DC last week.  After participating in workshops, marches, performances, and networking events, we are eager to share a few of our experiences.

The Global Village

We spent our time in the Global Village section of the conference: the only portion of the conference that was open and free to the public. Here, activists, professionals, youth, and ordinary people from around the world gathered to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences through workshops, performances, art, and networking. Performances included the Female Condom Show, De Colores Trans Fashion Show, and “Safe, Stupid, or What?” and not only entertained the diverse audience, but engaged individuals in unique methods of HIV prevention, discussion, and activism.

The Rise of the Female Condom

One of the issues of interest during the Global Village was raising awareness about the female condom. During the session “From 'No Way' to 'Yay': Community Engagement in Female Condom Programming,” we listened to panelists talk about interventions around the globe that have successfully encouraged men and women to talk about and try out the female condom as a tool for HIV prevention. We learned about new developments in female condom technology such as the:

·      Cupid Condom by Cupid Ltd - which has recently been approved and is starting to enter the market globally as an effective tool to prevent against pregnancy and STIs, such as HIV.

·        Women’s Condom - which is currently undergoing approval.

After learning about these exciting developments, we are eager to stay up to date and share the research and current events with you.

The Workshops

During an interactive workshop on disclosing HIV status in relationships, NJWAN participated in various activities to start the conversation on how to disclose HIV status to an intimate partner and when it is okay to disclose. Different scenarios of situations were offered and we were to decide whether or not we would disclose. It was a great activity and conversation starter – an activity we would like to include in our programs for HIV positive women.

The March on Washington

Beyond workshops, presentations, networking, and performances, the true show of the sheer power and commitment of HIV/AIDS activists emerged on July 24^th where passionate and energetic individuals from the Global Village – and even motivated conference attendees encouraged by the mobilization – marched “out of the halls and into the streets” to march and to rally in support of the message that: “We Can End AIDS!”

As a whole, the 2012 International AIDS Conference was a very great learning experience. We are thankful for the opportunity to engage with individuals affected by HIV, explore new developments in the field, and gain global perspectives and strategies. Join us as we utilize everything learned to revamp NJWAN’s efforts in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS among women! 

To view photos from NJWAN's time at the 2012 International AIDS conference, click here!

National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

A mother... A daughter... A niece... A friend... A sister.... A grandmother... An aunt... somewhere is living with HIV.

National Women and Girls HIV Awareness day is about making people aware of the impact that HIV has had on the women's health community as a whole. The nationwide observance is celebrated in many different ways, but mostly by events that support women infected and affected by HIV, and by getting tested. Just knowing your status can save a life and many others.

On this day we encourage people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health" (OWH).

New Jersey has the highest rate of HIV among women across the country, that says to us we need to do more than just talk about it. Women, need to get tested, focus more on protecting themselves and if they are diagnosed with HIV they need treatment.

Check out the InCare Campaign message below, a quality improvement initiative focusing on retaining patients living with HIV in care and preventing them from falling out of care.



North Jersey AIDS Alliance dba NJCRI is hosting I'm Free To Be Me...HIV FREE
An event that allows health care professionals to give presentations, answer questions, and provide free screenings. There will be women and girls living with HIV/AIDS sharing their stories or an expert to talk about the history of HIV/AIDS, including setbacks and progress that has been made.

Date: 3/10/2012
Time: 10:00 am

Location:
NJCRI
393 Central Avenue
2nd and 3rd Floor Conference Rooms
Newark, NJ 07103

Fundraiser in Red Bank NJ Held to Support Marriage Equality

Over the weekend, The Garden State Equality held a free wine and cheese open house in Red Bank, NJ for all their members to show their love and appreciation. The New Jersey Women and Aids Network were one of those privileged to attend the fundraiser at the Hip and Humble Home, for marriage equality. The home furnishing store was gracious enough to donate 25% of all purchases that day to Garden State Equality's campaign to override Governor Christie's veto of the marriage equality bill.

The invitation read: "212 LGBT civil rights laws at the state, county and local levels in New Jersey our founding in 2004--and now we're one of only three states in American history to pass a marriage equality. Those are your achievements, dear members."

The event was a success bringing in a diverse group of individuals to talk about the community, political views, the upcoming election, marriage equality, occupy wall street,economy, LGBT rights, education etc. Among us were lawyers, activists, retired non-profit workers, and business owners, all in one room for a common purpose. Equality.

Check out some pics from the event down below!










We'd like to personally thank the members of Garden State Equality for the invite!

The Republican Plan to Defund Planned Parenthood is Working

Dear Friend,

The Republican plan to defund Planned Parenthood is working -- but if we
take action now we may be able to stop the latest attack on women's right
to health care.

It was just announced that Susan G. Komen for a Cure, America's largest
charity to fight breast cancer, will no longer fund a program that
provides free or low-cost breast cancer screenings for millions of women
who get their health care from Planned Parenthood.1 This is a huge blow.

In abruptly pulling nearly $1,000,000 in funding for breast cancer
screenings, Susan G. Koman foundation cited a sham "investigation" into
Planned Parenthood launched by Republican Rep. Cliff Stearns, one of the
most militant anti-choice members of Congress.2 We have to stand up and
fiercely defend Planned Parenthood -- and show Susan G. Komen and others
who are considering caving to the radical right that we will not let
extremists defund health care for women that includes reproductive
services.

I told the board of Susan G. Komen: Don't throw Planned Parenthood under
the bus! Don't cave to anti-woman extremists and cut off funding for
breast cancer screenings at the largest provider of health care for women.
I hope you will too. You can get more information and sign the petition at
the link below.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/komen_2/?r_by=-5026300-yirnsTx&rc=mailto1

Social Media Experiment to Eliminate HIV

Business and social media leaders teamed up Friday to tackle the transmission of HIV from mothers to babies, saying the medicine and the money are largely in place, and with the right organizational skills they can eliminate HIV-infected births by 2015. - Associated Press

So the plan is to use the power of social networking to increase the awareness of HIV/Aids in children. Women need to receive antiretroviral drugs to prevent the virus being passed to their unborn babies. If this can happen reports are stating that in 2015 there should be a significant decrease in the amount of children born with HIV. Instead of saying zero children will be born infected with the virus, in reality about only 13% of women will most likely unavoidably transmit the virus to their children.

I've already started seeing commercials that encourages everyone to "start a virus to end a virus"

"The long-term vision is for this to be a group of thousands or millions of people who can all broadcast in a coordinated manner where there is a global crisis."
Other business leaders involved in the project include Dominic Barton, managing director of consulting firm McKinsey & Co., and Cynthia Carroll, CEO of the mining company Anglo American PLC.
"AIDS," Carroll said, "should not be a disease of children."

What do you think is the best way to stop the transmission of HIV from mother to child...and more?

Equality - The American Dream **Attention LGBT NJ YOUTH**

ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012 AT 11:00 AM, THE NEW JERSEY SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE IS HOLDING A HEARING AND VOTE ON S. 1, THE NEWLY REINTRODUCED MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL. JOIN US! ARRIVE AS EARLY AS YOU CAN.

Please meet us as early as possible on Tuesday morning at the State House, 125 West State Street, Trenton. You can park at the Trenton Marriott, 1 West Lafayette Street, only three blocks from the State House, and then walk to the State House. You cannot arrive too early. We will be at the State House at the crack of dawn. The hearing room will be jammed and our anti-equality opponents intend to pack the room. Please wear your EQUALITY The American Dream t-shirt from two years ago if you have one. If ever there was a day to take off from work - which we don't ask you too often - this is it, history in the making.

WE ARE COMPILING WITNESSES TO TESTIFY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY. We are specifically seeking:

Civil union couples who have faced difficulties with the civil union law.
Civil union couples who want to talk about what the deprivation of marriage equality means to them.
Clergy.
LGBT Youth.
Parents or other loved ones of LGBT youth.
Supporters of marriage equality, straight or LGBT.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO TESTIFY, PLEASE E-MAIL Testify@GardenStateEquality.org, put TESTIFY in the subject header, and include in the email your name, town and the easiest phone number at which to reach you, which we will not give to anyone. Please also include which category above applies to you, or any other category or anything else relevant.

Whether or not you want to testify, we beg you to join us. We need a massive crowd. Right now, please forward this email to every supportive friend and colleague you have and to every blog and list serv of which you are a member.

Questions? Steven Goldstein is at cell (917) 449-8918.

Thank you, the world's greatest members, for never giving up. GAME ON AGAIN!

Safe Smart Sex

Safe Smart Sex





Imagine a world where no one told you anything about sex. Absolutely nothing, not how it feels, how to do it, what to do, or who to do it with. Yet here you are walking down the street and someone tells you to have safe sex and hands you a bag chock full o’ adult goodies. Condoms, female condoms, dental dams, birth control... etc. What would you do?

Unfortunately, you’d probably do the same thing most people do, ignore the PSA that’s standing right in front of you and keep it moving. I mean could we really blame you? You don’t know anything about the topic but I’m forcing my safe sex protest into your brain.

I think its safe to say that naturally you wouldn’t want to harm yourself, nor would you want to dip your naked body in a pool full of bacteria. Smart sex is the idea of having a smart sex life. In a world where people are obsessively consumed by eating smart, driving smart, and being financially smart wouldn’t you want to have sex the genius way?

This includes thinking about how being sexually active effects your mind, body and soul. Some consider being sexually active a risk in itself for your body, but what about your feelings. How often are you willing to give your body away at the expense of your health?

Now try and imagine a world where your wants and needs came first, not only to yourself, but to everyone. Any person you meet has the utmost respect for you and some are actually in awe of the person you’ve grown to be. If everyone wanted to protect you, you would be more conscious of protecting yourself right?

Well, that is the world you live in. We want to protect you...

If you’re more conscious about the food that goes in your mouth, rather than the body fluids you are exchanging with the next person, maybe it’s time to prioritize. Protecting yourself is just the beginning.

Just Think About It...

Do you practice Smart Sex? Let us know your thoughts, just spill the beans down below!