Learning to Serve Through AIDS Service

Maturity can be understood as a balance between awareness of self, awareness of others and contribution to all. In this colloquium, students will be challenged to develop their emotional intelligence in preparing to provide service within Chicago's AIDS service community. In phase 1 of the workshop, students will participate in 12 hours of training specific to staff and volunteers in AIDS service. Training sessions will include HIV 101, Communication Training, Cultural Competency and Working with Chemically Dependent Persons. These trainings are designed to provide technical knowledge and to prepare participants to immerse themselves as tools in service to others. In phase 2 of the workshop, students will tour a variety of AIDS service organizations, learn about their services and programs, and have the oppurtunity to engage in service to these organizations. Students will also determine, explore and report upon a research topic related to HIV/AIDS. Preferred method of research will be direct interviews with staff and/or clients of participating agencies.