We launched the Positive Speakers' Bureau (PSB) on World Aids Day, 1 December 1994, and the program is still running strong. It offers your organisation or group the chance to hear the first-hand experiences of people with HIV.
Our speakers aim to encourage understanding, dispel myths and counter ignorance, fear and discrimination of people with HIV by representing themselves as they are. We have a diverse group of speakers who represent the spectrum of the HIV community, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual men and women. Our speakers also represent a range of ages and cultural backgrounds and includes intravenous drug users. All of our speakers have been trained in presentation skills and are reviewed based on feedback to ensure continuous quality improvement.
By inviting the audience to share their personal stories, the Positive Speakers' Bureau presenters put a human face to HIV. This encourages a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with HIV and, in doing so, powerfully reinforces prevention messages.
If you are thinking about using the Positive Speakers' Bureau, consider this:
- Our speakers are trained to present their personal stories in a way that puts groups at ease and encourages interactive learning.
- We make it easier for you to educate your group about a challenging subject and many people have thanked us for helping them with a subject that can be difficult to teach.
- Our presenters represent the human face of HIV, making it very real for your group; it is not a lecture or a video, but a real person with whom they can interact. We are often told this is the greatest aspect of our work.
- We can tailor the presentation for the age group, subject and focus of your audience.
- Our presentations often highlight what people don't know and encourages further learning.
Find out How it works [1], read Testimonials [2] or Apply to become a speaker [3].
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