The Alberta Positive Voices Conference (APVC) is a bi-annual event that brings together people living with HIV/AIDS from across the province to learn about better health management and new advances in the pandemic while providing opportunities to form networks of friendship and support. Current estimates show that over 71,000 Canadians have HIV/AIDS, including more than 4,000 Albertans. This year’s conference, Back to our Roots; Building our Future, will be held March 15-17, in Nordegg, Alberta and it will bring together 100 people living with HIV/AIDS and their spouses/partners for what has been described as a life changing experience.
This APVC is unique because it is planned and delivered by people living with HIV/AIDS for and to people living with HIV/AIDS. Positive individuals participate at all levels; as planners, committee members, speakers and attendees. Positive Voicesepitomizes the MIPA principle: the meaningful involvement of people with HIV/AIDS.
The APVC was first started in 1999; hosted and organized by Living Positive and held at the Grey Nuns Centre in Edmonton. From that time through today it has been hosted by HIV Edmonton, Central Alberta AIDS Network, Wood Buffalo HIV Society and AIDS Calgary with growth at each event to impact positively on the lives of over 700 Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Alberta.
The APVC is funded through the Alberta Community Council on HIV and additional funders and donors and hosted for 2013 for the first time by Lethbridge HIV Connection. The APVC all inclusive scholarship provides transportation to the conference and back via Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer pick up locations and includes all meals, snacks, conference supplies and accommodations.
The APVC works to break isolation, foster self-esteem, growth and understanding of living with HIV/AIDS while building the capacity of future leaders living with HIV/AIDS to better inform policy and services, break the isolation created by HIV stigma and discrimination and build personal advocacy skills in PLWHIV/AIDS in Alberta.
The APVC is currently accepting abstract submissions for the conference, seeking additional sponsors and donors to provide the best experience possible.
For additional information contact:
Mark Randall: bakrboy@hotmail.com
Phone: 403-669-9936
Fax: 403-263-7358 – APVC Committee Chair
