Retreat Reflections

We had excitement, we had good weather, we had patience waiting for-eva for Eva. There was good food and we were blessed with great caring volunteers. There were new Babes, and old Babes, and the memory of all the Babes who are gone. Of course, we can't forget the flat tires we had and broken hose, but we Babes did not let that stop us. It is always so awesome, the strength that we have when we bond together. Look Out world!! We even had a Hallo-w-eeeeee-n night with all the lights off, a fire in the fireplace and story telling that might have scared some of our socks off (we know who they are). I personally tip my hat off to the Art Center because I am always amazed at how much talent comes alive. The one thing I have always found at our retreats is the unconditional love that surrounds us and the way we nurture ourselves.

Laura C.

One time when I was a patient at a psyche ward I was sexually exposed to by a janitor who worked there. I reported the crime because I thought of all of the people who were in straight jackets who couldn't help themselves and I wondered if this sick punk had done it to people who were literally unable to know reality from unreality. Obviously I wasn't out of my wits at the time. I knew I was right in response to what he had done to me. I also had other experiences of sexual abuse growing up. I'd like to share two short poems (if you will) of what I felt. The first short poem is about what happened in the psych ward and what happened after I reported the abuse. It goes:

They believed me today, in a court of law. I told the truth about What you did to me. I was afraid to speak out and see your face again, butthe thought of you doing it to another gave me strength within. I'm in awe of the "guilty" verdict, 'cause you defended your story well. But what happened to me was real. I'm glad I had the chance to tell. Memories from the past fog up my brain.The fear has arms, it grabs my heart in pain. I want to hug myself and cry aloud!

Well that's all.
Love Barb B.

The BABES Network:
A Sisterhood OF Women Facing HIV Together
Job Announcement:
Computer Resource / Newsletter Lead

Hours: 16 hours per week
Pay: $11.06
Training Begins in December
10 hours of this position are guaranteed through June and the other 6 are guaranteed through July. This is a grant-funded position, while we will seek continued funding, we can't guarantee a position at this time.
Closing Date: Monday November 30th

While we would like to have one person with all of these skills, we will consider dividing the job among a couple of people. If you have some of these skills, but not all, please feel free to apply.

Supervised by the Executive Director of this position is responsible to:

• Create and conduct training's on basic computer use and Internet skills for women with HIV who have varying degrees of computer knowledge
• Work one-on-one to help these women to develop and enhance their computer skills
• Maintain the BABES Network Web site, updating newsletters and links on the site
• Maintain a bulletin board of treatment information and other resources from the internet
• Ensure the other BABES staff are trained on computer and internet use
• Work in collaboration with Susie McIntyre from the Seattle king County Health Department HIV/AIDS Programs to develop training's and complete quarterly reports
• Serve as lead and staff contact for producing the BABES Talking monthly newsletter
• Ensure that the newsletter is completed, printed and mailed in a timely fashion
• Coordinate Spanish translation of the newsletter with volunteer translator
• Provide layout and data entry for the newsletter as needed
• Maintain the BABES database
• Create flyers for events and make sure they are mailed out 2 weeks prior to an event
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of HIV disease and respect and sensitivity towards women living with HIV/AIDS
• Basic computer literacy on a PC and Macintosh
• Ability to teach computer skills to people with varying degrees of experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience with the internet a plus
• Ability to work with women of diverse backgrounds
• Valid Washington state drivers’ license and access to an insured vehicle
• Willingness to learn additional job skills
• Must be able to work with a minimum of supervisions
• Knowledge of Spanish a plus
• Knowledge of Windows 95, Access, Netscape, and Publisher a plus

Please send résumé, cover letter and the names and phone numbers of three references by November 30th
The BABES Network 1001 Broadway Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98122

BABES is an equal opportunity employer. HIV+ women and women of color strongly encouraged to apply.

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day was observed for the first time on December 1, l998, after a summit of health ministers from around the world called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves to strengthen the global effort to face the challenges of the AIDS pandemic, which continues to spread throughout every region of the world. This organized effort is designed to encourage public support for programs that prevent the spread of HIV infection and to provide education and awareness of issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.

This year the world is observing the 11th annual World AIDS Day. On this day, we are called to unite in the memory of those who have lost their lives to AIDS and support of all those who every day fight this terrible disease. Although we are greatly encouraged by the recent progress in treating HIV/AIDS, this epidemic is far from over. We must remain strong in our crusade to prevent the spread of the disease and to care for those living with HIV/AIDS. This year's World AIDS Day theme, "Be A Force For Change." This theme challenges young people around the world to recognize the crucial rates they play in the ever-changing course of HIV/AIDS.

It is a reminder that each of us as women has the opportunity to raise awareness in helping to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. As the rate of infection continues to rise among youth and women, it is vital that we impart to them the seriousness of the epidemic and of course to offer support and education to all persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Take a moment Tuesday, December 1st of this year to remember those who have made a difference in this crusade. I hope you will include yourselves.

*Credit given to 1998 World AIDS Day Resource Booklet

More on Names Reporting

I too agree that named reporting is only a method for statistical purposes, it does nothing for halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. This reminds me of the situation in Cuba with HIV infected individuals. Once your status is known you are put into a concentration camp where you are not allow to mix with the outside population.

As an individual you have certain rights to privacy and they should be respected. The only reason people are getting testing more is because they believe their right to privacy is being respected, take that away from them and people will test less and the number of people becoming infected will increase dramatically. The continuation of education, prevention and intervention is what has lessened the number of infected individuals not named reporting.

Lucy

Taco ring

1 or 2 packages of crescent roll Dough
Use a stone ware pan but if not a round pan
Lay rolls in pan creating a bottom but letting triangle edges hang over to fold new filling

Filling
Brown onions and green peppers in olive oil
Add 1lb hamburger or ground turkey
Drain off grease
Add 1 package taco seasoning
Add 1 can refried beans 16oz
Can of black olive if wish
Heat a little while till warm
Put filling on crescent rolls

Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese
Fold crescent roll ends over all to center of pan
Bake @375 about 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is
Melted and rolls are golden brown
Serve with
Sour cream
Salsa
Shredded lettuce
Tomatoes
Black olive

Enjoy!

Nurture yourself

Nurture yourself. First, always, yourself. Give yourself the time, the love, the undivided attention you so often give to others. Then you can nurture the rest of the world. Then have babies, create beauty, plant gardens, build a home, teach a child, mother a puppy, heal the wounded, guide a community or a nation or a planet. Give from your purest heart, and demand nothing in return. Nurture with unconditional love, with time, with money, with wisdom. But first, nurture yourself. Some will call you selfish, but you'll know that self-care is the first step--the first step in learning to nurture.