AEGiS-07IAC: Transforming AIDS groups from monocultural to multicultural.

7th International AIDS Conference


Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

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Transforming AIDS groups from monocultural to multicultural.

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:37 (abstract no. W.D.57)
Rofes E, Paras M; Shanti Project, San Francisco, California, USA

OBJECTIVE: What methods may be used to successfully transform AIDS service organizations so that they adequately serve diverse clients?

METHODS: The study focuses on Shanti Project, a San Francisco group based in the gay community confronting shifting demographics and increased numbers of women, children, people of color and injection drug users. The agency adopted a two-year multicultural plan in January, 1990 to diversify ownership and participation. Statistical accounting of participation by key populations have been measured and staff, clients and volunteers have been surveyed and interviewed.

RESULTS: Initial results indicate that transformation is possible when key areas are confronted: service delivery systems, program design, outreach, organizational structure, staff/volunteer trainings.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: AIDS organizations throughout the world may experience shifts and trends in client populations and may consider similar planned transformations. Policy-makers should support community-based organizations in their attempts to diversify by providing resources for retraining of staff, models of successfully transformed organization, and education in multicultural service provision.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Homosexuality, Male, Voluntary Workers, Voluntary Health Agencies, Organizations, San Francisco, Human, Female, Male, Child, ICA7KWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,homosexuality,male,voluntaryworkers,voluntaryhealthagencies,organizations,sanfrancisco,human,female,male,child,ica7
910616
WD57

Copyright © 1991 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.