Volunteers are the heart of TIHAN, and we want your feedback about your volunteer experience with us. If you have volunteered in the past six months, we want your input about your volunteer experiences. We are in the planning process for next year and we want your comments on how to improve our programs, services and your volunteer experiences. Please complete your survey prior to October 1, 2008. Thank you for everything you do for TIHAN!

Please click on the link below (or paste the address into your browser) to take this anonymous survey online (it will take only a few minutes). https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Ux0Xo4xcK2at7BpZ8P7G_2bw_3d_3d

If you would prefer that we mail you a hard copy of the survey to complete and return to us via mail, please contact Kim Talerico at kim@tihan.org.

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5. Your Generosity Pays Off

Because of your generous giving, TIHAN staff have equipment and supplies to do their jobs; our CarePartners receive care packages full of personal care and cleaning items and have fun times at Poz Cafe; and our volunteers and those we teach receive accurate information about HIV and AIDS. On behalf of all of our staff, CarePartners, and volunteers, we thank you!

This month we especially need the following supplies:

• Business-size security envelopes (#10 size white envelopes that cannot be seen through).
• Colored letter-size paper (8.5" x 11" for multi-purpose use), any colors.
• Donations towards hours of technical computer service from our computer consulting company.
• Plastic disposable forks for the office kitchen (we have plenty of knives and spoons).
• Avery 5160 address labels for laser printers.
• Box-bottom hanging file folders, letter-size, various expansions: 1", 2", 3" (gently-used is fine).

Again, thank you for supporting TIHAN's mission in this way.

Click here to see our
entire Wish List...

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6. Volunteer Spotlight: David Zinke

What do David Zinke and the Ringling Brothers Circus have in common? Baraboo, Wisconsin. Zinke, as he is known to his friends, was born in Baraboo 58 years ago come September 18. He was raised in the neighboring town of Wisconsin Dells, which he says is "the water park capital of the world." The population swells from 2,000 year round residents to over 55,000 in the summer!

Cold weather brought him to Tucson in 1991, via a detour to Los Angeles.

Zinke's currently a Fine Arts student at Pima Community College, and will be transferring to UA, where he recently appeared in the Arizona Repertory Theater's production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" as Doctor Baugh at the Marroney Theater.

This German-Norwegian descendant has six sisters and one brother, whom he raised when their parents divorced. Although money was never a problem, the stress of being a parent figure at a young age led to alcoholism and estrangement from his father. Thankfully, they were reconciled before his father's death. It was also his father who invited Zinke to Tucson, which he loves.

He has been "happily gay" for 40 years, and sober since 1996.

In addition to acting, Zinke also sings (well) and dances (a little). He has appeared in Shakespearean plays as well as musicals.

Asked by a friend to participate in TIHAN's first Turnabout for TIHAN benefit show, Zinke volunteered, and for the next two years dressed in drag for the annual show and worked on the sets. Wanting to be creative in a different way, he asked if he could design sets. Happily, TIHAN agreed and he has been doing that since, as well as programs and other activities for Turnabout. These efforts take about 3-4 months of planning and execution.

Zinke also participates in TIHAN's "Treasures for TIHAN" auction, and was active in Phoenix's gay rodeo, manning the rodeo chutes. He has been a referee in Jell-O wrestling contests, and also works the polls during elections. Quite a diverse schedule!

For fun, Zinke reads, surfs the web, and writes. As a full-time student there is not much time for other activities, but Zinke also is a handyman, installing ceiling fans, floors, and tiles, as well as general tasks.

Zinke has a wicked sense of humor, which has certainly served him well despite the hurdles in life he has overcome. To see this TIHAN volunteer in action, he will be appearing in several plays this fall at Pima Community College. Zinke, you are a talented and dedicated individual—we are lucky to have you as a part of TIHAN.

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7. Fall is Almost Here—Time to Designate TIHAN Through Your Workplace Giving Campaign

Remember that you can contribute to TIHAN through your workplace! If your employer participates in the United Way or UA Cares' workplace giving programs, or you work for Raytheon or IBM, TIHAN is one of the member agencies to whom you can choose to designate all or part of your contributions. Please write us in!

If you are an employee of the City of Tucson, Pima County, State of Arizona, or the federal government, TIHAN is an approved agency with each of these government employers, so you can write in the name "TIHAN" on the designation form, and we will be notified of your gift.

If you have any questions or want more information about how to designate TIHAN to receive part of your workplace giving donations, call Scott at 299-6647.

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In 2005, persons aged 50 and over accounted for

• 15% of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses
• 24% of persons living with HIV/AIDS (17% increase from 2001)
• 19% of all AIDS diagnoses
• 29% of persons living with AIDS
• 35% of all deaths of persons with AIDS

Source: CDC, 2008

Join us for our next FREE Continuing Education workshop for volunteers and CarePartners on Thursday, October 2, at TIHAN, 1011 N Craycroft #301 (just south of Speedway). The topic is Seniors & HIV and our guest speaker is Dr. Sara Vazquez of El Rio Special Immunology Associates. Monthly workshops are held jointly with SAAF. We ask volunteers to attend at least three workshops each year. Call the front desk, 299-6647, or email Ari Kelly, ari@tihan.org, to reserve your seat!

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9. Arrivals and Departures

"Don't ever question the value of volunteers. Noah's Ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals." —Dave Gynn

As we all know, Noah's Ark housed salvation for the living within its walls, and too many lives were lost on the Titanic. By signing up and attending our CarePartner Support Training on September 27, you can offer our CarePartners living with HIV/AIDS that hope against the chilling waters of indifference and the attitudes of those who are content with re-arranging deck chairs on a sinking ship.

Our next CarePartner Support Training is Saturday, September 27, from 9:00am to 5:00pm at TIHAN, 1011 N. Craycroft Road, #301. Training is now FREE and includes lunch, snacks, and your very own manual! Support Training will also be held on Saturday, November 22. Please RSVP by calling the TIHAN office at 299-6647. Questions? Contact Ari Kelly, ari@tihan.org or 299-6647.

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10. Put on Your Walking Shoes!

TIHAN is proud to be part of AIDSWALK once again! The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation's (SAAF) largest fundraiser will take place on the University of Arizona Mall on Sunday, October 19. You can make AIDSWALK 2008 a significant day in your life by walking, fundraising, and carrying decorative signs from your faith community, joining the sea of walkers, and attending TIHAN's Interfaith Service. This year's Interfaith Service will be combined with the AIDS Quilt Opening Ceremony and include beautiful music from Reveille and Desert Voices. Also new for 2008 is a celebration for Warriors living with HIV to close the festivities.

The Quilt Opening Ceremony and Interfaith Service are combined at 7:15am. We will come together from different faiths to "remember, support, and prevent." This annual event has left a lasting impression on our community. Leaders of TIHAN member faith communities will speak during the service. Join us for a sacred time of acknowledgement and hope before the walk.

This is the perfect opportunity to gather a team from your faith community and get your youth group involved! You can also fundraise for TIHAN. We can provide instructions, an envelope, and a script to make it easy to be part of Team TIHAN. AIDSWALK is an exciting community event that draws nearly 6,000 participants. Use the momentum to increase HIV/AIDS awareness in your faith community. Ask your faith community liaison or leader to schedule a TIHAN AIDS Educator or Living With HIV speaker during your regular services, adult forum, or youth group.

Visit aidswalktucson.com to register and let Ari Kelly, TIHAN's Director of Education, know when your faith community has a team.

Contact Ari Kelly, ari@tihan.org or 299-6647, to plan your participation in AIDSWALK 2008.

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11. ¡Reserve el Día! Save the Date!

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) will be commemorated in Tucson on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. There will be educational classes, free HIV counseling/testing services, a resource information fair, and a dinner featuring community leaders. It will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Sunnyside High School, 1725 East Bilby Road. This event is FREE and open to all.

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12. Go Beyond the Fortune Cookie

"Those who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt the person doing it." —Chinese Proverb

Many people enjoy breaking open their fortune cookie after a meal at their favorite Chinese restaurant. The brief message may cause a smile or the happy comment, "It's about time!" We invite you to go beyond your fortune cookie experience by making time for TIHAN Speakers' and Media Training, thereby bringing a smile and a happy comment to those who will benefit from your presentations to faith community members and TIHAN volunteers.

We will have one more Speakers' and Media Training this year, either Saturday, October 4 or Saturday, December 6, depending on popular choice, so sign up ASAP if you are interested! The training will be from 9:00am to 5:00pm on either date at TIHAN, 1011 North Craycroft Road, #301. The cost of the training is $17 and scholarships are available. Please call the TIHAN front desk to sign up, 299-6647. Questions? Contact Ari Kelly, ari@tihan.org or 299-6647.

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13. TIHAN's Kim Talerico Receives Recognition as an Outstanding Volunteer Coordinator

In an award ceremony at the University Marriott, TIHAN's Volunteer Coordinator Kim Talerico received special recognition as a finalist for the Ellen Hargis Award, the prestigious award presented for outstanding volunteer management from the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona.

Family, friends, and volunteers were present at the Community of Hearts event to honor Kim, who "…reflects the high ideals of the profession and whose dedicated efforts allow volunteers to produce significant achievements." Kim has been especially instrumental in teaching new volunteers about TIHAN and ensuring that they are volunteering in areas that bring out the best in them and help TIHAN meet its mission of education and non-judgmental service to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Congratulations, Kim!

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14. Save the Date! Musical Potpourri Benefit Concert - Sunday, November 9

Save the date for TIHAN's 9th annual Musical Potpourri benefit concert, which will take place on Sunday, November 9 at 3:00pm at Lutheran Church of the Foothills. Tickets are only $10 (with free admission for kids under the age of 10!).

This afternoon of special music brings together diverse musical talents, with all funds from this year's concert designated to support Poz Cafe, TIHAN's popular lunch program that provides nutritious meals and vital social support for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Mark your calendars for November 9 and get ready for an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment in support of TIHAN!

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15. TIHAN Seeking Feedback from CarePartners Living with HIV: Satisfaction Surveys

In an effort to get feedback from people living with HIV so that we can continue to improve upon our support services, TIHAN will soon be conducting our annual survey of people living with HIV/AIDS. Your opinions are extremely important to us and we appreciate your feedback on our services. This survey will allow you to share your thoughts and opinions regarding TIHAN.

Please take a moment to complete the survey and tell us what we're doing well and what we can improve upon. We will be offering an incentive for those who fill out and return the survey either by mail or at Poz Cafe. If you are a registered CarePartner, you will be receiving a survey in the next few weeks, and we will greatly appreciate your completing it and returning it to us. TIHAN is anxious to hear feedback about our programs, and sincerely seeks input to let us know how we are doing and how we can offer better support services to those living with HIV.

Please contact Erin Strange, TIHAN's Director of CarePartner Support, at 299-6647 or erin@tihan.org with any questions or concerns that you might have, or if you do not receive a copy of the survey. Thank you!

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16. Looking to Join a CareTeam?

Have you been looking to get more involved with TIHAN? If so, have you considered joining a CareTeam? We are actively recruiting people willing and able to join a CareTeam, a group of three to four trained volunteers to provide non-medical, practical, in-home services to people living with HIV.

Tasks could include helping the CarePartner with transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, or other activities, providing weekly visits to offer emotional support, calling to check in on the CarePartner, and offering family support, just to name a few.

If you are interested in providing direct services to a CarePartner while working with a team of volunteers, please contact Erin Strange, Director of CarePartner Support at (520) 299-6647, or erin@tihan.org.

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17. Cariño & Salud - Latinos & HIV/AIDS Symposium

On Friday, September 26, Luz Social Services, Inc. and Luz Southside Coalition will sponsor a symposium to raise awareness of health disparities and healthy behaviors, reduce barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services, and strengthen leadership for addressing health disparities. The symposium will increase the capacity of local community-based organizations to serve Tucson's Latino community by providing culturally competent workshops regarding Latinos and HIV/AIDS to help develop the infrastructure needed to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The symposium is Friday, September 26, 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Holiday Inn Palo Verde, 4550 South Palo Verde Boulevard. This free one-day training includes breakfast and lunch. Participants can attend four workshops and hear the keynote speaker, Britt Rios-Ellis, Ph.D., Director of NCLR/CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation, and Leadership Training.

To register, contact Rafael Vega of Luz Southside Coalition, 388-4572 or rvega@luzsocialservices.org.

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Bridget with Bonkers

18. Bonkers About Bridget Ruiz

Bridget Ruiz (pictured above, with Bonkers) is an amazing TIHAN volunteer. She is a very busy woman, but still finds time to volunteer with TIHAN. Bridget is an active member of our Program Committee and also assists with workshops for TIHAN staff, sharing expertise from her many years of professional experience as a Research Specialist at the University or Arizona.

As a Program Committee member for the past three years, she is most proud of the development and implementation of our program evaluation tools and the annual satisfaction survey of our CarePartners, as they help to improve the programs and services that we provide.

In addition to her work with TIHAN, Bridget works with adolescent substance abuse programs helping to make our community a positive place for kids to grow up. She also serves as a member of one of the Sponsorship Committees for "Join the Voices for Recovery" Tucson Recovery Walk, Expo and Youth Rally (to be held on September 27 at Reid Park, Ramada #14), in recognition of this month of September being National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month.

Bridget's devotion to our community and her willingness to serve TIHAN and other non-profit agencies is a gift to us all. Bridget, we are very grateful for your presence and contributions—we are BONKERS about you!