News
CHANGE Agents Making a Difference in the Community
February 1, 2011Project CHANGE (Community Health Action in Neighborhoods for Growth and Empowerment) is CAT’s new five-year initiative that trains and mentors a cohort of students from York and Medgar Evers Colleges to become community activist-leaders for adolescent health, particularly reproductive and sexual health. Lead funding comes from the New York State Department of Health, with additional support from CUNY Workforce Development and Black Male Initiatives.
Having undergone training all fall, the 17 CHANGE Agents (student activist-leaders) are now using the power of theatre and interactive strategies to galvanize communities in Southeast Queens and Central Brooklyn, increasing awareness for optimal sexual health for adolescents. The process has even inspired one of the agents to become certified in HIV/AIDS testing and counseling.
One aspect of this project is to encourage HIV and STI testing and counseling in the community. In their first presentation to high school students, they succeeded in motivating an unprecedented 90% to be tested.
CAT’s CHANGE Agents are very excited about their early success and are moving steadily forward. They will be presenting workshops in schools, churches, community centers, health fairs, and conferences in Brooklyn and Queens.
“Having students from York and Medgar participate in this project is extremely valuable in reaching the true hearts and minds of the community. These men and women exemplify the phrase ‘Be the change you wish to see.’” (Glenn Gordon, Project CHANGE Teaching Artist/Mentor)
Click here for more about Project CHANGE, or find Project CHANGE on Facebook.
