Call for Representatives: Canadian HIV Stigma Index CBR Project

The Canadian HIV Stigma Index CBR Project is looking for committed, enthusiastic individuals to potentially be a part of the Canadian PLHIV Stigma Index Steering Committee (Steering Committee) to help assist in and guide the project through its development and implementation. Applications are due by Monday, September 29, 2014.

The People Living with HIV Stigma Index is a tool used by, as well as for, people living with HIV. The Index supports the GIPA (Greater Involvement of People living with HIV and AIDS) principle through being driven by PLHIV and their networks. By acting on this principle the People Living with HIV Stigma Index empowers both individuals and communities most affected by the epidemic.

The benefits of the People Living with HIV Stigma Index for those conducting it go further than collecting much-needed evidence. The process of empowering people living with HIV, their networks and communities is crucial. The People Living with HIV Stigma Index will therefore be both a catalyst for creating and foster change in the communities in which it is used. Please consult the Stigma Index website for more information at stigmaindex.org.

This Steering Committee will be comprised of up to twenty (20) individuals representing a wide range of perspectives on HIV that are necessary for successful implementation of the project. The Steering Committee hopes to include members of key populations, networks and generations of people living with HIV, academics, people from private and community-based sectors, and when available, government. This group will be comprised of 100% of its members being people living with HIV.

This Steering Committee will be a decision making body which guides the study team in all areas relating to The Canadian HIV Stigma Index CBR Project. The Committee will work collaboratively with the CIHR CBR Collaborative: A Program of REACH in the following implementation areas:

Provide guidance and support to the implementation teams on how to best include the voices of all key populations in the implementation of the Stigma Index.

  • Develop guidelines for provincial and/or local Steering Committee membership and assist in their creation.
  • Support the CBR Collaborative’s efforts in reaching potential funders
  • Help identify additional key questions for the survey questionnaire.
  • Assist in recruitment of both potential interviewers and interviewees
  • Lead strategic use of the resulting study data to influence Canadian programs, policies and laws to better fit the needs of people living with HIV.

At all stages of the project, the Steering Committee will be expected to advise and guide the research team in orienting the project always toward greater inclusion and capacity building for individuals and networks of people living with HIV Canada. All decisions made by the research team must have the support of this advisory body, represented by a minimum two-thirds majority.

The anticipated average time commitment will be 3-4 hours per month, with the exception of the face-to-face meetings, for the duration of the project. Face-to-face meetings are expected approximately once per year. All travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the face-to-face meetings.  Steering committee members will receive an honorarium for their hard work and continued commitment to the project.

For more information, download the complete Call for Representatives and application form.

If you are applying from British Columbia and have questions, please get in touch with [email protected].