Call for expression of interest.

Volunteer National e Correspondents (NeC) for AIDS ASIA e FORUM.
(http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/)

AIDS ASIA e FORUM is an electronic FORUM for information and
communication on HIV and AIDS related issues in Asia Pacific
region. This FORUM has grown to a virtual community of about 7,000
members who are involved or interested in HIV and AIDS related
issues in Asia Pacific region. The members receive 5 to 6 "postings"
in a week. The member list is almost like a `who is who' of HIV and
AIDS related work in Asia Pacific region.

As part of the ongoing support to HIV and AIDS-related discourse in
Asia Pacific region, AIDS ASIA e FORUM is calling for Voluntary
National e Correspondents to join AIDS ASIA e FORUM TEAM to cover
relevant local events and emerging issues on HIV and AIDS related
issues in Asia Pacific region

The AIDS ASIA e FORUM Volunteer National e Correspondents will
contribute to the FORUM by developing local perspectives from their
own areas of work, based on their own local knowledge, experience
and local language ability. This helps to encourage other FORUM
members to contribute their own views and integrate local priorities
and perspectives into national and international discussions.

The contributions of NeC's range from

a)Report of meetings, conferences and training programs
b)Presenting personal views
c)Translation of local news from local language sources
d)Summaries of local HIV/AIDS news
e)Brief interviews with key stake holders
f)Report of site visits
g)Information about projects, local data, and issues

.Who could apply to become a Voluntary National e Correspondent of
AIDS ASIA e FORUM?

They may comprise of people from diverse backgrounds, such as
social workers, journalists, students, lawyers, doctors,
counsellors, people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, people
from vulnerable populations, NGOs, epidemiologists, social
scientists, teachers, policy makers, and health activists.

AIDS ASIA e FORUM is keen to bring in National, geographical and
linguistic diversity to the HIV/AIDS related discourse in Asia
Pacific region. The NeC Team will be selected from metros, cities,
small towns, districts, and villages.

Ideally we would like to see at least one AIDS ASIA e FORUM NeCs in
each Asian and Pacific Countries.

What you need is an access to internet at least on a weekly basis.
You may be accessing internet from an internet café, your own
internet connection or access from your work place.

A willingness to send a brief article, at least once in a month to
the FORUM is the key selection criteria we are look for. .

You don't have to be a master in composing English prose. Basic
English writing skill is what we are seeking. A keen, critical eye
on emerging national HIV and AIDS issues and a willingness to share
those insights with an International audience.

What do the NeCs get out of being part of the Team?

AIDS ASIA e FORUM is currently running on a voluntary basis on a
Zero budget. The NeCs are invited to join the FORUM as volunteers.

But there are numerous non monitory benefits available for being an
AIDS INDA e FORUM NeC.

Being a part of the AIDS ASIA e-team will provide opportunities to;

a) To attend HIV/AIDS conferences and other events
b) To develop new contacts
c) To widen personal network of contacts and organisations
d) Opportunity for learning and personal development
e) Information-gathering for your personal research projects
f) Develop skills as a journalist or writer
g) Free conference registration
h) Occasional honorarium or equipment supply
i) Means to share personal experience and perspectives on AIDS to
an International audience
j) To become a local `HIV/AIDS information hub'
k) Opportunities for training in "HIV/AIDS informatics"
l) An opportunity to track HIV/AIDS pandemic in Asia Pacific region
m) An opportunity to monitor HIV/AIDS response in Asia pacific
region

How to apply to become an AIDS ASIA e FORUM NeC?

Please contact Dr. Joe Thomas the FORUM moderator for a copy of the
AIDS ASIA e FORUM National e Corespondents Job description.

If you are interested in becoming a Voluntary, National
eCorrespondent (NeC) and working as part of AIDS ASIA e FORUM, then
please send your brief CV (not more than two pages) and a brief
note on why you want to become a VeC and what you can contribute to
the HIV and AIDS discourse in Asia Pacific by email to:
correspondents@...

Dr. Joe Thomas
Moderator
AIDS ASIA e FORUM
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/