Volunteer Positive, an international service organization comprised of people living with and affected by HIV, has assembled its first group of volunteers. The group is in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Here are their stories of working with sex workers, at-risk youth, children orphaned by HIV and other groups.

By Cate G.

My name is Cate and I am a 54 yrs. old woman living with HIV for the past 22yrs.  I was compelled to join Volunteer Positive’s inaugural trip to Thailand after reading the July/August issue of POZ magazine.  In it, Carlton Rounds, the executive director and founder of Volunteer Positive, spoke so eloquently about HIV long-term survivors stepping out of their comfort zone, putting their meds in their pockets, taking that next step, whatever that next step should be and becoming international caregivers instead of care receivers.  I felt as if he was speaking directly to me. 

I have been involved with many volunteer organizations over the past number of years including a speakers’ bureau to raise awareness about HIV and fight stigma so this seemed like a good match for me.  Plus, I love to travel and I hadn’t traveled in quite a long time.  I just put one foot in front of the other and, little by slowly, I submitted my application wondering the whole time who was this courageous person.  I sure didn’t feel brave.  I’m more the type that needs to be thrown off the dock to learn how to swim.  Each step of the way seemed huge, but in reality it was not that difficult. 

To me the most daunting aspect was the fundraising.  I’m not one who likes the limelight so putting myself out there in the media and asking for donations did not come easily. Regardless, I was determined to follow through once I began the process and people were very generous once learning about the mission of Volunteer Positive. I am probably more shocked than anyone that I am actually sitting here right now.  I didn’t know anyone else volunteering or what exactly I would be doing until shortly before my arrival, but it intrigued me nonetheless.

Arriving in Chiang Mai and meeting the others on this journey was like meeting distant relatives for the first time.  I felt an immediate familial bond with each and every member.  I was nervous, but as we shared our, thoughts, feelings and apprehensions with one another my stress was alleviated. 

The next big step was meeting the NGO I was being placed with, EMPOWER.  Empower is a strong vibrant, self-determined organization of sex workers who support one another to better their lives and fight for human rights of all.  It is a place where sex workers can come to meet for friendship, and to share their daily experiences and ideas about working, dealing with health issues, safer sex, HIV/AIDS, survival and new opportunities.  

They offer computer training, Thai and English classes non-formal education study, and counseling.  Most of my time at Empower is spent giving English class to a number of Thai women and mingling and getting to know the women and how Empower operates.  I am in awe of all they do.  They have a radio show on a few times a week, they have published several books and will soon be premiering a short film.  

They remind me a great deal of my strong, vibrant, powerful woman’s network I’ve made in AA.  Women best knowing how to support and enrich one another to move in a positive direction in their lives.  Even with the language barrier I feel among friends while at EMPOWER.  It does feel a bit strange to be the only woman among the Volunteer Positive members, but yet I spend my whole day supporting and assisting women in the field.  I hope in the future more women decide to be a part of the volunteers traveling to other parts of the world.  We can and do make a difference as exemplified in EMPOWER.

The first week has been very intense for me with some jet lag, also being in a new country, new culture, new food(fantastic), new friends.  I have to admit I am experiencing quite a bit of fatigue.  It has been a lot to take in in such a short time.  I am still wondering what I am doing here sometimes and question how I may be more useful to Empower.

Many of the things I worried about proved to be unfounded.  No luggage was lost, it’s relatively easy to make yourself understood and to travel around.  The food is delicious and safe to eat.  I have not experienced any health issues.  The restroom facilities were similar to our own back home in most places.  The mosquitos are no worse, nothing a good repellent can’t handle.  One obstacle I did face was withdrawing bank with my debit/credit card.  My card did not work internationally, although I was led to believe it would.  Just make sure you check with your U.S. bank if planning to travel before you leave.  I ended up receiving money through Western Union which is a very simple and efficient way to send money.

Chiang Mai is a wonderful mix of new and old.  The city has over 90 gorgeous temples and the monks are frequently seen walking around, yet the city is full of tuk-tuks and motorbikes that do not seem to obey any traffic laws.  The vegetation is lush and birdsong and fountains can still be heard even amongst the chaos of the street life. One special highlight so far was the 2 hr Thai body massage.  It was heavenly! 

Volunteer Positive keeps us very busy, but they take good care of us while here and have introduced us to some fascinating people that as a tourist I would not have had the opportunity to meet.  Their knowledge and insights into Thai culture, customs and sexuality have been extremely helpful.

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For more information about Volunteer Positive, click here.