About one-third of all new HIV cases can be attributed to syringe sharing. Syringe exchange is one of the most effective ways of stopping the spread of HIV among injection drug users.
Here is how YOU can help…
Points of Distribution, POD, is a worker run coop and non-profit organization that does outreach-based syringe exchange and distribution. We primarily serve homeless folks in both San Francisco and Oakland. Members make decisions collectively at our monthly business meetings and through a committee strucure as well as providing outreach services every weekend.
Membership requirements are 6 outreach shifts and 2 business meetings per quarter, as well as 9 hrs of off-shift task work per month.
The training, which is takes 5 weekends over about 10 weeks, includes in-person classes, on-shift training, homework based classes, a final exam and project. Please plan on committing to a 1 year membership upon completion of training.
Classes include topics like:
Outreach 101, History of Drugs and the War on Drugs, Introduction to Viral Hepatitis, Civil Liberties & Self Defense and Intro to Drug Treatment
For more information and to fill out an application, email volunteer@pointsofdistribution.org, visit us on our website and/or come to an in-person orientation!
There are no skills required for participation; we teach you everything you need to know and then some.
At the same time previous experience working with HIV prevention, medical care, mental heath, harm reduction &/or with marginalized populations such as homeless folks, active drug users or sex workers &/or life experiences with injection drug use, incarceration, sex-work, homelessnessetc. are all extremely beneficial and may, at our discretion, make you eligible to have some of the training requirements waved.
Statement of Non-Discrimination For the record POD does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, current or former drug use history, political affiliation, incarceration history, disability status, mental health history, HIV status, size or any other class.
Please visit: http://pointsofdistribution.org/volunteering/ for more information.
