Direct Resources

Join the movement to debunk myths around HIV/AIDS by uplifting lived experiences of youth and young adults living with HIV, by educating our communities on historical context, while inspiring and supporting the Queer, Trans, Brown, Black, Indigenous, and people of color!

YOUTH and YOUNG Adult Resources City Wide

Galaei’s SPLAT Program supports the empowerment and leadership development of Latinx and QTBIPOC youth and young adults through individual coaching, group support, education, prevention, community mobilization, and community engagement. Galaei provides an affirming and empowering environment where young adults are coached through various issues relating to sexual health, education, employment, conflict resolution, and trauma.

Philadelphia Fight | A comprehensive health services organization providing primary care, consumer education, research, and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and those at high risk. | 1233 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | Phone: (215) 985-4448

The Attic Youth Center | The Attic Youth Center’s mission is to create opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community and to promote the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. | Address: 255 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 | Phone: (215) 545-4331

Bebashi | Bebashi’s mission is to empower Black and Brown people to enhance the quality of their health and overall well-being by providing access to culturally sensitive, high-quality healthcare, HIV/AIDS services, health education, and social services. | 1217 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 | (215 769-3561

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence | Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence is a donor-supported organization that enriches, encourages and empowers children to reach their highest potential throughsafe, one-to-one mentoring relationships | Address: 100 N 20th St 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Phone: (215) 790-9200

Mazzoni Center | Mazzoni Center provides quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an

LGBTQ-focused environment while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the

individuals we serve. | 1348 Bainbridge St Philadelphia, PA 19147 | Phone: (215) 563-0658

Norris Square Neighborhood Project | Norris Square Neighborhood Project is a unique organization that offers youth and community residents a safe space to explore culture and social-justice issues, create art, and develop their sustainable-agriculture skills. For over 45 years, youth have developed their leadership skills, built relationships with each other and our staff, learned about urban agriculture, and created performing and visual art. Annually, we serve up to 100 high-school-aged youth through our after-school and summer programs. We also serve community members through innovative programming and our six Puerto Rican/Latinx culturally-themed garden spaces. | Address: 2141 N Howard St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 | Phone: (215) 634-2227 

Prevalence
The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is quite significant among the youth population. In the U.S., around 50% of annual new STI cases are accounted for by individuals aged 15-24. On a global scale, it’s estimated that one out of every 20 young people contracts an STI each year.

Common STIs
Among sexually active adolescent females, Chlamydia and human papillomavirus (HPV) rank as the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These infections underscore the importance of sexual health education and regular screenings.

Disparities
Statistics indicate a disparity in the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across different racial and ethnic groups. Certain minority races, alongside the Hispanic ethnicity, are reported to have higher STI rates compared to the non-Hispanic White population. Moreover, men who have sex with men (MSM) are affected significantly by STIs, with a notable increase in cases of gonorrhea and primary & secondary syphilis.

Underreporting
A significant number of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases remain undetected due to the absence of noticeable symptoms, particularly among women. Therefore, regular testing is essential to identify and treat these infections early.

Vaccination
The HPV vaccine serves as a powerful tool in public health, significantly decreasing STI occurrence. Nonetheless, data from 2018 reveals that just 50% of adolescents aged 13–17 in the USA had received the full course of the HPV vaccine.

Adverse childhood experiences
Evidence suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like neglect, abuse, parental incarceration, divorce, or household substance abuse, may amplify the propensity to indulge in risky behaviors, including sexual activities. Such experiences can potentially shape a child’s behavioral tendencies, affecting their decision-making abilities. Understanding these factors can provide insights for interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviors.

How to get involved

• Identify your personal stake
  • The current state of our nation presents significant concerns. The wealthiest one-tenth of 1 percent holds a comparable amount of wealth to the bottom 90 percent. Numerous individuals are anxious about potential loss of access to healthcare and retirement benefits. Our students are burdened by substantial student loan debt, and undocumented workers and their families live in fear of deportation. Furthermore, the structure of our campaign finance system enables millionaires and billionaires to influence election outcomes, resulting in elected officials who prioritize their interests over those of the general populace.
  • As constituents, we bear the responsibility of remaining actively involved in the decisions made by our elected representatives. It is imperative that we hold them accountable for prioritizing policies that promote the common good, including the facilitation of employment opportunities, the provision of accessible healthcare, the delivery of high-quality education, the assurance of a secure retirement, and the enforcement of corporate responsibility.
  • Individuals who have made the decision to actively participate in effecting change within their communities do so with a profound personal motivation. This includes yourself. Having intimately experienced the status quo, you have concluded that it is inadequate. Your profound connection to pertinent issues has led you to the readiness to engage in proactive measures.
  • Change presents inherent challenges. At times, it may induce feelings of frustration and even insurmountability. To achieve success, it is imperative to internalize the significance of the endeavor to us personally and to those we hold dear. This comprehension of personal stake is fundamental. Each individual’s values, beliefs, and perspectives have been shaped by unique life experiences. Moreover, one’s distinct role within the community and individual identity contribute to the formulation of goals in the pursuit of change.
  • It is imperative to have a strong sense of personal investment, providing a foundation to return to when faced with challenging tasks. Utilize the following prompts to reflect on the essence of your identity and individuality.
  • What made me: The factors that have contributed to shaping your identity include significant life experiences, race and ethnicity, educational background, gender and sexuality, professional roles, economic circumstances, familial and social connections, immigration status, as well as the communities and neighborhoods in which I have lived.
  • Who I am: In your campaign, job/career, political beliefs/identities, gender identity, economic status, religious affiliation, friends and family, community, and neighborhood.

• There are many ways to get involved in organizations, including: 

  • Volunteering

    Engaging in volunteer work presents an opportunity to immerse oneself in grassroots organizations. It fosters networking with diverse individuals, acquisition of novel skills, and provides valuable work experience.
  • Starting a fundraiser

    Organizing a fundraising event is a great way to support local community organizations. Consider activities like a yard sale or a book drive, where proceeds can directly benefit these groups. This method of fundraising not only garners monetary support, but it also fosters community engagement and unity.
  • Becoming a mentor

    There are opportunities available for individuals to contribute to organizations as mentors. Alternatively, offering assistance to someone within your personal network who requires support is another viable option.
  • Business sponsorship

    Through sponsorship, a business can support local organizations or events, which in return provides them with visibility. This visibility can be achieved by displaying the company’s logo on t-shirts or signage.
  • Exploring student organizations

    Student organizations play a pivotal role in creating an enriched campus environment and fostering personal growth. They offer a platform for students to contribute towards improving their campus life while simultaneously enhancing their own future prospects.
  • Looking for local events

    Stay informed by monitoring social media, websites, and news announcements for local events. Keep tabs on music and arts festivals, performances, or outdoor movie screenings in your area. Utilize these platforms as reliable sources of information for cultural and entertainment happenings around you.