Candle march CD A toolkit for organising Candle march Campaign in Central Europe region Martina Kránerová; ERNA meeting, September 2004

Background I 14 out of 15 NS/RCY organised HIV/ AIDS related activities so far Candle march was first organised by Slovak RC Became a regional initiative in Central Europe In countries, in countries out of 15 joined the initiative Actions took place in local branches and in local branches within the Central European region

Background II Regional Youth Conference, Budapest 2004: Youth Presidents of Central European NSs pledged to implement: Candle march Campaign for World AIDS Day 2004 A toolkit was needed 2002 – Polish RC made their own CD

Workshop organised by Slovak RC Youth in Bratislava, August 25 – 29, 2004 supported by the IFRC Regional Delegation in Budapest and ERNA Secretariat with representatives of: Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Polish Red Cross + Felicita Hikuam, HIV/AIDS Anti-Stigma Campaign Manager, IFRC + PLWHA from Czech Republic Special thanks to Polish RC for the layout

Workshop Goals Produce a regional information pack in a form of a CD focused on Red Cross/Red Crescent Youth role in the HIV/AIDS field (prevention, anti-stigma and discrimination) including: Candle march campaign description Common visual identity Statistical data List of actions in Central Europe region IFRC materials

Why Candle March? OBJECTIVES: To underline the necessity of fighting HIV/AIDS pandemic To make people think of their capacity in fighting HIV To promote anti-stigma behaviour To emphasize “Humanity“ as one of the Movement’s principles To mobilize and recruit volunteers To provide information on RC activities

What is Candle March? Participants march through the town with candles. At the end of the march they place the candles to a designed place in the form of a ribbon. Other activities Distribution of educational materials Distribution of red ribbons Distribution of condoms Exhibition of artwork Lectures, discussions with experts or peer educators

Expected results I RC has a good image in the society, as a leading agency assisting vulnerable The number of Red Cross volunteers is increased The number of Red Cross programs for and with vulnerable people is increased The number of media interested in Red Cross activities is increased Indifferent attitudes among young people are eliminated

Expected results II Myths about HIV transmission are eliminated Social problems that PLWHA have to face are mediated Prejudices against PLWHA will drop Stigmatisation of different social groups like drug users, men who have sex with men, or sex workers is decreasing Advocacy role for PLWHA is associated with the Red Cross

Candle march CD Introduction Background – containing global and regional statistical data Campaign Description Reasons for joining Activities Database Communications – with media and general public Co-operation with PLWHA Frequently asked questions Photo Gallery Visual Identity Links - to useful websites Contacts – to the NSs in Central Europe Glossary –acronyms, abbreviations, terminology guide

Candle march CD – how to obtain it? Take one after the session Ask for one at the Slovak RC: See it at ERNA website:

We hope Candle march CD to be a useful toolkit for you Thank you for your attention