Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarship Opportunity:

International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, July 31-August 9, 2008

Application Deadline: May 23, 2008


Attention young adults ages 18-26, seminarians and students:

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is sponsoring young people to attend the International AIDS Conference (IAC) in Mexico, under the Theme “Universal Action now”. Held every two years, the conference draws more than 20,000 health workers, scientists, government representatives, journalists, activists, corporate leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, and religious leaders and representatives. The IAC provides extensive opportunities for sharing and networking across all levels of care and response to the epidemic.

In addition to the main conference, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance is hosting a pre-conference which will bring together 500 people from more than 35 countries to address trends and issues in the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS. Following the conferences, there will be a one-day debriefing for young people who come as part of the ELCA and Lutheran World Federation delegation to discuss learning and next steps.

Globally, young people ages 15-25 make up nearly half of all new HIV infections. At previous IACs, young people have formed their own caucuses, presented working papers, and met with world leaders to advocate for policies that address the needs of youth. Besides being a great learning and advocacy opportunity for young people, the IAC registration fee is significantly reduced for students and young people age 26 and under. Recipients of the scholarship will be expected to participate in a preparatory email listserve, read background materials, and commit to sharing their experience with their community upon returning home.

The scholarship program includes 3 components:

· The Ecumenical Pre Conference: July 31 – August 2
Join over 500 people from more than 35 countries in this three-day conference addressing trends and issues in the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS. More information: http://www.e-alliance.ch
· The International AIDS Conference: August 3- 8
The IAC will draw more than 25,000 health workers, government representatives, journalists, activists, corporate leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, and religious leaders. For more information go to: http://www.aids2008.org
· LWF youth debriefing: August 9
This meeting will include a discussion about experience and follow-up work among the participants. http://lwfyouth.org

The scholarship includes pre-arranged housing, transportation and a stipend for meals. However, we encourage you to seek additional fundraising from your local congregations, university and community, which will allow us to provide scholarships for more participants.

This scholarship is made possible by the ELCA World Hunger program.

Eligibility:
We encourage young people to apply that have a strong commitment to justice and experience in the fields of: HIV and AIDS, community development, organizing, youth participation, public health and related issues. You must be between the ages of 18-26 or a student, reside in the US, and have a substantive connection to the ELCA.

Please submit your application as soon as possible, no later than May 23, via email to Christine.Mangale@elca.org .

Christine Mangale
Lutheran Office for World Community
777 UN Plaza, 10B
NY, NY 10017
Phone: 212 808 5360
Fax: 212 808 5480

Personal Information
Name:
Date of Birth:
Address: Tel:
Email:
City: State: Zip Code:

Passport Number: Nationality

Affiliation (School, University:)
(Church and /or Congregation):

Tell us something about you (Describe yourself in five adjectives):


Travel
**While your travel will be booked through the ELCA agent, please provide a price range of flights from your city of origin to Mexico City, based on the expected dates of attendance and departure.