TEACHAIDS
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October 24, 2012
I joined TeachAIDS as a volunteer in 2010 after learning about the work that TeachAIDS had accomplished in China and India. Several TeachAIDS volunteers, who I later had the opportunity to work with, spoke to an HIV&AIDS seminar course at Stanford about their work. I was compelled by the unfolding of TeachAIDS from the Ph.D. research of the CEO and Founder, Dr. Piya Sorcar, in India. I became interested in the innovative, practical approach the organization decided to take to overcome cultural and legal barriers to educating learners about a taboo topic like HIV&AIDS. From the beginning, I believed in TeachAIDS, both because of the endless positive testimonials I heard from around the world and the rigorous research results I learned about through professors at Stanford University.
It was only when I began volunteering with TeachAIDS that I saw the incredible amount of collaboration TeachAIDS has been able to encourage and the barriers TeachAIDS has overcome in pursuit of an HIV-free generation. The success of TeachAIDS comes from the collective work of Stanford experts, volunteers, and organizations from around the world. Through this collaboration, TeachAIDS produces high-quality HIV prevention education tutorials that are culturally-accessible, medically-accurate, and proven effective. The tutorials use images, references, icons, endorsements, and languages that are suitable for a specific cultural context. Combined with interactive animations, this approach not only teaches learners how to protect themselves from HIV&AIDS, but also increases retention.
I have gained invaluable experience during my time at TeachAIDS and had the opportunity to work with a wide-range of projects. Despite the organization's commitments, volunteers are incorporated into the organization and learn a great deal about the nonprofit field as well as HIV prevention education. I have pursued additional experience in the nonprofit field, and I can truly say that the standards, cooperation, and commitment to maintaining an ethical organizational philosophy are unparalleled. TeachAIDS is truly groundbreaking and the slew of recognition the organization has received reflects the effectiveness of its innovative approach.
To support TeachAIDS will make you a part of an international effort to provide much needed HIV prevention education to the people that need it the most.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 2, 2012
In 2009 I had made the decision to take a year off of my normal corporate work and volunteer. I met Piya the founder and Ceo of TeachAIDS and had an amazing experience volunteering in Africa as well as locally. More nonprofits should be run like this - they are very streamline and run like a company with no wast like I have seen in other nonprofits.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 11, 2012
I came to TeachAIDS as a volunteer in 2009, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. TeachAIDS is easily the best nonprofit I've worked for, and distinguishes itself due to it's commitment to creating a great product with the help of great people. TeachAIDS holds itself to the highest standard of excellence, and it's rapid growth over the last 5 years is a testament to this standard. TeachAIDS creates a product that is in demand, high-quality, and crucial to the fight against HIV/AIDS and associated taboos. Furthermore, the experience I received by working at TeachAIDS was extremely valuable to my professional development. I've gone from TeachAIDS to a highly-regarded economic consulting firm and plan to pursue medical school. Whether you're a donor, potential volunteer, or ally in the fight against HIV/AIDS, you will find TeachAIDS at the very top of your list.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
July 31, 2012
TeachAIDS is a very unique organization, not only because of its new approach to HIV/AIDS education and prevention, but also because the staff and volunteers are such an incredible group of dedicated, driven, and passionate people. All non-profits and those who work with them are obviously committed to a mission, but TeachAIDS simply takes it to another level. Working with people who are so completely invested in creating and distributing the amazing TeachAIDS materials for FREE around the world has been an education in what it means to truly devote oneself to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Furthermore, all that TeachAIDS accomplishes is done with limited funding and staff—it has been astounding to see what the organization has done despite so little in the way of traditional resources.
TeachAIDS is not only an amazing organization, it's an amazing organization to volunteer for. I have been volunteering with TeachAIDS for almost a year and a half, and I have had the chance to work on projects that volunteers at most organizations would never see. From research and data management, to fundraising, marketing, and product development I have been able to do in-depth, meaningful work with TeachAIDS. I cannot overstate both the professional and personal impact of working with this organization, or how much I have learned from my experiences there.
Truthfully, it's just hard to express how special this organization is. TeachAIDS is different simply because of the work they do, but even more importantly how they do it. I've never seen such meticulousness, dedication to quality and efficacy, and motivation to make a positive change in the world. It has been truly unbelievable to see the impact TeachAIDS is having on HIV/AIDS education around the globe, and I look forward to seeing the organization's reach and influence grow as the TeachAIDS team continues to do impeccable work.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
July 6, 2012
Sometimes we have moments in our lives where we have the opportunity to become a part of something extraordinary. As soon as I began interning with TeachAIDS in 2010, I knew I had found such an opportunity. During my time as a volunteer with TeachAIDS, I have been able to contribute in many ways to their noble, ambitious mission of providing research-based and culturally-tailored HIV/AIDS learning materials free-of-charge to countries all over the world.
As a student interested in a career in medicine, I had an interest in getting involved with organizations that focused on solving medical problems of communities with limited medical access and health education. HIV has always been a very challenging disease, not only because of medical concerns, but also because of the cultural stigma involved in discussing prevention, transmission, and treatment. Without appropriate teaching materials, communities often choose not to frankly address the causes of transmission, even while infection rates climb. For this reason, TeachAIDS fills an enormous need in the effort to provide HIV prevention education to information-starved communities worldwide. Whether planning fundraising events, writing blog posts, or proof-reading teaching materials, participating in TeachAIDS’ successes has showed me that even in areas with medical access, the role of information and prevention in healthcare--not just direct treatment--cannot be overlooked. The success of TeachAIDS’ materials in the education, and perhaps more importantly, the information-retention, of schools and communities is beyond inspiring. It’s definitely worth it to look through all of the research and results provided at their website.
The organization is run effectively, operating with very budget-minded and efficient goal-setting. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t time to form great relationships within the non-profit. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful people and gain many new friends. It has truly been a privilege to be a part of the TeachAIDS family, united with the same humanitarian purpose. I will continue to give my energy to TeachAIDS’ efforts, helping in whatever way I can.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 27, 2012
To make a very long story short(er), my experience with TeachAIDS was the biggest influence for me not just wanting to go to medical school, but also to focus on giving back to underrepresented communities. Let me explain a little more about why.
TeachAIDS is an organization that truly puts the mission of getting their wonderful HIV/AIDS educational materials out to as many educators and volunteers as possible. This organization doesn’t put departmental politics in the way of this goal. Since our mission is simple, it’s easy for everyone to get behind it and work quickly and effectively to accomplish our goals. In the year that I was actively volunteering, I saw Ministries of Education from countries all over the world incorporate our materials into their prevention efforts, Indian celebrities donated their likeness and voices to make our materials more contemporary and culturally relevant, and got their materials up and running on YouTube, allowing for millions more viewers to access these videos from not just their computers but also their mobile devices.
This organization showed me both how much work still remains to do in the realm of public health and education. While TeachAIDS focuses on international education, I firmly believe many more organizations and learners here in the states can benefit from these materials. Secondly, I saw how much work TeachAIDS did (and continues to do) with such a small staff and a minimal operating budget. TeachAIDS directly affects the lives of so many people on a budget that’s a tiny fraction of what larger organizations have.
Now that I am in medical school, I am using the lessons of cultural humility, resource allocation, and educational presentations I learned at TeachAIDS to become a more effective future medical provider. I can’t begin to explain how much TeachAIDS has given me and I can only hope that many more passionate volunteers, educators, and donors see the incredible work that TeachAIDS does every day.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
May 24, 2012
I typically don’t write public reviews; however, in this case, I felt compelled to share my story with future volunteers seeking outstanding learning opportunities.
During my 2008 visit to Orissa, India, where my family is originally from, I was shocked to find that HIV prevalence was becoming a growing problem for the communities in this region. So, when I came to Stanford, I started to look for solutions to address this problem. My search ended with TeachAIDS.
TeachAIDS has designed the highest quality products for teaching about HIV prevention. I strongly feel that, just like a child’s math textbook or the newspaper, the TeachAIDS animations are educational and informative works that every person has the right to gain from. Having the backing of Stanford doctors and educators, the materials are a trusted source for accurate and perceptive health information that you really don’t see anywhere else.
Since 2008, I have been volunteering with the nonprofit to adapt and bring these products to India and the rest of the world. For example, during the development of the TeachAIDS animation for Orissa, I had the opportunity to work with Prashanta Nanda, former Minister of State of Orissa and esteemed Indian actor, director, and singer, along with Ira Mohanty, one of the most recognizable singers in the state. Nanda and Mohanty donated their voices for the male and female versions of the TeachAIDS Oriya animations. ‘A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.’ Recording the Oriya version with these artists is that moment in my life! The warmth and support for the work I was helping enable in Orissa made me realize the powerful potential of TeachAIDS.
The nonprofit is a vast learning ground that develops sound educational materials and, at the same time, exceptional human beings, who have the potential to make a grand difference in the world. I have grown professionally and personally at a rate that I consider a success in itself. TeachAIDS has provided me with access to do cutting-edge research on the nonprofit’s animations in Botswana and India, work with famous Stanford professors like Professor Clifford Nass, and speak at global platforms like the 2011 Asia Pacific Advanced Network Conference. Such rare opportunities (for even a Stanford undergraduate) have really helped build my confidence. TeachAIDS has pushed my boundaries and allowed me to rediscover my skills and personality. Everyday brings new learning and challenges, and the office culture is such that I feel free to explore and share ideas. Whereas most of my Stanford undergrad friends are merely relegated to backbone operations in their volunteer opportunities, I feel like an active team member at TeachAIDS.
For all these reasons, I am so happy to have been part of the TeachAIDS family for the past four years. I will continue to volunteer even after graduating from Stanford because being a part of TeachAIDS has been the most fulfilling aspect of my life.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 24, 2012
To be honest, I am completely smitten with TeachAIDS. And with good cause. I discovered them whilst searching for jobs/organizations I would readily add to my "has-a-heart-and-soul" list. While I found dozens and dozens of nonprofits also committed to sustainable growth and development, TeachAIDS resonated with me on whole other level. Their meticulous, research-based, culturally sensitive approach to HIV/AIDS prevention education can be likened to nothing I've yet seen! I was privileged to have worked on a number of fundraising and development projects in the past and will forever remain a part of the T.A family in the future.
In addition to the phenomenal work TeachAIDS engages in at the global level (which speaks for itself), I was equally struck by how they operate with such integrity at the local level. Having lived, breathed and worked all things nonprofit for the better part of my life, I cannot stress how important this is!! The very clear "outward orientation" of their work, coupled with a wholesale lack of ego, has allowed for a seamless adoption of TeachAIDS materials in more than 70 countries and counting!
I was not drawn to volunteer on account of the breadth of their work-- plenty of organizations also have an impressive international scope--but because of their unique model of sustainability. TeachAIDS materials are free of charge, licensed through Creative Commons, and help to facilitate meaningful community engagement. Every interested man, woman, or child can obtain, disseminate and implement the materials in a manner best suited for their community. This means TeachAIDS is not a distant 'parent' organization sitting thousands of miles out, determining *what* the implementation process will look like. Simply put, they develop incredibly high quality applications and offer them generously (read: no strings attached) to the world.
If any of this resonates with you, I would highly recommend taking stock of your talents and resources to see if there might be a natural fit. If you're geographically or otherwise limited, perhaps you can at least help to spread the word about TeachAIDS. There are numerous opportunities to speak up for populations who might not have the voice or audience we so freely enjoy!
*This is an entirely unsolicited and honest assessment of my experience with TeachAIDS.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
During my time at TeachAIDS, I was privy to the remarkable growth from 50 to now over 70 countries utilizing TeachAIDS materials. This was by the collaboration of everyone from Heads of State, educators, religious communities, and thoughtful citizens, worldwide! The sheer level of engagement and initiative by multi-level stakeholders speaks for itself.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I had to make one change to this organization, I would include (*resources permitting, of course) more volunteer programs in domestic as well as international locations.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What is unique about this organization?
Wow...where to begin!? Most impressive: TeachAIDS conducted incredibly thorough needs assessments, ethnographic/educational/health research *before* it developed its framework and content. This may sound "obvious" enough, but I assure you PLENTY of well-intentioned organizations establish themselves around the assumed needs of their audience(s.) Really, TeachAIDS operates as more of a facilitator/catalyst for growth and education, and not as the teacher itself. It leaves the *how* to best use the materials up to the local communities.
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