The Lotus Project
Anna and Sylvia, Peer Trainers
The Lotus project is a collaborative project between the WORLD and the Center for Health Training . The goal of the program is to increase and strengthen women’s peer advocacy for women living with HIV throughout the U.S. The Lotus Project is a five-year project funded by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA).
At the heart of the project is the belief that Peer Advocates are the key to empowering and supporting women living with HIV. The role of a peer advocate can range from emotional and practical support to education and empowerment. Peer advocates are often a critical link to getting women into medical care and social services. Women often feel more comfortable talking with a Peer Advocate then a doctor or nurse and a Peer Advocate is a role model for women on how they can lead happy, healthy and productive lives.
The project takes a community centered approach partnering with women’s agencies around the country to provide trainings to women. WORLD and CHT also will be providing capacity building to our partner agencies on developing and strengthening peer programs.
Why Lotus?
The Lotus flower is used as a symbol in many traditions such as Egyptian, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In some traditions, it symbolizes femininity and rebirth. The flower emerges from the depths of the muddy swamp. Growing from the mud at the bottom of ponds and streams, the exquisite Lotus flower rises above the water and is usually white or pink petals. The Lotus flower was chosen to represent this project because it reminds us of womanhood, healing and giving.
The swamp can be seen as representing the confusion and pain that arises when a woman has been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. With inner strength and the support of others, a woman can rise out of the swamp, just like a lotus flower.
The Lotus Five Day Training is for women interested in peer advocacy. The training is an opportunity for women to gain skills, tools, and knowledge in peer advocacy, support and learn from each other, and become advocates for themselves and their community.
Topics in the training include the role and meaning of being a peer advocate, reproductive and sexual health, HIV 101, HIV care and treatment, working with clients and providers, embracing your own power as a woman to support and advocate for women.
For many women being a part of the Lotus project is a step in their journey towards growth. For other women, the Lotus training leads towards volunteer, paid work or simply educating others about HIV.
Our Partners are a critical link to making this project happen. We work with local women’s organizations to help us in the outreach, recruitment and planning each training in the cities we go to. These organizations are often a vital link to support, information and advocacy for women living with HIV in their community. Many of them are very grassroots with only 2-3 staff members. However, each person brings so much compassion, commitment and love to the work they are doing. Check out these awesome organizations!
Mujeres Unidas Contra El SIDA
307 E. Evergreen Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
210.738.3393
www.mujeresunidascongraelsida.org
Christie’s Place
2440 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
www.christiesplace.org
Women Rising Project
P.O. Box 4874
Austin, TX 78765
www.asaustin.org
SisterLove
P.O. Box 10558
3709 Bakers Ferry Road, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30331
www.sisterlove.org
Aniz, Inc.
233 Mitchell St., S.W. #200
Atlanta, GA 30303
1.866.521.2410
www.aniz.org
Interested in learning more about the Lotus Project?
Contact
Shalini Eddens
Education and Training Director
510-986-0340 ext. 309
seddens@womenhiv.org
OR
Shailey Merchant
Center for Health Training
Project Director
510-835-3700 ext. 119
merchant@jba-cht.com
You can also check out our website through CHT. www.lotuspeereducation.or