By Michelle Talsma Everson, September 2019 Issue.
With the weather
cooling down (ok, we wish!), a new season is upon us—which means that some of
our favorite community organizations and nonprofits are rolling out new
programs, events and initiatives. We rounded up some of our favorite news items
from local organizations for you to consider this fall. While this isn’t an
exhaustive list, we hope it inspires you to check in on your favorite community
group and see what they have going as the season changes.
RipplePHX
Fall Carnival Weekend
www.RipplePHX.org
Halloween and Día
de los Muertos weekend is going to be off-the-hook this year. So much so,
RipplePHX has decided to postpone their Summer Carnival and put everything they
have into an amazing RipplePHX Fall Carnival Weekend with Stacy’s at Melrose.
“Save the date to join us Thursday, Oct. 31 for Stacy’s Annual Halloween
Bash where we’ll fill the back parking lot with full-size carnival games,
prizes, food, drinks, costume contests and sideshow entertainment,” shares
Jeremy Bright of RipplePHX. “Then, we’ll transform the carnival into our First
Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, with
everything you love about the carnival, plus additional live entertainment,
mariachi bands and some of your favorite, local Latinx performers.”
Aunt Rita’s Foundation
New HIV Testing Initiative
AuntRitas.org
Aunt Rita’s
Foundation is launching a new HIV testing initiative in October that will
expand free HIV testing locations in Arizona by more than 100. The new program
will be offered to all Arizonans who have not been HIV tested in more than a
year, and they will have the option of testing at Walgreens Health Clinics,
selected Safeway pharmacies, or any Sonora Quest location. The new program
follows Aunt Rita’s home HIV test kit program and is part of its overall goal
to normalize HIV testing and expand the availability and accessibility of free
HIV testing. “This initiative significantly helps our statewide goals for
residents to know their status, and get on PrEP if they are negative, or begin
immediate treatment if they are positive,” says Glen Spencer, Aunt Rita’s
executive director. More information will be available beginning Oct. 1 at
HIVAZ.org or AuntRitas.org.
Hospice of the Valley Fall Events
hov.org
Hospice of the
Valley is privileged to be our community’s not-for-profit hospice since 1977,
according to the organization. As such, the agency believes strongly in
providing a myriad of services and programs at no cost, says spokeswoman Lin
Sue Cooney. Some fall initiatives include grief support groups, mindfulness
meditation, volunteer training, and the annual Light Up a Life annual
remembrance event on Nov. 24.
Phoenix Pride
2nd Annual LGBTQ+ Job and Career fair
phoenixpride.org
The 2nd Annual
LGBTQ+ Job and Career Fair will take place on Thursday, Sept. 12. “Last
year, we saw hundreds of job seekers come through our doors and had many
success stories,” says Victor E. Avila, development manager for Phoenix Pride.
“This year, we aim to bring together employers, experienced professionals and
entry level individuals under one roof to continue to support and empower the
LGBTQ community and our allies.” This event will take place at the AE England
Building at the ASU Campus downtown, located at 424 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS
HIV 101: Pizza and The Basics
swcenter.org/calendar
Southwest Center
for HIV/AIDS hosts HIV 101: Pizza & The Basics on Wednesday, Sept. 11 to
help answer your burning questions about HIV. Whether you’re newly-diagnosed
and looking to learn something about living with HIV, you want to support
someone you know who is HIV-positive, you want to learn how to prevent HIV, or
if you just want to brush up your knowledge, this session is great for
everyone, according to the organization. Call 602-307-5330 for more event
details.
SWHD Foster Care Information and Opportunities
swhd.org/fostercare
Southwest Human
Development’s Foster Care and Adoption program is seeking individuals and
couples who are interested in bringing children into their life to provide the
support, guidance, patience and encouragement they need to thrive, according to
the organization. With approximately 14,000 children in the foster care system
(many living in shelters and group homes), there is an ongoing need for foster,
and in some cases adoptive caregivers. “Please consider helping a child or
sibling group who has experienced trauma begin a journey to healing,” says
spokesperson Ryan Narramore.
one•n•ten
New Volunteer Opportunities
onenten.org
One•n•ten has a
number of great volunteer opportunities available this fall. These
opportunities include weekly program volunteering, behind the scenes support,
and special event volunteer support. To learn more about volunteering and
attend one of their volunteer open houses, contact volunteer coordinator
De’Shay Thomas at deshay@onenten.org.
New Stop at First
Fridays
one•n•ten
onenten.org
Phoenix’s First
Fridays now has one more stop on its art walk! From 5 to 7 p.m. on First
Fridays, one n ten will open its doors to the community in its First Friday
Showcase, highlighting LGBTQ+ and allied youths’ artwork and performances. The
next Showcase is on Sept. 6. Come and support these awesome youth and the nonprofit’s
newest program, offering Fine Arts Fridays, a night every week for youth to
develop the artist within. one n ten is a safe sober space. For more
information, contact Rebecca@onenten.org.
Loving More Arizona
facebook.com/groups/lovemoreaz
A national nonprofit,
Loving More’s mission is to “educate people about and support polyamory as a
valid choice in loving relationships and family lifestyle.” The local branch,
Loving More Arizona, hosts ongoing monthly educational meet and greets and
discussions in Tempe. Upcoming topics include trust and STI/STD information and
education. Visit their Facebook group to learn more and join in the
conversation.
Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Fall Events
phoenixgaychamber.org
The local LGBTQ+
chamber welcomes members and non-members alike to their fall events. Events
include First Friday Luncheons, Third Thursday Night Mixers, LGBT Night Out
with Arizona Broadway Theater (Sept. 20) and the 11th annual Festival of Trees
on Dec. 7.
September is National Consent Month
consentmonth.com and ncsfreedom.org
Hosted by the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, September is national Consent Month, which is a time to recognize and embrace the “freedom of expression achieved when informed consent is present,” according to the organization. “We also just released our Consent Signs that are specifically designed for different groups and for people to choose from so they can post on their social media,” says spokeswoman Susan Wright. Visit the Consent Month website for more information and to learn about this vital topic.