Dear YouthCO Members, 

Happy February! The days are getting longer, if just fractionally, and there is finally some sunshine outside so get on that Vitamin D production while it lasts! We have a packed month coming up at YouthCO with Core Training, Speed Dating with Mpowerment, the Yúusnewas run club, and we're hiring a Mpowerment Coordinator. 

1. News

Here are some interesting news articles we've come across. We're going to start sharing a couple with each newsletter to keep abreast of current conversations, debates, and ideas! Keep your eyes peeled for an awesomely nerdy announcement from YouthCO over the next week ;)

• Canada Urgently Needs an Updated AIDS Strategy- by Dr. Julio Montaner
• Check out the new edition of Bloodlines, featuring an article about YouthCO (page 39)
• Are Hookup Apps Fueling a Spike in STI's?

2. Upcoming Events

Mpowerment Speed Dating

Tired of how long it takes to get through those repetitive questions asked on a date? Don't care much for making an online profile and waiting for responses? Don't want to deal with bars and nightclubs?

Join Mpowerment for a speed dating evening at YouthCO! 6:30-9:30pm on Tuesday February 3rd

Yúusnewas Run Club

Like running but hate waking up at 7am for other run clubs? Come join our new run club, hosted by Yúusnewas every Sunday at 11am!

At YouthCO we want to promote all aspects of health. We are excited to introduce our new social running group where everyone is welcome! No experience is necessary as we're starting a 10k running program from scratch. No one will be left behind, it is entirely free to participate, just wear some running shoes and comfy gear. 

Check out the YouthCO Facebook page for updates.

YouthCO Core Training

February 7th and 8th from 9:30-5pm. 

You'll get to learn about YouthCO, our values, our programs, participate in training around HIV and Hep C and what your role in the organization can be. We'll discuss how to work to de-stigmatize HIV and Hep C, where to look for accurate information and testing, and how colonization, oppression, and social determinants of health interact with HIV. 

Totally Outright

Totally Outright is a 4-day leadership workshop for young gay, bisexual, trans, and queer guys interested in being healthy, sex-savvy trendsetters. Over two weekends twenty other young men will participate in interactive, thought-provoking presentations from community leaders and experts in gay men's health. Topics range from coming out to sex, drug-related harm reduction to relationships, and a whole lot in-between.

The program is geared towards any self-identified men who have attraction to other men. We encourage gay, bisexual, trans, and queer men to apply.
It takes place on the weekends of February 28th and March 15th in downtown Vancouver, all expenses paid and all food and materials will be provided.

They encourage those outside of Vancouver to apply as well as financial assistance is available for accommodation, food, transportation, or another needs they may have.

The application is already open and can be found at their website HERE

3. Jobs & Volunteer Opportunities

YouthCO is Hiring!
We are looking for an energetic and committed individual to coordinate Mpowerment, a peer-led HIV education, leadership, and community-building program.

Research Participants Needed

UBC Nursing is looking for young men from immigrant backgrounds who are between the ages of 15-19 to participate in a study. See the flyer to find out if you're eligible.



Finally, as Valentine's day is coming up... we just want to let you all know how much we love you. Thanks for supporting YouthCO and being such phenomenal members!

Love,
YouthCO