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Make a square and be aware. Peer Education’s message was clear to everyone who stopped by their table in Memorial Union this week.
The student organization works as an information support group for students at the University of Maine. Promoting awareness on issues facing college students across the country, Peer Ed provides pamphlets on everything from study habits and stress, to safe sex and STDs.
“A lot of people have already learned about this stuff in school, but they didn’t pay attention. Peer Ed doesn’t lecture to [students], that makes the difference. If you talk one-on-one they listen more,” said Darin Francechini, a member of Peer Ed.
This week, Peer Ed is hoping to make an impact by creating a quilt to recognize World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. The members are calling all individuals and university groups from language clubs to sports teams to decorate a square for the quilt and get involved in AIDS prevention.
In addition, the Deans of Students office, including Robert Dana, Kenda Scheele, Dwight Rideout and Angel Loredo have committed to providing at least one square each for the quilt.
AIDS has become a major worldwide epidemic since it was first reported in 1981, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
In the past 23 years, 830,000 cases have been reported in the United States. 950,000 Americans are estimated to be infected with HIV, with a quarter of that number unaware that they have the disease. Every six seconds someone new is infected with HIV.
“I think we can work with [AIDS], through educating people, raising their awareness, ideally improve the lives of individuals currently living with HIV-AIDS and prevent others from contracting it in the future,” said Karen Judkins, member of Peer Ed in a recent e-mail.
Five to six years ago, another AIDS quilt was made according to Angela Fiandaca, graduate assistant to Peer Ed. The quilt made a big impression on campus awareness of AIDS and there was a lot of involvement from all the campus groups. The president of UMaine at that time also made an effort to decorate a square. Peer Ed hopes to have a similar turnout this year, and get as many people involved as possible.
“I feel education is the key to prevention,” Hannah Ives, Peer Ed member, said. “STDs and AIDS can’t be kept a secret any longer. It involves everybody. AIDS doesn’t discriminate and people need to be aware.”
Planning for this year’s quilt is still being discussed. The squares will either be sewn into one large one, or a few smaller quilts depending on how the members plan to display the finished product. The previous quilt is currently sitting in the office of Peer Ed, because there is no place on campus to house a quilt of that size.
Starting Dec. 1 and continuing for the entire month, members are hoping to move the quilt around to different buildings on campus every couple of days to make a maximum impression.
“Part of the quilt’s purpose is to offer a positive outlet to foster healing for people who have been affected by HIV-AIDS, whether that be contracting it themselves or simply knowing someone who has it or died from it,” Judkins said.
“For me, being involved in this quilt is a big deal. It’s a reminder that people are living with this horrible virus everyday and it’s in support of their strength and perseverance, and not only them but their caretakers as well,” Rebecca Woods, a member of Peer Ed, said in a recent e-mail.
Peer Ed will be setting up a table in the Union for the rest of the week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no cost for participation and members urge students and faculty to stop by. Groups on campus can contact Peer Ed if they would like to make a square.
“I think it’s great to show your support,” said Serena Gross, while designing her own square for the quilt.
“There has been lots of positive participation and we would like a lot more,” Franceschin said. “People should come by and make a square. Come show your support for AIDS awareness.”
Bangor Daily News