Quote of the Day
“Take my condoms.” – David
“Okay” – Everyone
And that was how our first service day went (for some of us,
at least). Today, we volunteered at the ASCNYC (not ASBNYC, which is us).
ASCNYC is a non-profit organization based in New York that is committed to
helping people affected by chronic illnesses, specifically HIV/AIDS. The three
main facets of the organization are healthcare management, peer-to-peer
education, and harm reduction and substance abuse services. There, we split up
into three groups (serving lunch to clients, making hygiene/safe sex kits, and
outreach. From the stories, we would say the outreach group had the most
interesting experience. They handed out safe-sex kits on the street of New York
City. People were generally hesitant to ask for these kits, which is
understandable considering the stigma that surrounds sex/ HIV/ AIDS. This was
clearly evident as indicated by the high levels of “stank face” received by
some of the older passersby (and the Bible Crusaders). Also, Fun fact of the
day: Apparently, three years ago, having more than three condoms on your person
in NYC was illegal because they classified you as a “sex worker.” However, if
we approached people with the kits, a majority of them ended up taking them – only
because it was for their sons, of course. This shows that these kits are
something that is necessary, something everyone needs. And the only thing that
keeps them from openly accepting is the surrounding stigma. Overall, the group
gave out 250 kits. Now that sure is a lot of safe sex amirite? Lolololololololololol.
After we finished volunteering relatively early, our trip
leaders told us to get lost… in NYC. Just kidding, they told us to let them
know where we were going first. Our group decided to explore the High Line,
which is an old train track turned into a park. We spent about 2 hours in the
park and another 2 navigating the subways back and forth. However, in between
those two periods, we visited the Chelsea market and had a bunch of gelato,
which was super-duper wonderful. I even got a secret present from Fat Witch
bakery for our trip-mate, Valery – shhhhhhhh….
After we got back, we ate some super-duper amazing pasta
(thanks Hannah and Fatima). Then we came upstairs and started writing this
monstrosity. I hope you’re happy now.
Peace out home dawgz.
Anjali and David
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