The Party video package was created with input from youth and adults who work with youth to help young people make decisions that will protect themselves and others from HIV infection. The skills learned may also help participants make decisions in other areas of their lives. The Party helps youth:

• Recognize situations that may put them at risk for HIV infection.
• Use a four-step decision-making process to make healthy decisions.
• Think critically about how the media influence behavior and attitudes about sexual activity and alcohol use.
• Understand that they can make decisions about their behavior.

For more information about The Party please contact staff at the Greenwich Chapter.

Q: What is the general plot of The Party video?
A: The video shows a multicultural cast of teens trying to decide what to do after a basketball game. Will they go to a classmate's party? What might happen there? Is there more to this situation than meets the eye? The conclusion is left open, allowing viewers to think about the decisions the characters might make and the impact those decisions will have on their lives.

Q: Does The Party provide basic HIV/AIDS prevention information?
A: The video touches briefly on HIV/AIDS facts, but is intended mainly to help develop decision-making skills and reinforce HIV-prevention knowledge in young people who already know the basic facts about HIV and AIDS. It is targeted to 13 to 15 year olds and can be used to supplement other Red Cross HIV/AIDS education activities for youth, such as those found in the Basic, African American, and Hispanic> programs, and in the curriculum. The user's guide lists external resources that can also be used with The Party.

Q: Do the decision-making skills in The Party materials apply only to HIV prevention?
A: No. Although decision making is the foundation for all HIV-prevention skills (including postponing sexual activity, resisting pressure to have sex or use drugs or alcohol, communicating about HIV prevention with a sexual partner, and using latex condoms), additional issues addressed in The Party (such as self-esteem and self-respect) can help participants make decisions in other areas of their lives as well. The video and support materials may be used in curricula for general health, HIV/AIDS, sex and sexuality, family life, or comprehensive school health.

Q: What is the Red Cross approach to HIV/AIDS education for young people?
A: The Red Cross uses a dual approach to preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, emphasizing the most effective ways to stop the spread of HIV, and distinguishing between these and other ways to reduce the risk of HIV infection. For young people, this dual approach emphasizes that the most effective way to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV is by postponing sex (abstinence). However, recognizing that some young people engage in sexual behaviors that place them at risk, Red Cross curricula and materials also provide age-appropriate information on ways to reduce the risk of HIV infection if they do engage in sex.

Q: Does a person have to be certified as an American Red Cross HIV/AIDS instructor to facilitate activities with The Party materials?
A: No. However, some preparation is required for effective facilitation of The Party. Before using the materials it is strongly recommended that facilitators know the basic facts about HIV and AIDS and have skills in sharing facts and facilitating discussions. To acquire such knowledge and skills, facilitators may want to become instructors in the American Red Cross HIV/AIDS education programs.

It is also important for facilitators to become familiar with the user's guide and video, to learn about the group using the materials, and to determine whether they need to send a parental notification letter to the parents or guardians of the young people who will be participating in sessions. The user's guide provides further implementation guidance.