introduction

As an organizer of the Mexico YouthForce Pre-Conference, I can say that I've had a little more time to adjust to the intensity and excitement of the Mexico City International AIDS Conference longer than have most participants.  In a few words, the Pre-Conference is a forum for 250 youth participants (who are attending the Main Conference) to discuss issues on youth and HIV/AIDS and to develop skills on how to write effectively for the media, influence decision makers, and advocate on the Mexico YouthForce key messages of Rights, Respect, Responsibility and Resources.

Now it's the day after the Opening Session of the Main Conference.  I'm still recovering from the work of a successful Pre-Conference and simultaneously soaking up and processing the breadth of interesting HIV/AIDS experts, knowledge and materials, media, and arts surrounding the multi-faceted issue of HIV and AIDS.  Of course, this is all very exciting, especially when I have the pleasure of reuniting with colleagues I've worked with diligently through email and phone calls, but haven't actually seen since the Toronto International AIDS Conference in 2006!   read more »