Health non-profit announces internship program

Mexico City, Mexico (milk.org.mx) July 29, 2009 -- With the announcement of a new program coordinator, Mexico’s only non-profit men’s health organization is re-launching an internship program for international students, accelerating its plans for health promotion to gay and bisexual men.

Milk Mexico focuses on sex, sexuality and sexual health issues for gay and bisexual men, relying on volunteers and interns to advance its efforts.

Internships deliver service learning for those who want to live abroad plus academic credit for students who need to fulfill university requirements. John Rozzo, Milk Mexico’s Director, says it’s a win-win-win program. “Students are able to visit Mexico to conduct research or study, or can collaborate virtually via the web doing graphic design, journalism, programming or promotion. Schools offer their students a unique internship with credit, while our organization improves its activities.”

Former Dallas radio host and reporter Jesus Chairez will be Milk’s new Internship Coordinator. Now living in Mexico City, Chairez is reaching out to universities and websites, and will manage the intern selection process and project activities.

Milk is confident that the program provides an attractive experience for international students. Immediately after posting the internship opportunity at several leading job portals, inquiries came in from around the globe. Surprisingly, Rozzo adds, over 80% were women and from outside the USA. During summer 2006, intern Taylor Butler lived in Mexico City for 2-1/2 busy months.

Butler states, “The time went by so quickly. I learned a lot about online publishing and how Milk is trying to use the web to educate gay and bisexual Latinos, something I wouldn’t have thought was so effective.”

But evidence demonstrates that is vital. The WHO/UNAIDS’s report “Access for All” notes that the distribution pattern of HIV infections neatly echoes the distribution pattern of people with “poor information”; a critical component of access must include access for communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Although web usage continues to rise there are few Spanish-language health sites, particularly with advice on sex practices, sexuality issues and disease prevention.

Previous interns contacted doctors, collected statistics, sought funding and published health news and articles to the community website. Internship Coordinator Chairez is looking forward to renewed use of the web and mobile technologies to educate gay and bisexual men.

Contact Information

Jesus Chairez

Internship Coordinator

Milk Mexico

Contact via E-mail