Project ACE is entering an exciting new phase of community engagement and capacity building. In Phase 3, our goal is to work directly with 280–300 community members across six cities—Calgary, Edmonton, Greater Toronto Area, London, Niagara, and Ottawa—to deliver the ACE Intervention Training. This initiative builds on the progress of earlier phases and is designed to deepen community-led responses to HIV stigma.
In this phase, trained co-facilitators—graduates of our Phase 2 Train-the-Trainer (TTT) program from each local site —will take on leading roles in the rollout of the ACE Training. These community-based service providers and leaders will work alongside the Project ACE staff team to promote, recruit, organize, and deliver the ACE program within their respective communities. With mentorship and logistical support, the co-facilitators will bring their lived experience and facilitation skills to help create safe, engaging, and inclusive learning spaces.
Participants in Phase 3 will take part in a six-week online program that combines self-paced learning modules and weekly group discussions via Zoom. In addition to skill-building, the training will offer opportunities for reflection, connection, and shared action in response to HIV-related stigma. The program is free to participants, and honoraria are offered for completing surveys and, if selected, a follow-up focus group.
We invite community members who are living with, affected by, or vulnerable to HIV to learn more about this unique opportunity. A recruitment flyer is now available, along with a short promotional video that introduces the ACE intervention and what participants can expect.