VANDU - Genesis, Evolun, Org Struct, Activities - 2001.pdf
VANDU - Genesis, Evolun, Org Struct, Activities - 2001.pdf
VANDU - Genesis, Evolun, Org Struct, Activities - 2001.pdf
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
A Case Study of Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (<strong>VANDU</strong>)<br />
<strong>VANDU</strong>: A Beginning<br />
In January 1998, <strong>VANDU</strong> received<br />
funding from the V/RHB through the<br />
Community Health Innovation Fund. The<br />
initial funding was for a total of $62,500 for<br />
a 15-month period. Together, members of<br />
the various groups working to organize<br />
drug users (e.g., MindBody Love, PRG)<br />
created a vision of <strong>VANDU</strong>. The original<br />
proposal was ambitious, and stated that the<br />
funds would be used to continue<br />
consultations with drug users, to develop<br />
peer support networks and partnerships with service agencies, and to create a strategic<br />
plan that would address the concerns of drug users. The original proposal, which<br />
requested four times the amount that was ultimately granted, also made repeated<br />
reference to the establishment of a drop-in centre for drug users. For the funds to be<br />
disbursed, <strong>VANDU</strong> needed a sponsoring agency, as it did not yet have non-profit or<br />
charitable status. Fortunately, the group managed to negotiate a sponsorship through<br />
the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, and the funding was soon granted.<br />
Once the funds were received, the meeting organizers began asking the users<br />
attending the meetings to join a steering committee that would decide how the funds<br />
would be used. While the general meetings continued running on Saturdays, the<br />
steering committee began meeting every Thursday. Minutes of these first meetings<br />
indicate that the group began discussing avenues for advocacy work and options for<br />
peer-based care and support activities. While the steering committee initially placed<br />
more emphasis on planning and carrying out political demonstrations to express the<br />
urgency of the situation, the meeting minutes from this period indicate that the<br />
members were also expressing interest in providing outreach to the most at-risk drug<br />
12