The Speaker’s Bureau was started in 1989 to reduce the stigma associated with HIV by putting a face on HIV/AIDS with real live people and stories. In collaboration with Vermont CARES’ Community Education Program, the Speaker’s Bureau has reached over 40,000 people. Education is the most powerful weapon against the epidemic. Together, this comprehensive education program is designed to meet the needs and interests of all Vermonters.

The Speaker's Bureau complements the Community Education Program by offering trained speakers who share their personal experience of living with HIV/AIDS. These personal stories can have a real impact on those in the audience:

“Very realistic. Having someone with HIV talk brought the disease home. It is not just in larger cities, somewhere else.”
–community member

“The presentation made me really think about the risky things that I do.”
–high school student