Introduction:

Together with link workers, volunteers, form a key cadre in the link worker scheme. Volunteers are expected to take the onus of making the scheme acceptable to the communities and supporting the link workers. They are expected to sustain the process of change in the communities, even after the projects withdraw. These volunteers represent different groups in the village such as SHGs, micro-credit groups, youth groups, and women’s group, HRGs and PLHIVs and serve as peer educators. They create awareness about HIV in the village, provide support in managing the information centres, provide referral and follow up. Moreover, they mobilize communities to participate during events, or outreach camps. They ensure that the change process gets support and acceptance from the community.