Venton Jones – NBGMAC Jim Pickett - IRMA Building Support for Global and National Advocacy Network through Social Media

The National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition (NBGMAC) was established in 2006 to coalesce Black gay men to address the escalating impact of HIV among this population. NBGMAC’s core purpose is addressing HIV/AIDS and other health disparities that impact the lives of black gay men. NBGMAC achieves its mission through engagement of federal and state policy makers, public health officials, media and community leaders. Who is NBGMAC

NBGMAC conducted a baseline survey with 100 Black gay men from across the country to address use of information channels. Where do you access your primary source of information for advocacy and policy updates for Black gay men? 59% - , 56% - Social Networks 39% - Websites. Community Perspectives On New Media

NBGMAC conducted a baseline survey with 100 Black gay men from across the country to address use of information channels. What ways new media is used in your everyday lives? 95% - Facebook 69% - Text messaging 41% - Twitter Community Perspectives On New Media

NBGMAC’s Domestic Use of Social Media NBGMAC launched an initiative to strengthen communications to its membership and broader constituency of Black gay men to effect community mobilization. The coalition is focused on optimizing the use of new media to increase the number of Black gay and bisexual men throughout the country who are aware of their HIV status and engaged in advocacy efforts throughout the country impacting their lives. New media is used to identify key stakeholders, share timely information on key issues, improve community mobilization, identifying the needs of Black gay men in local communities.

NBGMAC’s Domestic Use of Social Media Website Facebook Twitter

Lessons Learned It is still important to create a “safe space” in physical, as well as, virtual environments for people to discuss issues related to sex and sexuality. Using social media to engage community to discuss high level HIV/AIDS policy advocacy issues (i.e. PrEP, National HIV/AIDS Strategy) is challenging. Social media should complement existing tools ( s, newsletters, word of mouth etc.). Look for your leaders throughout communities to “share” messaging and tasks you want completed.

IRMA, b people, 4 agencies, 2 countries 8

Mission: support development of safe, effective, acceptable, and accessible rectal microbicides for all that need them advocates, scientists, funders, policymakers from 6 continents – S. America/Latin America and African projects 9

10 Highly active moderated listserv Website Tons of resources Blog, Facebook, Twitter Global teleconferences Recorded, materials posted Materials Fact sheets, reports

11 Highly active moderated listserv You haven’t lived if you’re not on the IRMA list. Linda-Gail Bekker, Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation

12 irma- rectalmicrobicides. blogspot.com facebook.com/ InternationalRectal rectalmicrobicides.org

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Top 3 Do’s and Don’ts DO: Keep it simple, newsy (and provide links) DON’T: Try to explain all in 140 characters DO: Post frequently (this is a relationship) DON’T: Over-post/over-share/over-RT DO: Use pics creatively DON’T: Forget visuals matter