Venton Jones – NBGMACJim 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% - E-Mail, • 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 www.NBGMAC.org

Facebook www.Facebook.com/NBGMAC

Twitter www.Twitter.com/NBGMAC

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 (e-mails, newsletters, word of mouth etc.).

• Look for your leaders throughout communities to “share” messaging and tasks you want completed.

IRMA, b.2005

4 people, 4 agencies, 2 countries

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Mission: support development of safe, effective,

acceptable, and accessible

rectal microbicides for all that need them

1100+ advocates, scientists, funders,

policymakers from 6 continents – S. America/Latin

America and African projects

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Highly active moderated

listserv

Website• Tons of resources

Blog, Facebook,

Twitter

Global teleconferences• Recorded, materials posted

Materials• Fact sheets,

reports

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Highly active moderated

listserv

You haven’t lived if you’re

not on the IRMA list.

Linda-Gail Bekker, Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation

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irma-rectalmicrobicides.

blogspot.com facebook.com/ InternationalRectal

MicrobicideAdvocates

@rectalmicro

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