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The Project is run by a “Core Group”
of 10-20 young gay/bisexual men from the community with the support
of paid staff. The Core Group, along with other volunteers, design and
carry out all Project activities. Ideally, the Project has its own physical
space where most outreach events and meetings are held. The Project
space can also serve as a drop-in center where young gay/bisexual men
meet and support each other. The Project relies on a set of four integrated
activities:
- Formal Outreach
A team of young gay/bisexual men goes to popular community locations
to discuss and promote safer sex in a fun and engaging way. They distribute
appealing HIV prevention material that they have developed themselves.
Additionally, the team creates its own outreach events to attract
young gay/bisexual men (e.g., dances, video parties, picnics, discussion
groups) where HIV prevention is promoted in various ways.
- Informal Outreach
Through their participation in the Mpowerment Project, young men develop
the necessary skills and motivation to effectively support and encourage
their friends about safer sex.
- Ongoing Publicity Campaign
The campaign attracts young gay/bisexual men to the project
through word of mouth, articles in gay newspapers, advertisements,
web sites, e-mail notices, and other targeted strategies.
- M-groups These
peer-led, 3 hour meetings of 8-10 young gay/bisexual men discuss factors
contributing to unsafe sex (e.g., misconceptions about safer sex,
beliefs that safer sex is not enjoyable, poor sexual communication
skills). Through skills-building exercises, the men practice safer
sex negotiation and correct condom use. Participants receive free
condoms and lubricant and are trained and motivated to conduct informal
outreach with their friends.
 
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