SOCIAL JUSTICE CONSULTANTS, LLC
Embracing Change --- A New Voice
The Red Ribbon Passion Project 

 
Social Justice Consultants, LLC is pleased to announce the launch of The Red Ribbon Passion Project. This new initiative is dedicated to increasing knowledge and accessibility to HIV/AIDS information. The Red Ribbon Passion Project has two key components:
 
1 - The Online Dialogue
 
Social Justice Consultants, LLC created two opportunities for online HIV/AIDS dialogue.
  • A Facebook Community Page — For members of Facebook, The Red Ribbon Passion Project Community Page on Facebook provides a resource and opportunity to share your thoughts and questions about HIV/AIDS. You must click on the “Like” button to actively participate on the Facebook page. Members may post on the wall, participate in discussions, and share HIV/AIDS information.
  • A Blog on WordPress — The Red Ribbon Passion Project Blog is a new blog space for this initiative. By visiting the home page of this blog you can comment on the various blog entries. It is our hope that this blog is also a resource for all. Additionally it provides information on The Campus Tour and its progress to increase HIV/AIDS dialogue on college campuses.

Social Justice Consultants LLC hopes that people will use this online community to talk about HIV/AIDS issues, provide helpful information, and support others in their HIV/AIDS journey. It is an issue that affects us all. There is no room for shame and stigma — we need to talk about and understand HIV/AIDS.

 
2 - The Campus Tour
 
Think About This ---
 
How often are People Living with HIV/AIDS guest speakers on your campus? Is HIV/AIDS a major campus dialogue? Beyond Health Services are there other locations for HIV testing on campus? Has your campus developed policies or support services for students living with HIV/AIDS? Considering the high impact of HIV/AIDS on MSM (men who have sex with men) of all races, Blacks, and women; what targeted prevention messages are provided to these groups at your campus?

 

These Are The Facts ---
 
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's latest 2008 HIV Surveillance Report indicated an estimated total of 41,269 new cases of HIV infection in 37 states with confidential name-based HIV infection reporting. Key differences in age, race/ethnicity, mode of transmission, and gender of the 2008 HIV new cases are indicated below:
 

·       The age groups most reflective of undergraduate and graduates students (15-19, 20-24, & 25-29) had an estimated 12,943 (31.36% of total) cases of new HIV infection in 2008 [pp. 17-18].

·         The top three race/ethnicity groups with the highest new HIV cases in 2008 were: Black/African American (21,289 cases – 51.59%), White (11,778 cases – 28.54%), and Hispanic/Latino (7,121 cases – 17.26%) [pp. 17-18].

·         The top three modes of transmission for new HIV cases in 2008 for Men (n=30,755) were: Male-to-Male Sexual Contact (22,469 cases – 73.06%), Heterosexual Contact (4,496 cases – 14.62%), and Injection Drug Use (2,539 cases – 8.26%) [pp. 17-18].

·         The top three modes of transmission for new HIV cases in 2008 for Women (n=10,332) were: Heterosexual Contact (8,648 cases – 84.05%), Injection Drug Use (1,571 cases – 15.21%), and Other (77 cases – 0.75) [pp. 17-18].

·         In 2008, males accounted for 75% of all diagnoses of HIV infection among adults and adolescents [p. 7].

 

Enhancing Campus HIV/AIDS Dialogue ---
 
The 2008 HIV Surveillance Report is an annual reminder that our work on HIV/AIDS is not complete. Many communities, including our college students, are at high risk for HIV. As higher education professionals, we share a passion for student development.  Our training, research, and practice in higher education suggest that the college experience is an opportunity for students to develop their identity --- including their sexual identity. Sexual exploration places college students at risk for HIV and STIs.
 
ABOUT THE SPEAKER ---
 
Bruce E. Smail is a student advocate. He has served students of color, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) students, and people living with HIV/AIDS. With over 20 years of professional experience, Smail’s career in higher education as well as his knowledge and experience in diversity, social justice, and HIV/AIDS will provide unique perspectives on college campuses. As a person living with HIV since 2003, Smail’s story will challenge assumptions of safer sexual behavior and provide realistic strategies to protect your negative HIV status. His story will inspire others to live their life free of fear, shame, stigma and guilt from HIV/AIDS.
 
 
To Schedule a Campus Visit ---
 
Social Justice Consultants LLC is currently scheduling The Red Ribbon Passion Project - The Campus Tour for the 2010-2011 academic year.  There are several National HIV/AIDS Awareness Days in which a campus visit would be ideal (http://www.aids.gov/awareness-days/). Because those dates are very popular, we encourage you to schedule early. HIV/AIDS is also very relevant beyond the National Awareness Days. To schedule a campus visit, contact:
 
Bruce E. Smail, M.A.
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Social Justice Consultants, LLC
(202) 340-7776
 
Become PASSIONATE about HIV/AIDS! Our passion will impact others. Sharing knowledge will EMPOWER our communities. Be Engaged in The Red Ribbon Passion Project by:
 
  1. Visiting the Facebook Community, click on the “Like” button, and join the conversation.
  2. Encouraging your friends, especially those in high school and colleges/universities to join the discussion.
  3. Bringing The Red Ribbon Passion Project to your campus by sharing this information with student organizations and campus offices that solicit speakers for your campus.
  4. Sharing information with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to join this initiative.
Let’s empower communities to have open dialogues on HIV/AIDS.

 

 
 
(c) 2009 Social Justice Consultants, LLC