In response to the global efforts against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and the deplorable public health infrastructure in many parts of Africa, and underserved minority communities around the world, Brooklyn United Methodist Church (BUMC) is undertaking a comprehensive initiative aimed at preventing the further spread of HIV/AIDS. Brooklyn UMC will coordinate/collaborate with local group coalitions and partnerships in the implementation of its HIV/AIDS initiative.

Brooklyn UMC understand The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, 162.III The Social Community (S) “Person living with HIV/AIDS often face rejection from their family and friends and various communities in which the work and interact. In addition, they often faced with a lack of adequate health care, especially toward the end of life. All individuals living with HIV and AIDS should be treated with dignity and respect”.

This project will identify lifestyles of individuals and groups within the African Immigrant communities that may seem convenient to them but which are unhealthy and increase their risks of HIV infection. In this endeavor, the Project will provide specific information and education on how these lifestyles expose people to HIV infection and what they can do to change their lifestyles and reduce the risk factor.

Brooklyn UMC philosophical vision is “building communities from the inside out.”

 This vision stems from Brooklyn UMC commitment to support and collaborate with key stakeholders and shareholders who understand the needs and strengths of their communities.  Brooklyn UMC is well-suited to deliver the proposed activity to the target community because it continues to maintain relationships with key Community Based Organizations, Grass Roots Organizations, and Faith Based Organizations within various West African communities, specifically the Liberian Community.

Specific programs components include:

:: Hosting workshops/Seminars and making presentations for raising awareness, and education for targeted audiences and for training of HIV/AIDS community-based educators (volunteers).

:: Screening of HIV/AIDS documentary, including locally produced documentary.. A major component of this project is to create a documentary that brings together youths and adults people to participate in the documentary that is educational and inspiring to the community.

:: Production and dissemination of HIV/AIDS information through fact sheets, posters, stickers, t-shirts, billboards, placards, etc. with HIV/AIDS messages targeted more specifically at the African Immigrant communities.

These has been carry out through various means and some are yet to come through a variety of settings, including the hosting of special events (e.g., HIV/AIDS Awareness Weekend, Musical Concerts, and Soccer Tournament) and the distribution of print and other promotional materials among the target group.

In addition, volunteer HIV/AIDS educators have taken the message to the targeted communities through word of mouth and the distribution of print materials

This initiative will provide culturally-appropriate HIV/AIDS education and awareness programs to immigrants and refugees from the African Immigrant community especially Liberian who are living in Minnesota (Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center). We plan to deploy cultural messages in our education and awareness campaign. The project’s goals are to:

:: Increase knowledge and awareness about how HIV/AIDS is transmitted

:: Increase family involvement in promoting age-appropriate and culturally sensitive awareness and understanding about the risks associated with HIV/AIDS.

:: Use a variety of sports and social activities; including arts, drama, theatre, and music to convey our message to the various targeted audiences.

:: Have multi-ethnic and multi-cultural volunteers as role models and facilitators of the awareness campaign.

:: Solicit feedback loops layered throughout the structure of our activities.