May 23, 2011

Dear Advocates,

AVAC is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for its 2011–12 PxROAR program. The PxROAR program offers training for US advocates in biomedical HIV prevention research education and advocacy through mentorship, peer support, networking opportunities, and technical and financial support.

Visit the PxROAR page – www.avac.org/pxroar – to download the application.

Complete applications are due by Friday, June 17, 2011.

PxROAR (Prevention Research, Outreach, Advocacy and Representation) is an AVAC program that supports HIV prevention research advocates based in the United States. (If you live outside of the US, please check out our Advocacy Fellows program at www.avac.org/fellows.) You do not have to be a US citizen to apply, but you must reside in the US and be engaged in work related to HIV/AIDS and affected communities in the US. PxROAR members represent the communities in the US that are most highly affected by the HIV epidemic. Current PxROAR members are engaged in activities to help further engage people of color, gay men, and women to collaborate in addressing long-standing barriers to community input in HIV prevention research. For more information on current members, visit here.

PxROAR offers:

• Ongoing mentorship from AVAC program leaders and key external stakeholders
• Structured dialogue with leading HIV prevention researchers
• Technical support in preparing posters and presentations for relevant conferences
• Dialogue with and feedback from peers in a trusted community of practice
• Financial support to attend relevant local, regional and national conferences and meetings
• Discretionary funding to support direct outlays as part of ROAR work plans [personal time will not be compensated monetarily; PxROAR is a volunteer coalition]

The 2011–2012 program year is August 2011–August 2012, and each ROAR member is expected to dedicate 2–3 days/month to the program. The time commitment covers a range of activities, including skills building and capacity-building opportunities, conference attendance, work plan execution and monthly check-ins. The ability to travel at least two times over the course of the year is expected.

Who should apply?

• Those interested in expanding their knowledge of biomedical HIV prevention research, translating scientific information and mobilizing communities
• Those living and/or working in communities highly affected by the epidemic
• Those with a working knowledge of social, structural and biological issues related to HIV and AIDS
• Those with experience in AIDS, human rights and/or social justice advocacy

Ideal candidates will have the potential to incorporate their ROAR advocacy to benefit their current work.

If you are interested in applying to the program, please download the application at www.avac.org/pxroar. Only complete applications will be considered. People living with HIV are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by Friday, June 17, 2011. Selection announcements will be made no later mid-July.

We encourage you to forward this on to your networks and colleagues who you think may be interested in the program. If you have any questions about the application or the program itself, please email us at pxroar@avac.org.

Best,
AVAC