December 4, 2012

Dear Advocates,

AVAC is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for new members for its US-based PxROAR program. This program offers training for US advocates in biomedical HIV prevention research and implementation 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.

Applications are due by Friday, December 21, 2012.

PxROAR (Prevention Research, Outreach, Advocacy and Representation) is an AVAC program that supports the development of HIV prevention research and implementation advocates based in the United States. (There is also a small pilot PxROAR program in Europe and our HIV Prevention Research Advocacy Fellowships, which are separate programs.) PxROAR program members represent the communities in the US that are most highly affected by the HIV epidemic.

PxROAR embraces a two-fold mission: to educate its members in HIV prevention research science, implementation and advocacy and to provide a domestic platform for specific prevention research and implementation advocacy campaigns. Current PxROAR members are engaged in individual activities to help further engage people of color, gay men and women to collaborate in dissolving long-standing barriers to community input in HIV prevention research. The 2013 program will focus on ARV-based prevention research and rollout and AIDS vaccine research.

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 PxROAR work plans. (Please note that personal time will not be compensated monetarily; PxROAR is a volunteer coalition.)

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 2-3 times over the course of a year is expected.

Who should apply?

• Those interested in expanding their knowledge of biomedical HIV prevention research and implementation, translating scientific information and mobilizing communities.
• Those living and/or working in communities highly affected by the epidemic—we strongly encourage candidates working in areas that are part of the 12 Cities Project and specifically those from Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
• Those with a working knowledge of social, structural and biological issues related to HIV and/or 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, December 21, 2012. Selection announcements will be made in early January.

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 avac@avac.org.

Best,
AVAC