STRENGHTENING GRASSROOTS NETWORKS AND ASSOCIATIONS FOR SEXUAL MINORITY GROUPS WORKING IN HIV/AIDS PREVENTION Presented by Samuel Matsikure Programme Manager-Health GALZ (Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe)

ORGANISING AN ASSOCIATION/NETWORK FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES

The starting point is to identify existing circles of sexual minority groups who have the same interests and desires. Discuss with them the HIV/AIDS services and programs they aspire to have within their reach. Design the programs with their input as they will assist to link up with other community members. Galz adopted the VOSAK technique ( Vision and Mission, Objectives, Strategy, Action Plan, and key performance indicator (KPIs). This requires that you agree on vision, define short term, medium and long term objectives which are achievable, Determine Strategies for achieving objectives Develop action plans for implementing strategies Design organizational structure for implementing action plans Design systems to monitor performance using key indicators

MOBILIZING SUPPORT-PLANNING CAMPAIGNS Building Alliance -Making connections with both local and international groups creates a wider understanding of your issues and gives the group legitimacy, examples are Other NGOs working HIV/AIDs. Some Organizations are willing to collaborate on certain projects Example Book-fair exhibitions, sharing a stand on conferences and workshops Another group of importance to build bridges with is the Human rights groups. You can avoid the legal issues associated with registration of your association by asking for existing human rights group for space within their Organization for you to operate, have meetings e.g. LEGABIBO under Bonela.. Relationship with an International bodies can be beneficial for technical support and resources mobilization, for example UNDP, HIVOS, World Bank.

COMMUNICATING CAMPAIGN MESSAGES

COMMUNICATING CAMPAIGNS MESSAGES Ask yourself which messages you want to communicate and to whom? Join other Organizations on special commemoration days e.g. Women's day, Homophobia, Workers day e.t.c Remember to break down messages into simple messages Get a friendly journalist to help you identify core issues Beware of counter-attaches that try to cloud and confuse issues. For example being re-actional to attaches by the media or other stakeholders especially religious groups. Identify communication tools at your disposal to help you get your message across: local NGO discussion forums, s, badges, T-shirts, stickers, fliers, posters, Public speeches and Arts- you can contract theatre groups to write and perform plays.For a biased report insist on opportunity to reply.

MANAGING YOUR ASSOCIATION/NETWORKS Managing your association/networks will depend on several factors: seize of group, level of committed members. They are different associations/networks of MSM/WSW or LGBTI groups informal and formal etc. For better excess to resources formal or institutionalized groups are at an advantage especially with donor funds. Rules and responsibilities should be written down which governs the association. This can be reflected in a Constitution which is an important tool. It allows the general public and interested parties to know what the association/networks is about and should adhere to the laws of the land such as national constitution where possible Managing the Structures clarifies roles and responsibilities and makes it clear who reports to who o as to hold be accountable. There is also a need to manage relationships to ensure people stay in touch, services and programs offered are relevant and beneficiaries are involved in planning and designing of activities.

MANAGING RELATIONS WITH OTHERS Relationships with other organizations is important in building Alliances, seek support for your objectives and strengthen your networks. Be specific with what you aim to benefit from these alliance and how your in out will benefit them Your association can build relationship in a number of ways: Networking with like minded Organizations, Other LGBTI groups and those targeting vulnerable groups, workshops, conferences, Business links for example publishing houses, printing and Welfare groups, including Strategic alliances such as donors, Human rights groups, HIV/AIDS support groups. This includes managing Information within your association and outside it. Put in place good financial systems for accountability purposes for interested parties. Develop a capacity building program for your association, by engaging a consultant to assess you capacity to do Advocacy work in demanding your rights to prevention, care and support and managing the association/network

GROWING YOUR ASSOCIATION/NETWORKS

GROWING YOUR ASSOCIATION To engage a wider community in your program and activities, expand the scope of the group Nationally: Nationally- Create groups in other parts of the country, link up small towns that are close to each other for service provision, draw up a memorandum of understanding with affiliate groups. Identify national policies documents you may use to advance your work. Link up with your local NAC at district levels, local councils, Clinics, hospitals and other health services providers. Identify influential and key people in these institutions and have a one on one discussion to create relationships. Regionally -Send personal from your organization with skills to conduct workshops so they become better known. Exchange advice and information with other LGBTI groups and local NGOs through out the region Internationally - participate in and host regional and international conferences, make connections with international bodies. Maintain consistent communication with other groups who have similar interests

KEY AREAS TO CONSIDER WHEN STRENGHTENING ASSOCIATION AND NETWORKS Political climate and responses to sexual orientation debate Panel codes which deny same sex relationships, these are used to deny people of their rights to reproductive health and protective barriers. There is need to set up legal team who will assist with legal advise and assistance. Religious groups stance on same relationships as they tend to dominate in HIV/AIDS prevention programs within our countries and how to response to these. Identify empathetic groups who can be your allies. Make your needs known to the government and Ministry of health within your country. There is need for researched data to support your needs. Research work on HIV prevalence rate among sexual minorities would be the start.