Developed through an intensive social marketing process with young gay men, the Mpowerment Project is based on an empowerment model in which young gay men take charge of the project. The project draws on the theory of diffusion of innovations, which suggests that people are most likely to adopt new behaviors that have already been accepted by others who are similar to them and whom they respect. The young gay men from the core group, along with other volunteers, design and carry out all project activities. Ideally, the project has its own physical space where most social events and meetings are held and which serves as a drop-in center where young men can meet and socialize during specified hours. Through skills-building exercises, the men practice safer sex negotiation and correct condom use.
Participants receive free condoms and lubricant and are trained to conduct informal outreach.
REP supports the original researchers in developing a user-friendly package of materials designed for prevention providers. The Mpowerment Project is one of the REP interventions and is the product of extensive collaboration among researchers, community-based HIV organizations, health department officials, and previous participants in the Mpowerment Project. Core Elements Core elements are intervention components that must be maintained without alteration to ensure program effectiveness. The final version of the training package is expected to be available by early 2000.