Anatomy of A Leadership Mobilization Model

BACKGROUND: Despite nearly two-decades of fighting HIV/AIDS, the disease continues to spread and devastate African Americans communities at an alarming rate. The impact of HIV/AIDS in African American communities is intermingled and framed within the context of such factors such as impoverished economic and sociopolitical conditions. Under these conditions, multi-level strategies of change involving community partnerships or coalitions are important components of any potentially effective intervention. The National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA), Inc a nonprofit organization based in New York City has developed a model for mobilizing African American leaders. NBLCA's Model is structured to stimulate change through mobilization, education and coordination of local Black leaders, (in all strata of community life) to fight HIV/AIDS in their communities. This presentation will examine the stages and core steps of (NBLCA)'s Leadership Mobilization Model as well as provide findings from the evaluation of the model in selected cities. SETTING: The project is currently implemented in five regions of the country and nine cities including Atlanta, Baltimore and Detroit. METHOD: A mixed method approached has been employed to monitor and track the mobilization of leaders, the establishment of affiliates and implementation of the project in nine cities. A qualitative analysis of program documents and in-depth interviews has informed our understanding of the process of mobilization and infrastructure development. Data has been collected on the exposure and uptake of the model, description of participants and lessons learned. RESULTS: Results demonstrate that each of the target cities have established an affiliate and are engaged in HIV/AIDS related activities. Examples of successes include: 1) The New York affiliate successfully advocated for the New York State Legislature to adopt a Resolution leading to the creation of $3 million dollars in HIV/AIDS funding for minority communities and 2) Successful advocacy for the Mayor of Baltimore to declare a “State of Emergency” for addressing HIV/AIDS.