This is the 6th year that SIN has celebrated the Holidays.  And this year it seems particularly cold and unfortunately troubling in much of our nation as we collectively face uncertain times.  But as I have found out time and time again since I launched Strength In Numbers in the Hollywood Hills at that small potluck party, some of the most amazing support I've ever found in my life came from the other poz guys that I've met on our network.  You joined your local SIN chapter because you wanted to get connected to other gay men living with HIV/AIDS, whether for companionship, friendship or just to get some information from time to time. 

 

We are all bound by some very profound common threads.  Now in turbulent times, we can find out how strong those connections can be.  As we are a grassroots organization, many times we start a SIN chapter when a poz guy reaches out to us and ask us for help in getting a poz social group started in his area.  Usually we set some expectations from that original member to serve as a manager for their new group in their city, to promote that group and organize some initial social events.  Sometimes this has worked out brilliantly and the chapter has grown organically and become very active.  Other times it's proven too difficult for the manager to get the word out about the group, or that manager becomes busy with their own activities and doesn't continue to focus on the chapter as necessary.

 

Now, at this time though, I'd like to challenge every guy who has signed up to a SIN chapter to take a moment to help their group become more active, or to start volunteering now and then to help their chapter management.  Strength In Numbers is run solely by volunteers, we fund all of our own events, and we manage ourselves, poz guy helping poz guy.  So if you ever feel frustrated that you haven't been able to meet other quality HIV+ gay men in your city, or you have felt isolated by your HIV status, or just wanted some new friends and to go to some healthy life-affirming events, then now is the time to take a chance and post a message.  Get to know other guys in your group.

 

CHALLENGE:  I make a challenge to all of you guys on SIN to either attend any holidays events already planned for your local SIN chapter (like San Francisco or New York City for their annual holiday parties), or to suggest to your group a holiday outing in your local city.  Plan a group trip to a movie matinee or to meet at a local gay restaurant.  Just one group event could get the ball rolling for 2009!  And if you need any help or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me or David (david@...) about ideas.

 

We're working hard within SIN to improve our outreach and practices so that more guys can find out about us and join our chapters, and that guys can plan events easier and with more confidence.  So please help spread some much needed holiday cheer!

 

Happy Holidays!

Love,
Bryan Levinson

Founder, Strength In Numbers