In order to devote as much time as possible to focus on some health issues faced by my family members and myself, I've decided to turn over daily management of Strength In Numbers' operations to our local SIN chapters.  Our chapter managers have been given almost total and complete indepedence to run their groups as they and their membership desired, even from when I started what has become this large social association 7 years ago.  Some SIN chapters have blossomed into incredibly active and essential community organizations, as just 2 examples are New York City (now probably the largest single poz social group in the world) and Colorado (that publishes one of the few HIV information resources in the region).   The incredible hard work and devotion shown by guys like David and Chris from NYC, Rod from Denver, Dave from LA, and many more, too many to name, has been the real strength behind the growth and positive impact of the SIN concept.

 

Over the last year because of the various reasons I mentioned above, my ability to be fully responsive and handle any difficult situations in a completely professional manner has been compromised.  Unfortunately, my conduct hasn't met the expectations of some of our participants and I've admitted dropped the ball in following up with public acknowledgments or appropriate explanations of my decisions in certain matters.  In particular, I want to apologize to the membership of SIN NYC for not giving greater thanks to the guys there (especially Mickael) who worked so hard to make my visit in June so special.  Additionally, I know there was some misunderstanding and hurt feelings about the HIV cruises which I hope have been resolved, to some extent, by the cancellation of our SIN Cruise (May 2010).  

 

For our active local SIN chapters, I'll be working with the current managers to turn over full control of their groups to them, although overall their members will see no changes.  This just means no future emails from me, whether that's a blessing or a disappointment I'll let others decide.   

 

Some of the SIN chapters haven't become active since we helped get them created, which happens from time to time especially since everything done for and with SIN (including all the work that I've ever done for the organization) is completely volunteer-based and unpaid.  We all do this out of a love for the community and with little to no resources.  We'll look for local members who want to step up to the plate to help moderate or manage these non-active SIN groups.  Ultimately, some of these groups might be merged into the SIN social site, SINMen, where I will continue to provide guidance.  Our goal is to make sure that guys are not isolated and still have some kind of way to connect with other poz guys on a free and easy to navigate website.  

 

Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of our efforts to build an international association for HIV+ gay men.  I hope that the connections I and others have helped establish between local poz groups (whether they had the name of SIN or not) continues to grow and empower our larger community even more.  And thank you all in advance for respecting the privacy of me and my family by letting me devote my attentions there. 

 

If you have questions, I'd ask that you address them directly to your local group manager.  The main SIN website might be having some alterations as well in the near future with the overall mission to continue to help poz guys find social support in their area as easily as possible.  

 

Have a great holidays this year and may you and your loved ones be healthy and happy!  

 

Bryan Levinson

Founder, SIN

Join www.SINMen.net today for free!