Today marks the inaugural National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. According to organizers, this day was designed “to educate the public about the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people as well as highlight the amazing work young people are doing across the country to fight the HIV & AIDS epidemic.”

This mission is close to the hearts of Red Pump founders, Karyn and Luvvie. During their first call-in show on CAN-TV, they took the opportunity to discuss the impact of the disease on young people and what we can do to curb the epidemic in this age group. Check out the video below.

You can learn more information on National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day here. Tell us: What do you think we can do to empower our young people in the fight against AIDS?

The post VIDEO: Red Pump Founders Talk Youth AIDS Awareness Day appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Red Pump founders Karyn Watkins and Luvvie Ajayi are hosting this interactive show, answering questions from those who are watching live! They will share the call-in number on air!

Our show is on once a month on Mondays at 5:30pm CST on CAN TV21, and today is the first one! For those on the go or not in Chicago, you can tune in and watch via the online livestream at Cantv.org/live. It’s visible to anyone with an internet connection.

We’re really excited for the opportunity and to be a part of an amazing group of organizations. Thanks to CAN-TV for having us, and we hope you tune in!

Our other air dates are May 6 and June 10!

So catch us today at 5:30pm CST on CAN TV21 or via the livestream!

Follow Red Pump on Twitter | Join our Facebook page | Follow us on Instagram

The post Watch Red Pump on CAN-TV’s AIDS Hotline Starting Today! appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Every 47 minutes, a woman will be diagnosed with HIV in the United States. This epidemic is not just about the woman next door, on the bus, in your office, or down the street. This is about us. Not only should we as women empower ourselves with knowledge but we must show support for our sisters both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

While rocking red pumps may seem like an attempt to make a simple fashion statement, we can promise you that it is much more than that. We #RockTheRedPump as a symbol of solidarity, of boldness, and of power. This epidemic started one person at a time and that is the same way that it will end.

Today, we challenge you to not only #RockTheRedPump on your feet but through your actions. Talk about this disease within your networks, locate your nearest testing center, get involved with an AIDS service organization near you, share a Facebook update, or dedicate a tweet. There are so many ways that we can all make a difference.

To all of our sisters living with HIV/AIDS, we stand with you.

To all of our sisters affected by HIV/AIDS, we stand with you.

We are proud to #RockTheRedPump with all of you today – and every day.

Karyn and Luvvie
Co-Founders, The Red Pump Project

The post Why Do We #RockTheRedPump? appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

Before venturing out to do so, there are 10 things you should know about hosting a community event benefitting Red Pump or using our name, logo or tagline.

1. We define a community event as any educational, prevention, and/or fundraising activity by a group or individual (third party) not affiliated with The Red Pump Project.

2. A 3^rd party event is not an official Red Pump event unless The Red Pump Project has signed on to be a partner and will be involved in the planning process.

3. Any event that is not planned and organized by The Red Pump Project cannot use the organization’s logo, the phrase “Rock the Red Pump” and “Red Pump” without express written permission. It also cannot use any of the titles of current programs or signature events of The Red Pump Project (Rock the Red, Red Pump/Red Tie, Cupcakes & Condoms, etc.).

4. The organizer must submit a community event form so Red Pump may determine if the event meets our guidelines. In the event form, please be specific about how you will be using our name or logo. Please allow 1-2 weeks for this review process. Click to download the Red Pump Community Event Form.

Please note that submission of the community event form does not guarantee approval. We reserve the right to decline approval for any event’s use of the phrase “Red Pump” or any other affiliated marks in its name or promotion.

5. A community event benefitting The Red Pump Project is defined as one that will raise money for the organization’s work, and the organizer must state on the community event form the terms of the donation to Red Pump.

6. Event advertising and promotion materials must state that the proceeds of an event will benefit Red Pump, but should not imply or state that Red Pump is the host or sponsor. The phrase “Not affiliated with or an official event of The Red Pump Project but in support of their work” is required to be used at the bottom of all marketing materials.

7. Red Pump reserves the right to participate in simultaneous events. Depending on the nature of the event and number of participants, Red Pump may be able to provide educational literature and informational material for distribution.

8. Red Pump will not be responsible, under any circumstances, for the promotion, planning and/or staging of a community event. The organizer assumes ALL risk for expenses and liabilities before, during and after the event.

9. Events that will be benefitting The Red Pump Project cannot involve hate speech of any group. Organizers need to be conscious of the message of the event and should allow Red Pump management the chance to review content prior to distribution.

10. You’re awesome for wanting to do something and get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thank you. Really. This is fact. You’re awesome.

Thanks again for your interest in rocking the red pump and supporting the work of The Red Pump Project through a community event. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact info@redpump.org.

Trademarks

The Red Pump Project owns the federal trademarks to the name The Red Pump Project®, the custom red pump in our logo and the phrase Rock the Red Pump®.

The post 10 Things to Know About Having an Event Benefitting The Red Pump Project appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

We are 46 days out from National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) so we’re asking you for the FIFTH year in a row to #RockTheRedPump with us. We are working hard to make this year our biggest year yet, and we hope that you will join in this mission.

In the days leading up to March 10th, we will engage with you in a variety of ways designed to get you thinking AND to inspire you to take action on NWGHAAD and every day after. On March 10^th, we are going to paint the Internet (and beyond) red with blog posts, images, tweets, and events ALL dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.

Fired up yet? Awesome.

Here’s how you can #RocktheRedPump:

• Register your website here and download one of five custom badges to boldly display on your page.
• Follow us on Facebook for shareable image cards and cover photos that you can share or download for posting on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
• Participate in #RockTheRedPump Twitter chats in February and March
• Wear red pumps (or other red shoes) on March 10 and upload photos to The Red Pump Project Facebook page.
• Pledge to share HIV/AIDS information with five women before March 10.
• Join us for Red Pump events in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Dallas and Washington D.C.

Do you have questions about the campaign? This FAQ sheet should help. Whether you are a first-time participant or an “old” pro, we thank you in advance for supporting this movement!

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We have the “Knowing is Priceless” tee to make a statement that knowing your HIV/AIDS status is worth all the money in the world. And our signature “Red Pump Rockers” tee! The shirts are $25 (S-2XL), and your purchase will help to support our educational programs throughout the year, such as Cupcakes and Condoms.

Even better than that? For each t-shirt purchased, the Royal Dynamite team donates an educational packet to students in Sierra Leone. So, you’re actually doing good twice. It really doesn’t get any better than that.

Head on over to the Royal Dynamite website to purchase your shirt! We hope to see you rocking yours on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with your dopest pair of red shoes!

The post Our New T-Shirt Line Launches Today! appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

PR/Media Internship Description

The Red Pump Project is looking for a PR/Media intern to provide public relations support for the organization’s activities in support of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 10^th).

Additionally, the founders field various media interview requests and speaking engagements across the country.

Main duties will include writing releases and alerts, pitching to press, developing media lists, fulfilling media requests for information, and keeping track of placements. Interns must have good organizational skills and the ability to adapt to new assignments and deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Public Relations or Journalism major or related field
• Ability to communicate professionally with the media
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Manage multiple projects and be able to meet deadlines

Graphic Design Internship Description

The Red Pump Project is looking for a Graphic Design intern to provide creative support for the organization’s activities and events. We have presence in Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, DC and Chicago and throughout the year, we have multiple initiatives that require collateral and flyers designed for it. Also, we have design needs for our annual Rock the Red Pump campaign.

Main duties will include creating flyers, badges and images for our events happening around NWGHAAD, ensuring that our visual branding is cohesive, consistent and clean. Interns must be creative and able to generate eye-catching visuals that Red Pump is known for. Must have good organizational skills and the ability to adapt to new assignments and deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience doing graphic design work
• Creativity and ability to design using Red Pump’s clean aesthetic
• Manage multiple projects and be able to meet deadlines
• Must have Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

For the graphic design internship consideration, please send 3 samples of design work.

Both of these internships can be done from anywhere in the United States.

These are both unpaid three-month internships beginning January 2013 and concluding on April 2013 (with the option of lengthening). The hours needed may vary from week to week, but the average will be 5-10 hours/week.

For additional information and/or to submit your resume for consideration, please email info@redpump.org. All resumes must be received by Friday, January 11^th.

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The Red Pump Award is awarded annually to exceptional leaders doing productive and meaningful work for HIV/AIDS education and who have made substantial contributions to the community through their work. Candidates for the Red Pump Award must be residents of the Greater Charlotte Metropolitan area and should have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in meeting the following selection criteria:

Must be a female activist in the HIV/AIDS community.

Cannot be a previous Red Pump Award recipient.

Must have a minimum of three continuous years of prevention and awareness efforts which strive to meet the challenges of HIV/AIDS and the issues surrounding it.

Past honorees include:

2009- DeVondia Roseborough is the author of “Put it on Paper,” a nonfiction memoir describing her life before HIV and after AIDS, and founder of The Rasberrirose Foundation, a 501c (3) nonprofit organization whose focus is to minister to teenage girls aged 10-18, struggling from self-esteem, with a focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness.

2010- Dee Dee Richardson who serves as the Prevention for Positives Coordinator for Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and is a formidable AIDS Activist in the Charlotte community. Richardson’s story is one of true triumph and inspiration.

2011- Joanne Stevenson Jenkins works with Hope Haven and The Women’s Well, A Support Group for Women Living with HIV. Jenkins has served for more than 30 years in the field of substance abuse treatment and prevention, domestic violence and care of the chronically impoverished and homeless communities.

The Red Pump Award celebrates a prominent female leader in the Charlotte community for her individual efforts to raise HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. The winner will be announced at the 4th Annual Red Pump/Red Tie Affair on December 1, 2012, which is World AIDS Day.

The Red Pump/Red Tie Affair is a signature event for The Red Pump Project to help further its mission to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. A portion of the proceeds from the 2012 Red Pump/Red Tie Affair will be donated to The Trinity Project, a program of Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) for all of the great work they do in the community.

The Red Pump/Red Tie Affair is on December 1, 2012 from 7-10pm at the Levine Museum of the New South (200 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202). To purchase tickets for the Affair, go to the Red Pump/Red Tie Affair eventbrite page.

For detailed nomination instructions for this award and further information about the event, please email us at redpumpcharlotte@redpump.org. For media inquiries and interview requests, call 704.261.5290 or email Jameka@jswmediagroup.com.    

The post Call for Nominations for 2012 Red Pump Community Award in Charlotte appeared first on The Red Pump Project.

The Affair is a benefit gala, held annually on World AIDS Day, that effectively fuses fashion and philanthropy. The primary goal of this event is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among women. The affair also honors a prominent female leader in the community for her individual efforts to raise awareness and education with the coveted “Red Pump” Award. The affair will include live entertainment, a silent auction, runway show and more.

The Beneficiary– This year’s gala will provide monetary support to The Trinity Project, a program of the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN).

This event is for everyone who understands that “Awareness is Always in Style!” We’d like to welcome guests from all over the country to join us for an evening of fashionable philanthropy in the great city of Charlotte, NC, where old school southern charm and hospitality meets modern chic and urban sophistication. This will be the most stylish cocktail party of the season–and all for a great cause!

So join us for a fantastic evening! Ladies, ROCK YOUR RED PUMPS®! Gentlemen, ROCK YOUR RED TIES!

Tickets are $25 regular and $50 for VIP. Purchase your tickets now at http://2012redpumpredtieaffair.eventbrite.com and get a special discount (offer ends Oct. 15). Click here for more information and tickets. Interested in sponsorship or vending opportunities? Email Jameka Whitten at Jameka@redpump.org.

Photo Credit: Jon Strayhorn/Media Arts Collective

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The topic of the panel is “In Search of a Black Solution: What do WE say about HIV/AIDS?”

George E. Curry will serve as moderator, and the speakers are:

• Rashidah Abdul Khabeer, RN, MHS, PhDc  - Deputy Director Circle of Care and Founder, BEBASHI
• A. Cornelius Baker, Technical Advisor,  FHI 360 Center on AIDS & Community Health
• Gina Brown, MSW,  Southern Region Organizer, AIDS United
• Rev. Tony Lee, Senior Pastor, Community of Hope AME Church
• Stephen B. Thomas, PhD, FAAHB, University of Maryland Center for Health Equity
• A.  Toni Young, Founder and Executive Director, Community Education Group

A reception will follow immediately afterwards, from 6-7:30PM WCC ROOM 201, honoring Black Leadership in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Honorees:

• Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-9)
• Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-35)
• Rev. Calvin Butts 
• Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. 
• Black Entertainment Television (BET)

There will also be Free HIV Testing in the Health Pavilion, Exhibit Hall Area from September 19 – 22, 2012. Take the opportunity to get tested and know your status!

We’ve be tweeting from @RedPumpProj and using the hashtag #AAALI, and uploading pics via Instagram (@RedPump). So follow us there to join the conversation!

The post Red Pump is Powering HIV-focused Social Media at the CBCF Conference for the 3rd Year appeared first on The Red Pump Project.