I think the folks at AIDS.gov site are doing a fantastic job using technology tools such as text messaging, widgets and a Twitter hashtag* to promote awareness of National HIV Testing Day on June 27th. Some of you may have seen Jennie Anderson, a Consultant at John Snow, Inc. who serves as the Communications Director for AIDS.gov at NTC 2009 when she presented with me at my Effective Online Communcations session.
Before I tell you about what Jenny and her team are doing, let me say:
Everyone should get tested - I do - and this is a great reminder.
Now to the story -
Jenny recently sent out messages to her contacts informing them of the campaign, their story initiative blog series and video widget. She included links and a request to include the widget on your site if you thought it was appropriate. The site then provides some facts and encourages participation. See the main landing page here.
During June, AIDS. gov is inviting people to share their stories about what getting an HIV test meant to them on the AIDS.gov blog. They also are highlighting HIV testing storytelling campaigns from organzations such as the National Association of People Living with AIDS , POZ , Southern AIDS Living Quilt , The Positive Project and others.
Options for action include:
You can find your local HIV testing location by sending a text message with your zip code to "KNOWIT" (566948) or visiting www.HIVtest.org>
This video can be shared and placed on a blog or website by anyone who wants to help promote testing.
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The site also provides a hashtag* to use on twitter - #NHTD09 - so that people who are twitering about NHTD events and information can include it in their tweets or others can tag photos, blog posts, etc. They also wisely include an invitation to follow AIDS.gov on Twitter for other updates.
I think Jenny and her team have done a great job with providing engaging content, ways to engage in a dialog and tools to help people spread the word - both online and offline.
Support their efforts - find your nearest location and get tested.
*hashtag: A tag is a non-hierarchical keyword or term assigned to a piece of information (such as an internet bookmark, digital image, or computer file). This kind of metadata helps describe an item and allows it to be found again by browsing or searching. Tags are chosen informally and personally by the item's creator or by its viewer, depending on the system. Tagging was popularized by websites associated with Web 2.0 and is an important feature of many Web 2.0 services.
- Wikipedia (click here for full Tag posting)
