The Mpowerment Project has been active in Charleston since March/April of 2004 and has been going strong ever since under the name of CHAMP (Charleston Area Mpowerment Project). This community-building initiative was created in UC-San Francisco and more detailed information about how the project functions can be found at www.mpowerment.org. We are the only AIDS Service Organization in the state that offers this intervention. One of the few community-level prevention interventions studied and proven effective by the CDC, Mpowerment is also the only initiative around the country that is as effective in reducing the rate of HIV transmission among its target population-young gay, bisexual, and curious men ages 18-30.

The group supports young men in creating their own community outside of the bar scene, with members conducting various social, fund raising, and outreach initiatives. Each year the group reaches hundreds of young men and women, distributes thousands of condoms and encourages their peers to get tested.

For further information about the group please contact Stuart at 843.744.4062 or email the group at CHAMPowerment@gmail.com.