Positive Women’s Network – USA Invites Advocates in the South to Join SWARM

The new Southern Women Advocacy Response Mobilization (SWARM) will be an ongoing space for HIV advocates in the South to discuss emerging issues, hear from expert speakers, and get training to maximize their advocacy

 February 12, 2021: Positive Women’s Network – USA (PWN), the premiere national network of women and people of trans experience living with HIV, is thrilled to announce a deepened commitment to advocacy in the South through Southern Women Advocacy Response Mobilization (SWARM). SWARM will provide advocates living in, working in, and/or focused on the South with a monthly space to learn, discuss, collaborate, organize, and mobilize around issues important to the HIV community.

PWN is excited to provide a space for advocates living with HIV and allies working at the intersection of HIV and other issues that impact people living with HIV.

“PWN knows that people living with HIV in the South face extraordinary challenges in everything from accessing affordable, non-stigmatizing health care to protecting reproductive rights,” said PWN Deputy Director Venita Ray. “We have realized that there has not really been one ongoing space for advocates trying to make change and protect our rights in the South to get together, learn from each other, and strengthen and coordinate our advocacy efforts. PWN is excited to create that space through SWARM.”

Advocates who sign up for SWARM will be invited to join a virtual meeting on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30pm EST/5:30pm CST. These meetings will have guest speakers as well as opportunities to learn from fellow advocates in other cities or states. Participants will have a chance to network, meet other key Southern leaders, learn about emerging issues, strategize about ways to take action to expand or protect rights and access, and get training on critical advocacy skills from experts and from peers.

SWARM will have a first meeting on Monday, February 22, at 6:30pm EST/5:30pm CST, with guest presenter Neena Smith-Bankhead, a Southern leader who has worked in public health for over 28 years, the majority of which she has focused on improving access to HIV care and prevention for Black, brown, and LGBTQ communities and among women.

“I am excited to be a part of a space that brings together Southern advocates for open, honest dialogue about issues that matter to women who live and work in the South,” said Neena. “I am delighted to be SWARM’s first speaker in its new format.”