Our project’s initial objective was to work collaboratively with LYIA in an apprenticeship capacity to create video works. These works could fit their current needs in outreach and social marketing. In order to accommodate needs for online and offline use, it became clear we needed to make two separate videos. Utilizing their “Gozala!” HIV prevention and awareness campaign, we determined one video could be posted online and consist of a short 30-60 sec clip to facilitate advancing their marketing campaign to the next level. The intention of the longer running second video was two-fold. We wanted to produce a tool, which could be used for LYIA’s outreach efforts. In addition the video would be used as an introductory tool for their peer education-training program.

As the project has progressed, most planned meetings and videotaping has gone well without too many obstacles. Other than a few smaller technical difficulties and smaller numbers of youth participating than we had hoped for, we’ve been able to accomplish most of what we originally planned. By keeping our planning for each shoot concise, we’ve been able to accomplish our objectives each time. We are behind on our editing schedule, but the original plan may have been a bit too ambitious, and allowing an additional week or two for editing might have been more appropriate.

Finally, we have finished the short video and will submit it for posting to the class group designing a new website for LYIA. Concerning the second longer video, we are currently in the editing phase and plan to work with LYIA youth in the Kaltura program over the next week. Once we’ve finished the editing, and make copies of the final product, we’ll submit copies to LYIA for their future use.

The project changed the manner in which LYIA engages in outreach. With previous social marketing campaigns, they’ve used random videos of interviews and Gay Pride Parade footage posted on the HAF and LYIA websites. The new videos are compositions which tell a story and clarifies their identity and purpose, which is a departure from what they’ve tried formerly. Because this new step takes their marketing to another level, chances are favorable for the project becoming more sustainable.

Once the outreach video is shown at several events and feedback received, we propose LYIA will gain a growing understanding of the need and importance of furthering their future video projects. If the youth are engaged in learning how to make videos and are supported in their program, this type of project could remain sustainable for a significant time. Due to the type of ongoing process of this project, we were able to comfortably relate with the individuals of the organization, and understanding the importance of representing them in the ways they saw fit came naturally.

The project took into account the culture of the Latino and LGBTQA population, through our use of language, music, artwork, types of events covered and our personal engagement and time shared with LYIA and HAF. From gaining familiarity with their essence and purpose, portraying their core identities and position within their community seemed inherent.