Field Notes # 9

Many promotional steps are being taken to endorse World AIDS Week. After speaking with fellow members in charge of marketing the event, I learned of their plans for making the event a success. For one, fliers are being made and will be distributed the week before the event at the West Mall. Second, circuit speakers are needed. Circuit speakers refer to those who go around to various organizations speaking on behalf of Face AIDS and the upcoming World AIDS Week events. While I'm still finalizing my project plans, I'm interested in studying which organizations the circuit speakers plan to target as well as the rhetoric used to persuade those in other organizations to check out the events. Based on what I have witnessed through out the semester I have come to realize that Face AIDS tends to support those organizations similarly related to the Face AIDS cause. For instance, there is an organization made up of students from Africa. Also, organizations tied to the promotion of various health related issues seem to be particularly connected to the Face AIDS cause. Face AIDS will likely be targeting the White Rose Society as well, which, according to its website is dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and genocide awareness. This group is especially prone to helping other human rights organizations, one reason the two clubs relate. I'm also interested in studying the rhetoric chosen for the fliers. My guess is pathos will be the group's main persuasive device, as the cause is particularly captivating when paired with an attention grabbing picture. Furthermore, statistics may be prominently placed, providing both logos and ethos for the audience. These statistics most likely will address the harsh reality facing the continent while also addressing how large a difference a small monetary contribution can make.

Field Notes # 8

As mentioned before, one reason Face AIDS does so well is great communication amongst members. Key to their success is the use of Google Groups. In fact a recent posting from a member gave praise to this new addition, saying "this is a great way to keep everyone in the loop, and to make sure that we're organized!" He even agreed "it's really key that we take advantage of this networking tool." Google Groups has transformed this organization as the speed of which information is exchanged is more rapid than before. Now, as opposed to exchanging information through email, phone and Monday night meetings, members can log on any time of the day to find the most up-to-date happenings. Through Google Groups Face AIDS can partake in group discussions, post links and conduct polls which may have previously required the presence of each member. Furthermore, members can create their own profile with pictures, comments and background information. I have referenced this multiple times as I am still unfamiliar with names and emails. One helpful aspect of Google Groups is member history is easily traced. For instance, most active members are listed based on time spent on the site and the amount of postings contributed. This is helpful to officers as well as the chapter because come election time members can easily tell an individuals level of involvement. The site also clarifies where the majority of the chapter's time is being spent. These last three weeks little was said in regards to anything other than tabling. In fact, of the last ten postings only three concerned something other than tabling which serves to show how integral a part tabling is to Face AIDS. Perhaps another reason Face AIDS does so well is their ability to take advantage of the multitude of organizations here on campus. Members are not comprised of a single set of ethnicity's or majors; rather, members come from all backgrounds and specialties. Face AIDS remains successful as they support other organizations and in turn gain new members, spread awareness and receive additional support when the favor is returned. The most recent posting offers a prime example, as the poster urges members to table at Delta Gamma's presentation of Paul Rusesabagina taking place tomorrow at 7pm in the Union Ballroom. There, Face AIDS is sure to make a good impression on the sorority for participating in the event.