What is CHAMP?
CHAMP stands for the Charleston Area Mpowerment Project. We're a group of young gay, bi, and curious men between the ages of 18 and 30. Our aim is to promote safe sex practices, better our community, and to have fun! CHAMP is a great place to get involved with issues concerning the gay community and to connect with new people. We’re here to make lasting friendships and to support each other.
The structure is based on a community building HIV prevention program developed by the Center for AIDS Prevention in the University of California, San Francisco. The idea is to bring young gay, bi, and curious men together to promote safe, hot sex and to have a good time talking about it! We also have parties, go skating, camping, movie nights, and just about anything else that’s fun!cartoon condom
Our group cordinator is Nick. Nick’s office is inside Lowcountry AIDS Services. We hold meetings here, but we also like to get out and about a lot too! We’re still looking for a project space outside of the office. If you can help out let us know!
We operate under four ground rules which we consider to be very important:
- Confidentiality: Private and sensitive information revealed during one of our meetings stays in that meeting and is not repeated outside without the person’s permission.
- Use “I” Statement: Speaking from our own experience about our own feelings. Not using generalizations or talking about other people.
- Mutual Respect: We listen to other people when they are speaking whether or not we agree and if we do disagree we do so in a respectful manner. We want everyone to know that they are safe to express their viewpoints and to know that we aren’t going to judge you for having a different view or opinion.
- Have Fun!: Sure, some of the stuff we talk about is serious and important, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun. Everything that we do should be fun and enjoyable!
How do I join?
Joining is very easy, and, more importantly, it’s free! All you have to do is show up. Click here for directions! We're very receptive and love making new friends. Feel free to bring a friend! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nick(the group cordinator) or speak to one of our members. Don't be shy!
Our members
Click here for more information about our members and our cordinator. Also, don't forget to
take a look at
our image gallery!
