Many Men, Many Voices (3MV) is a 7-session, group-level intervention program to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted diseases among black men who have sex with men (MSM) who may or may not identify themselves as gay. The intervention addresses factors that influence the behavior of black MSM: cultural, social, and religious norms; interactions between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases; sexual relationship dynamics; and the social influences that racism and homophobia have on HIV risk behaviors.

Guidelines for Participating in the Many Men, Many Voices Training Series

The 3MV intervention targets gay men of color. The intervention also targets men on the ‘down low’ with or without female partners (i.e., men of color who have sex with other men but do not identify as gay or bisexual. 3MV was not specifically designed for each racial/ethnic group who may identify as being "of color" including Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, and Native American groups. 3MV, however, could be adapted and tailored to server those at risk from other racial/ethnic backgrounds who identify as "of color".

Research and Development

Kelly, J.A., St. Lawrence, J.S., Hood, H.V., Brasfield, T.L. (1989). Behavioral intervention to reduce AIDS risk activities. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 57(1):60-67.

Wilton, L., Herbst, J.H., Coury-Doniger, P., Painter, T.M., English, G., Alvarez, M.E., Scahill, M., Roberson, M.A., Lucas, B., Johnson, W.D., Carey, J.W.(2009). Efficacy of an HIV/STI Prevention Intervention for Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: Findings from the Many Men, Many Voices (3MV) Project. AIDS Behav. Epub ahead of print retrieved March 9, 2009, from http://www.springerlink.com/content/vt720u28613rrx07.

Program Review Panel Information

The CDC requires all CDC-funded agencies using the Many Men, Many Voices intervention to identify, or establish, and utilize a Program Review Panel and complete Form 0.1113 to document this activity. The intervention researchers and developers are not involved in this activity. This is a CDC requirement for their grantees, and all questions in this regard should be directed to your agency's CDC Project Officer or to the health department funding your agency's implementation of the intervention.

The Program Review Panel guidelines, instructions for completion of Form 0.113, and the form itself are available under the Related Links section of this website.

CDC Policy on Youth Peer Outreach Workers

CDC funded (directly or indirectly) agencies using youth (either paid or volunteer) in program outreach activities, it is very important that said organizations use caution and judgment in the venues/situations where youth workers are placed. Agencies should give careful consideration to the "age appropriateness" of the activity or venue. Additionally, agencies should comply with all relevant laws and regulations regarding entrance into adult establishments/environments. Laws and curfews should be clearly outlined in required safety protocols developed and implemented by agencies directly and indirectly funded by CDC.

If you have specific questions, please contact your CDC project officer.