The “fear not.” Initiative

Changing the narrative about HIV within faith spaces, one conversation and solution at a time.

What is the “fear not.” Initiative?

Need a safe space to talk about how faith can impact your view of HIV? Or how HIV needs to be addressed in the Black Church? Or what can you do personally to reduce HIV stigma in your own faith community? The “fear not.” Initiative is the program for you.

Born out of a desire to see the conversation change around HIV and faith, this program asks the audience to reimagine what it looks like when faith leaders connect with people living with HIV or with people experiencing a life-changing circumstance. It asks us to consider what allyship looks like as a person of faith and the ways in which scripture is utilized to uplift our fellow person when they are in need.

It is my hope that when you leave this program, you leave a little bit more hopeful, motivated, and encouraged in the fight against HIV, as well as inspired to consider how the love of God can be present in this fight.

-John Settles, Program Director

What happens during the “fear not.” Initiative?

Art + Conversation + Education = Transformation.

The “fear not.” Initiative begins with an introduction providing context for the event and conversations, followed by a screening of “fear not.”, for those that may have not seen the film ahead of time. Afterwards, the conversations begin, sometimes with the Program Director, and other times with featured guests.

Some of our guests have included some of the cast of “fear not.”, Tony George, Marc Collins, and Patrick Hamilton, accomplished Black Queer preacher and educator Mashaun Simon, and Director of Equity and Inclusion of Out of Hand Theater, Adria Kitchens.

The program concludes with the guided conversations by either the host or an assigned facilitator with questions. This program can take place in-person and online over ZOOM, but there is a strong preference for events to be in-person to generate a higher chance for interaction and connection between guests.

Take a look below at what some guests had to say about how the program impacted them.

Reviews of “fear not.” / The “fear not.” Initiative

  • "It was a good and necessary program that I hope continues to happen on many levels and spaces. Healing and the exchanging of communication is occurring which helps to elevate us forward."

    -Anonymous

  • "I really enjoyed the discussion about the black communityy needing to stay together and support each other and have these these types of open discussions because further division within our community over something as trivial as sexual orientation only causes more issues and alienation down the line."

    -Anonymous

  • "I loved it. Your film was very touching and necessary. It was very elevated and had great production. I love a lot of the word choice made...[And] I loved the forum. Never met other of the community and was a very interesting segment with the reverend involved. Overall, you did that!"

    -Anonymous

  • "[The film] and its message is an impression of your purpose and responsibility to uphold truth and be an agent of change and a narrative of hope."

    -Anonymous

Interested in bringing the “fear not.” Initiative to your community?

Check out these options.

NOTE: Pricing is to ensure the program remains free for guests who wish to attend.

  • PRICING: $1,000

    Includes:

    • Full Film

    • Up to 1HR with Program Director for talkback/Q&A Session

  • PRICING: $1,500

    Includes:

    • Full Film

    • Up to 1HR with Program Director for talkback/Q&A Session

    • Up to three (3) guests that Program Director will bring, can be cast, crew, etc.

  • PRICING: $3,000

    Includes:

    • Full Film/Program Experience

    • Up to 2HR with Program Director for talkback/Q&A Session

    • Up to three (3) guests that Program Director will bring, can be cast, crew, etc.

    • Event Materials + Event Staff to be provided for set-up/breakdown