To mark the twentieth anniversary of the red ribbon Visual AIDS commissioned four artists to create new NOT OVER buttons that will be used to pin red ribbons together. The NOT OVER buttons and ribbons will be distributed across New York City and beyond. In the tradition of the original Ribbon Bees, volunteers and groups come together to assemble NOT OVER buttons with ribbons. To do this, we need your help.

Hosting a Ribbon Bee can be a simple as gathering together a group of friends and volunteers. Visual AIDS will help you do the rest.

Visual AIDS will provide you with red ribbon, NOT OVER buttons, and instructions. You just need to have the space and the people power!

TIPS

How to Host a Bee:

1. Decide to host a bee.
2. Select a time and location.
3. Invite friends, volunteers, community members, family, classmates, workmates to participate.
4. Contact Visual AIDS and let them know you are interested. Provide us with how many people you are thinking will participate and how long you expect the bee to last (this will determine amount of supplies we give you).
5. Work with Visual AIDS to determine the best way for us to get you the supplies, and for you to return the completed ribbons to us.
6. Keep a supply of completed ribbons to hand out to your community on world AIDS Day.
7. Download Instruction Sheet here.

Things to Consider:

1. A productive bee can be as intimate as 5 people, and as large as 25 people.
2. Set aside at least 2 hours for a bee.
3. It is okay if people come and go during a bee. Some people will be able to volunteer a large chunk of time, others only a half an hour. That is okay.
4. Be prepared to train people a few times on how to create the ribbons. They will want to do a good job and will look to you for guidance. It is a simple process and Visual AIDS will provide you with instructions.
5. Have conversation topics ready that relate to HIV / AIDS. Feel free to browse Visual AIDS' website for information that you can share.
6. Take pictures of the bee. Tweet, facebook and blog about the experience. #aidsisnotover

If you are interested in hosting a ribbon bee or have questions, contact info@visualAIDS.org.