ISIS asks: What If Ur Undies Had the Last Word?
Posted at 6:00 AM Apr 07, 2008
Since its inception in 2001 Bay area non-profit Internet Sexuality Information Service (affectionately known as ISIS) has consistently created interesting and useful sexual health campaigns using emerging technologies. In a world where non-profits attempt to look hip and often fail miserably, ISIS has kept up with what's happening. They are both earnest and successful in engaging the communities who need them most.
One of their most highly publicized campaigns is inSPOT, an ecard notification system for people who have recently learned that they have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and may have passed it on to their sex partners. inSPOT helps folks who may be very anxious about having The Talk get in touch anonymously and alert their partners to a possible exposure.
In the past year, ISIS has jumped whole-heartedly into the new media game, but they've been very conscious of the fact that "user generated content" doesn't mean having an army of pliable marketers who will work for free at their disposal. Enter the contest. During the fall and winter the organization hosted a video-making contest (with cash prizes!) called Fresh Focus, which encouraged youth to make short online videos with one of two themes in mind: "Share your sex ed experience so far. Show us how and why it sucked or rocked" or "Redesign how sex ed could be delivered. Imagine that anything is possible". The finalists participated in a panel discussion at the Sex::Tech Focus on Youth conference in January.
And now ISIS has a new contest (with a scholarship prize) - design a pair of panties or boxers with a safer sex reminder on them. After all, your underwear is the last line of defense between you and some ill-advised, unprotected action. As an added, extra-cool bonus, the video about the contest (below) was made by one of the Fresh Focus finalists. Contest rules and guidelines are on the aptly-named site Undies Contest - submission deadline is May 15.
--Audacia Ray
more: Contest
