The Talking Drums
The American Red Cross is proud to announce the release of The Talking Drums (Dono Ntoaso), a new leader's guide and workbook for building HIV prevention skills in African American communities. The leader's guide and its companion workbook are part of the continuing American Red Cross efforts to help African American communities prepare for tomorrow by preventing the further spread of HIV today. The leader's guide is designed for use by any experienced health educator, however the activities in The Talking Drums may be best led by a certified African American HIV/AIDS Program instructor.
The Talking Drums (Dono Ntoaso) -- what's in a name?
The symbol talking drums, or dono ntoaso, historically represents how messages were communicated from one African village to the next. The drum has also been used in African ritual and celebrations. Dono Ntoaso (pronounced dough-no n-to-ahh-so) comes from the Twi language, spoken by the Asante people in Ghana.
Naming the leader's guide and workbook The Talking Drums shows the need to tell African Americans about HIV prevention. The Talking Drums, dono ntoaso activities, which reflect the American Red Cross dual approach to HIV prevention, provide options for HIV risk reduction. The Talking Drums is also a call to action to inspire group leaders to beat the drum for HIV prevention and to mobilize African Americans to adopt prevention behaviors that can stop the further spread of HIV in African American communities.
Find out more about the interactive activities.
The Talking Drums features several activities, scenarios and interactive exercises focusing on four skill areas. These are decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, and refusal. The activities build on a general design for how African Americans define reality, make sense of the world and understand their experiences. They draw on African-centered cultural elements such as the use of color, Kente motifs and Adinkra symbols. The activities use role-play, demonstration practices and games to help participants build skills towards prevention behaviors. Poems written by African American writers like Langston Hughes and Paul Lawrence Dunbar add cultural depth and value to the prevention skills materials.
Sample problem-solving scenario.
Participants work in small groups to outline problem-solving steps for handling situations that could increase their risk of HIV infection. Each group responds to a different scenario.
Introduction. The objective of this sample activity is to generate effective strategies and resources needed to help participants develop problem-solving skills as they relate to HIV prevention issues. A group of 10 or less participants is recommended. The activity will take approximately 30 minutes. Supplementary materials such as newsprint, easel, markers, note cards and pen or pencil can be used. Below is a sample scenario.
René and Imani. René and Imani have been close friends for about eight months. Although the romantic feelings they have for one another are obvious, they agreed to take it slow since they both are coming back from painful past relationships. They often share deep personal secrets, which have deepened their relationship. Though they have often thought about taking their relationship to the next level, they are both uncertain of what a sexual relationship would mean to their friendship. Discuss the following steps based on the above scenario.
- Step 1 - What is the problem?
- Step 2 - What are the facts?
- Step 3 - What are your choices or options?
- Step 4 - What is the best choice?
Who can use The Talking Drums leader's guide?
The Talking Drums leader's guide is designed for use by experienced HIV educators or group leaders with community participants, particularly teenagers and young adults. HIV educators are welcomed and encouraged to become certified American Red Cross instructors; however, it is not necessary that you be a Red Cross instructor in order to use the guide.
package consists of a leader's guide that is packaged with two skills posters. The participant workbook can be purchased separately. Optional support materials include The Talking Drums Wallet and Key Ring Skills Cards with easy reference to HIV/AIDS information and skills steps.
How do I obtain The Talking Drums?
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter. The stock numbers for The Talking Drums materials are:
| NAME |
STOCK NUMBER |
| Leader's Guide |
A1262 |
| Workbook |
A1263 |
| Wallet and Key Ring Skills Cards |
| Decision Making |
A1264 |
| Negotiation |
A1265 |
| Problem-solving |
A1266 |
| Refusal |
A1267 |
For more information about the American Red Cross African American HIV/AIDS Program and its components, visit the program Web site.
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