This document evolved from charlas (discussions) among Latino staff, at organizations funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to provide Technical Assistance (TA) in community planning, to a collaborative project that spanned close to a year and involved numerous conference calls, face-to-face meetings, and hard, but rewarding work. During the time spent together, members of this project have developed endearing professional relationships, as well as friendships.

We are thankful for the support our agencies and supervisors have provided us throughout this process and to those who provided assistance in the editing of this document. Muchas gracias to NASTAD for taking on the printing task, and a special gracias to Rosendo Corral, who is responsible for the design and layout of this document.

We extend our sincere agradecimiento (thanks) to the Latino community and their State and Local Health Departments that support and encourage Latino participation in HIV Prevention Community Planning, especially to those that provided such valuable input—son sus palabras y experiencias que han hecho este trabajo posible! (it is your words and experiences that made this work possible).

The group, affectionately dubbed the "Superamigos"  by its members, will continue to work side-by-side with Latino communities for positive change in the HIV Prevention Community Planning process. Aqui estamos para servirles—we are here to serve.

J. Gabriel Rendón
Academy for Educational Development Center for Community-Based Health Strategies (AED-CCHS)

Carmen Villar
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Alberto Santana
National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD)

Joseph Lovato
National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA)

Ruben Cantu
National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC)

Maria Chaparro
U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association (USMBHA)

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