This guide is designed to help Hispanic community-based organizations (CBOs) begin Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) education and prevention activities. The following barriers to AIDS education in the Hispanic community are outlined: (1) the perception that AIDS is a gay, white, male disease; (2) the social stigma associated with high-risk behaviors; (3) the attitudes of the Catholic Church; (4) language, class, and cultural barriers; (5) the diversity of the Hispanic population; (6) the lack of culturally sensitive and appropriate prevention materials; (7) insufficient education of opinion leaders or community educators; (8) limited access to health care and health education and prevention programs; (9) limited research on sexual attitudes and behavior, and intravenous drug use, among Hispanics; and (10) limited agency access to funding, information, and resources. The following steps are outlined: (1) learn the basics about AIDS; (2) educate the CBO about AIDS; (3) identify local organizations with AIDS programs; (4) become involved in activities with other AIDS organizations; (5) assess Hispanic community needs; (6) develop a community plan for dealing with the AIDS crisis; (7) study and understand alternative roles for the CBO; (8) understand the implications and challenges of AIDS-related activities; (9) decide on the CBO's role or roles; (10) develop an organizational plan of action; (11) continue self-education; (12) develop networks; (13) become a voice for Hispanics; (14) find the money needed; (15) begin program implementation; and (16) monitor and assess regularly. A list of eight information sources and five worksheets are included. A separate sheet describing the La Raza AIDS Center's activities to develop a Hispanic AIDS education network is also included. (FMW)