What can I do on World Aids Day 2010?

December 1, 2010 marks the 22nd anniversary of World Aids Day. First observed in 1988, World Aids Day was intiated by health ministers from around the world who called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

We have a responsibility in our communities to observe this day and raise awareness, increase knowledge, and promote action. Here are a list of a few ideas that can be explored in your neighborhood, at work, or in the classroom.

World AIDS Day In Your Neighborhood

• Wear a red ribbon as a symbol of hope to work, school or clubs – or distribute red ribbons at community gatherings.
• Organize a candlelight vigil at a community center or at a public park and invite local performers and speakers.
• Decorate a World AIDS Day tree or bulletin board to display in a local library or courthouse in memory of those who have died of AIDS.
• Write a letter or editorial to your local newspaper urging news coverage of World AIDS Day.
• Set up a table or booth at an existing community event to display HIV/AIDS exhibits, posters, flyers, or brochures.
• Send an World AIDS Day e-card to friends and family urging their support for AIDS awareness.

World AIDS Day At Work

• Ask your employer to help establish December 1 as a day to address the issue of HIV/AIDS in your workplace
• Educate employees about the prevention of HIV/AIDS: display posters, flyers, brochures, invite guest speakers, provide information through employee newsletters, E-mail messages and Web pages.
• Have your company sponsor community events by donating products to local HIV/AIDS programs, organize an AIDS fundraising events (run, walk, bike) or set up a display in the office lobby.
• Distribute World AIDS Day ribbons, posters, flyers or brochures in company mailboxes, cafeterias or break rooms.
• Retail businesses: place a World AIDS Day poster in your window, at checkout counters or community bulletin board.

World AIDS Day In the Classroom

• Set aside class time for a special lesson or speaker on HIV/AIDS.
• Create a website, brochure or video for teaching parents the facts about HIV/AIDS.
• Invite a person living with AIDS or health care worker to come and talk to students about HIV/AIDS discrimination.
• Create a special HIV/AIDS writing assignment for December 1 : essay, poem, book report, brochure, poster or research report.
• Distribute red ribbons and information about HIV/AIDS at an exhibit set up in the school.
• Decorate trees, school buildings, classrooms, lamp posts, or fences with red ribbons.
• Prepare a current events bulletin board for students to fill with newspaper articles about HIV/AIDS.

For additional information visit:
www.thebody.com
www.cdc.gov/hiv

“Your Actions Make A Difference, Collectively We Make An Impact On Our World!”

Be well,
Delayna