When being an advocate, determination is a major factor in what drives our passion and cause. Being determined to fight and voice our opinions is how we have achieved so much progress in our fight against HIV/AIDS and how we will continue to do so.

The “D” in Advocacy is for “Determination”

Determination can take many shapes and forms, but one of the easiest ways to showcase our determination is by attending rallies, demonstrations, or events where we can actively advocate for HIV/AIDS and share our passion and our voice.

An example of this, for those living in Florida, is the 27^th annual AIDS WALK MIAMI event, which is a 5k walk-a-thon fundraiser benefiting those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS in our South Florida communities. This event will be held on Sunday April 26^th, 2015 in Miami Florida.

http://www.aidswalkmiami.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1112156

Rallies and demonstrations like the one listed above are always being organized throughout the US. If they aren’t happening in your communities, we as advocates can take the first step and organize such rallies and demonstrations and share our determination and passion with those around us.

The following link is a calendar of events being held across the US that we can all get involved in and support.

http://www.poz.com/calendar.shtml

Share with us a comment below how you showcase your determination when it comes to fighting against HIV/AIDS?

During the upcoming months, LTAI members will be exploring their role in advocacy. Join us each week as we look at different elements of advocacy.

Advocacy requires action and engagement to truly advocate in support of a cause. Taking action such as, writing letters and making calls and being active in our communities, organizations, and within our social groups is the first and probably most important step in becoming an advocate for HIV/AIDS.

The “A” in Advocacy stands for “Action”

One easy way to take action in your community is by volunteering or getting involved in HIV/AIDS service organizations. These could be with small community groups or large national organizations, but either way you can make a difference.

The following are links to directories where you can look for HIV/AIDS service organizations around your area, so that you can take action today!

Three local groups:

GAAP: http://www.gaaponline.org/

PEP: http://alachua.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wellness-programs/www-313-hiv/support-groups.html

and of course us at Let’s Talk About It: http://www.rwhp.org/letstalk.html

National Organizations:

http://www.thebody.com/index/hotlines/other.html#Florida

http://directory.poz.com/

What are some ways that you take action in your community? Share your thoughts with us in a comment below and let us know what advocacy means to you!