33 million people infected with HIV worldwide

6,000 people dying every day as a result of AIDS

15 million children orphaned by AIDS globally

AIDS is a global catastrophe that demands immediate attention and action. Acting on AIDS (AoA) is a grassroots movement of university and college students who are working to meet the challenge of the AIDS pandemic and to bring hope to AIDS victims. Started by students in the northwest United States with the support of World Vision United States, AoA has spread to over 150 U.S. campuses.

A Canadian Movement
With the support of World Vision Canada, AoA groups at Canadian colleges and universities are mobilizing fellow students to take action on the AIDS pandemic. They lead by organizing events to raise awareness, to advocate for change and by working in partnership with other groups to fight the spread of AIDS.

Keep reading to learn about a few ways AoA members take action.

Use Your Voice
World Vision Canada supports various advocacy campaigns that call on our government to do more. Join our email network and you’ll hear about the latest opportunities to raise your voice for justice (see “Stay Connected” below for details).

Broken Bread Meal
Hunger and HIV are critically linked. Those taking anti-retro viral medicines (ARVs) need proper nutrition for the medicine to be properly metabolized. As well, those who are hungry are vulnerable to making choices that can lead to acquiring HIV.

The Broken Bread meal is an innovative tool that explores these issues. Participants eat a special meal, similar to what is served in communities where AIDS is prevalent and the food is scarce. Stories of those at risk are read, reflected upon and discussed. To hold a Broken Bread meal at your school, send an email to actingonaids@worldvision.ca.

World AIDS Day
AoA groups organize creative events throughout the year, especially during World AIDS Day on December 1. Consider holding one, or even a week, of events for World AIDS Day using any or all of the ideas below:

• A public forum with campus experts or people who have travelled to AIDS-affected regions.
• A documentary viewing A Closer Walk is an excellent example.
• An AIDS vigil in memory of those who have died.

You can also gather signatures for World Vision’s petition and help raise money to help in the global fight. Send an email to actingonaids@worldvision.ca for more info.

New AoA Canada DVD
To better equip yourself for action, why not try AoA Canada’s resource DVD? To order a copy, of the DVD, which includes video and other resources, send an email to actingonaids@worldvision.ca.

Click here to access some of the documents found on the DVD.

Click here for additional World Vision Canada resources on HIV and AIDS.

Stay Connected!
Join the movement for change on Canadian campuses. Email your name, school and contact info to actingonaids@worldvision.ca. We’d love to know how you’re taking action at your school. We look forward to hearing from you!