Note: All suggested activities listed here should be applicable to either an individual or a youth group. If there is something specific that a youth group could do, which would be less reasonable for an individual youth to do, it will be listed below the main suggestion

Principle #1, #2

Issue: HIV/AIDS

Background/General Information: HIV/AIDS is a problem all around the world, but it's effects are felt most harshly in the African continent, where it kills adults and children at alarming rates, and leaves many orphaned children behind. Treatment for HIV/AIDS sufferers which we in North America would consider less than even basic treatment, is often not available to sufferers in Africa. Poor education, inadequate health care, and huge national debt are increasing the severity of this problem in many countries in Africa.

How Can You Help?

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org) Stephen Lewis is a Prominent Canadian who is the Secretary General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. The Foundation committed:  to provide care at community level to women who are dying, so that their last weeks, days, hours are free from pain, humiliation and indignity; to assist orphans and other AIDS-affected children, in every possible way, from the payment of school fees to the provision of food; to support associations of people living with HIV/AIDS, so that the courageous men and women who have openly declared their status can educate themselves and share information with the broader community on prevention, treatment, care and the elimination of stigma.
A Coin for Every Country Program - (http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org/share/2004-ON-CoinForEveryCountry.html) Schools in Ontario are running this ingenious campaign to raise awareness about AIDS in Africa, and to raise money for the cause. Perhaps something similar could be done at your school or church?

AIDS walk in Africa 2006:

This is a walk through Tanzania visiting hospitals where the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is helping those affected by HIV/AIDS. If you’re up for a major challenge, perhaps one member from your church or even from your youth group would like to do the walk and the whole youth group can help gather pledges. If you’re not quite up to that, you could fundraise to sponsor another participant, or become “Virtual Walkers” and raise money for the cause and get updates about the walk itself.

http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/ccp.asp?ievent=104041&ccp=45868  

Get “I Care” bracelets to show support for eradicating pediatric AIDS

Other Ways People Have Helped Fight HIV/AIDS

(http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org/share.html ) - maybe you can come up with an idea of your own, or follow one of these examples!

Do you have a resource or a suggestion you don't see here? Do you know of a cause or an organization which should be included in this website? If so, please email me and tell me about it! annapierrette@gmail.com