AIDSWatch 2001 Set for May 5-8

With a new Administration in the White House and a new Congress convening, how will each respond this year to the AIDS epidemic as we enter the new millennium? Will we see the Bush Administration and Congress keep up with the need for increased funding for research and prevention, or will AIDS become a "back burner" issue? What can you do to influence your member of Congress?

AIDSWatch is the largest annual constituent-based federal HIV/AIDS education and advocacy initiative in the United States. It is coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS and co-sponsored by over 40 national and regional organizations. AIDSWatch 2001 is your chance to learn how the federal government works, develop your advocacy skills and network with advocates from around the country. Each year for the past nine years, hundreds of people living with HIV, their families and advocates, come to Washington, DC to speak directly to Congress about the critical need for a strong federal commitment of funding, and for sound public policy to end the HIV epidemic in America. This year's AIDSWatch will take place May 5-8.

The focus of AIDSWatch is on federal appropriations for domestic and international HIV prevention, care and treatment, research, and housing programs. AIDSWatch has also addressed issues as important as needle exchange programs, non-coercive promotion of HIV testing and counseling, and confidential HIV surveillance models.

There is no charge to attend AIDSWatch, but participants must pay their own transportation, lodging and travel expenses. AIDS Survival Project has some partial scholarships to reimburse individuals with limited resources for their transportation costs.

If you would like to attend AIDSWatch 2001, simply fill out a registration form and mail it to Gerry Hoyt at AIDS Survival Project. These forms are available at our office or can be found on the Official AIDSWatch 2001 web page at www.napwa.org/aidswatc.htm. Registration is due no later than April 20, 2001, and airline reservations should be booked at least a month in advance to guarantee the lowest rates. Feel free to contact Gerry Hoyt at AIDS Survival Project, 404-874-7926, extension 23, if you have questions or are interested in applying for a scholarship.