People often ask me why I wear a Red Ribbon.  Some people ask the question simply to find out what the ribbon means, but other's are really asking a hidden question.  They wonder what experiences in life has moved me so much that I would want to wear the Red Ribbon, a visible reminder to all who see me of the continuing battle against HIV and AIDS.  Unknowingly, they are also asking about me.

I wear it because I can!  I am still alive, still able to carry the message about the reality and urgency of AIDS and how HIV can be prevented.  I carry this message for those whose voices can no longer be heard, but whose presence can still be felt.

I carry the message to all who will hear and listen, that HIV/AIDS is, at this point, 100% Fatal, but it is also 100% Preventable. I carry the message that *Persons Living With AIDS* (PLWAs), or as I like to say,*Person's Living In Spite Of Aids* (PLISOAs).  For we Are Persons First And Foremost.  We Are:

*Persons who have families and loved ones.

*Persons who have dreams, hopes and fears.

*Persons who laugh and cry.

*Persons who deserve the same respect as you and I.

When I wear my Red Ribbon, I am demonstrating my Compassion and Care for people living with HIV/AIDS, my determination to keep the spirit of those who have already lost their battle to AIDS-related illnesses and that they will never be forgotten.  I wear it to show my support for the ongoing efforts of all AIDS Service Organizations and Researchers, my respect for all the Dedicated Caregivers, and my desire to educate others about how to halt the spread of this obscene plague.

There are those who believe the Red Ribbon has lost its meaning, that it's only an empty symbol now.  I Disagree!  As long as my Red Ribbon gives someone the opportunity to ask me a question about AIDS, or gives someone the strength to go through another day, encouraged by this small sign of support and solidarity, then its message is very clear.

World AIDS Day has a special place in History of the AIDS pandemic.  Since 1988, the 1st of December has been a day bringing messages of Compassion, Hope, Solidarity, and Understanding about AIDS to every country in the world, North and South, East and West. What prompted this extraordinary response?  World AIDS Day emerged from the call by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmers for AIDS Prevention in January 1988 to open channels of communication, strengthen the exchange of information and experience, and forge a spirit of social tolerance.  Since then, World AIDS Day has received the support of the World Health Assembly, the United Nations system, and governments, communities and individuals around the world.  Each year, it is the only International Day of Coordinated Action Against AIDS.

The first World AIDS Campaign took place in 1997 to emphasize that AIDS is not just a cause for concern one day of each year.  So the World AIDS Campaign now starts early each year and culminates on World AIDS Day on December 1st.  But in 2001, it was decided by UNAIDS that the World AIDS Campaign would start on 1st September 2001 and last for the three months until 1st December.

The Red Ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate Care and Concern about HIV and AIDS and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. The Red Ribbon started as a *Grass Roots* effort and as a result there is no official Red Ribbon, and many people make their own.  To make your own ribbons, get some ordinary Red Ribbon, about 1.5 cm's wide and cut it into strips about 15 cm's long.  Then fold at the top into an inverted "V" shape and put a safety pin through the center which you use to attach the ribbon to your clothing.

Providing information on your site about world AIDS Day and about any events taking place in your community.  Asking your school, college, or employer to provide information on their site.  Providing a link to HIV/AIDS information sites, or sites about World AIDS Day.  Place a Red Ribbon on your Site to show your Support.

Each year there is a particular theme chosen for World AIDS Day and for the last thirteen years the themes have been as follows:

2001 I Care. Do You?
2000 AIDS:  Men Make a Difference.
1999 Listen, Learn, Live:  World AIDS Campaign With Children and Young People
1998 Force For Change:  World AIDS Campaign With Young People
1997 Children Living In A World With AIDS
1996 One World, One Hope
1995 Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities
1994 AIDS And The Family
1993 Time To Act
1992 Community Commitment
1991 Sharing The Challenge
1990 Women & AIDS
1989 Youth
1988 Communication
 

Saturday December 1st marks the 14th World AIDS Day.  This is important to you because:

* At the end of 2000,UNAIDS estimated that there had been 5.3 million new infections in the year, bringing the total number of people living with HIV/AIDS to 36.1 million.

* Education is the main tool we have to raise awareness amongst young people.

* The money we raise funds educational materials and medical research, vital if we are to reduce infection rates and find a cure.

* This will benefit us and our children. You can use World AIDS Day to raise awareness of HIV in your community.

* Dance the night away at a *Red Ribbon Only* Disco.

* Have a dressing up, down or fancy dress day.

* Put up some posters--get people talking.

* Sell Red Ribbons.

At School Or Youth Organization:

* Organize a creative writing/poster campaign.

* Set up a debate or a quiz.

* Cook an international meal or have a cake sale.

* Arrange a sponsored three-legged race or balloon release.

* Get your friends, family, colleagues or pupils to express their feelings and expand their knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

* Use your imagination! ~~ Please Wear Your Red Ribbons ~~