World AIDS Day

December 1st is World AIDS Day.

Learn more about the spread of HIV/AIDS and future projections on this interactive world map:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/africa/03/aids_debate/html/default.stm

Learn about worldwide efforts to curb the spread and improve diagnosis and treatment:

http://www.unaids.org/en/default.asp

Have a movie night and educate others. Some of my favorite films on AIDS include:

Angels in America by Tony Kushner (HBO miniseries based on the play)
And the Band Played On (staring Matthew Modine and many others)
Philadelphia (recently re-released on DVD, staring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington)
Longtime Companion
The Hours (not exclusively about AIDS but certainly a factor in the film)
A Home at the end of the World (also not exclusively about AIDS but an important theme)
Kids (I don't care for this film but its treatment of AIDS was hailed by some)
The Velocity of Gary
A Closer Walk
HIV and You
The Ryan White Story

There are so many to choose from and I'm sure others have a far more extensive list than this one.

Also, get involved and most importantly get others involved.
Volunteer with an AIDS hospice
Do a zine about HIV/AIDS on your campus
Staff a booth on it at your campus
Connect with local, national and international organizations
Create a work of art to raise awareness and/or funding or participate in a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS
Go check out the AIDS Quilt, it is SO humbling.

Here is a good place to start checking out organizations:

http://www.aidforaids.net/website.htm

Most importantly, examine what you think you know about HIV/AIDS. What you learn may surprise you. Break the silence. End the Stigma. Stand United. Communicate. Love.

Much peace.