On April 10, 140 pledged advocates flooded inboxes of state elected officials with a unified message - “Nothing about us without us!” - in support of HIV prevention and treatment, housing as healthcare, and advancing health equity. Over 1,300 messages were sent to legislators across the state in support of AFC’s 2024 legislative priorities, and over 6,000 people engaged with Advocacy Day content on AFC social media. We are so thankful for the support and hard work of our advocates and wider community.
“This annual day of HIV advocacy creates the space for our community to demonstrate its unity and power, and plays a pivotal role in communicating our priorities to our state elected officials,” said Timothy S. Jackson, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at AIDS Foundation Chicago.
Each year, AFC brings together community members to meet with state elected officials and discuss HIV, housing, and other issues that impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Illinois. AFC offers advocacy training events in advance of Advocacy Day for interested people, experienced and novice alike, to learn new skills and network. This year, Advocacy Day was fully virtual, and Governor J.B. Pritzker, State Senator Mike Simmons, State Representative Kelly Cassidy, and State Representative Hoan Huynh shared video messages of support and solidarity.
You can still add your voice to the movement. Through April and May, visit our 2024 HIV Advocacy Action Center to contact your state elected officials and urge them to support critical pieces of legislation during this session. You can also sign up for text alerts to get our messages and learn other ways to make an impact. If you want to brush up on your advocacy skills, archived webinars from this year along with supporting materials are available on our website.
Thanks to everyone who is joining us to make their voices heard.
