“The time to act is now.” This year’s White House-issued theme for World AIDS Day, the annual global day of recognition each Dec. 1, closely aligns with the positive energy being embraced by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and its partner organizations.

AFC urges Chicagoans to recognize the reality of today — that each year, 1,100 of their fellow Chicagoans get the news that they’re HIV-positive — and the promise of a new tomorrow, thanks to powerful medications that can make HIV undetectable for people living with the virus and can also prevent new infections.

AFC and its partner organizations will host several World AIDS Day-related events throughout the month of December. For more information, contact AFC.

 

Monday, Nov. 30, 11:30 a.m.
2015 World AIDS Day Honorary Luncheon, Jones Foundation
The Jones Foundation will honor AFC President/CEO John Peller, Loni Swain and Magic Johnson at a luncheon featuring speakers including Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Contact Deanne Jaffrey at 312-300-2290 for more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 – Wednesday, Dec. 30
Then and Now: 35 Years of HIV/AIDS
The International Museum of Surgical Science has assembled a large-scale timeline of HIV/AIDS that charts the intersections of medicine and the social from the first appearance of the disease in 1981 to the present day. Learn more here.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 – 
When Dogs Heal exhibition at FLATS Studio Uptown Gallery
When Dogs Heal is a photographic project that tells the stories of people living with HIV and other illnesses who believe that the best medicine may not always be found at a pharmacy or in a doctor’s office; sometimes it comes in the form of a four-legged friend.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, all day
#GivingTuesday for #PrEP
All day long, AFC will be inviting the community to make donations toward its citywide PrEP campaign, scheduled to launch in 2016. Make a donation on #GivingTuesday! Click here.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, all day
Thunderclap for #FutureFC
Take action on Facebook and Twitter as an individual or organization by joining the National Female Condom Coalition’s Thunderclap encouraging people to sign their petition to the FDA seeking greater access to female condoms. Sign up here.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, all day
Volunteer with CAHISC to raise World AIDS Day awareness
The Chicago Area HIV Integrated Services Council is seeking volunteers to be at CTA stations and other public spaces to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. Contact Hannah Anderson for more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 8:30 a.m.
#BlackLivesMatter: HIV, Stigma and Violence
A full-day, free conference to develop local action plans to decrease stigma and violence and increase HIV prevention strategies in Black communities in Chicago. Learn more and register.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 4 p.m.
World AIDS Day commemoration, Vida/SIDA
The Puerto Rican Cultural Center-Vida/SIDA will commemorate World AIDS Day with a candlelight vigil, ceremony, Latino MSM forum and more. Learn more and RSVP here.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Voices for Change: World AIDS Day Showcase
Join Chicagoans at the Kennedy King Black Box Theater for a night of hip-hop, R&B, gospel, mime dancers, spoken-word performers and more! Learn more here.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.
RENT, produced by Artists Giving Back
All proceeds from the production of Jonathan Larson’s 1996 musical will be donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Purchase tickets here.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.
World of Chocolate
Join AFC and 1,200 chocolate-lovers for a hotsy-totsy trip back to the roaring twenties. This annual gala will allow guests to eat decadent chocolate desserts, drink and dance at Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall. Get tickets and information here.

Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
10th Annual People’s Gala: Educating Minds, Transforming Lives
The People’s Gala is an extension of the Men and Women in Prison Ministries’ mission to uplift their clients and their families. This gala is a way for them to step out of the stigma of incarceration, find fellowship and learn about vital resources. Contact Sista Yaa Simpson at 312-961-6189 or [email protected] for more information.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 8:30 a.m.
A Way Forward: Overcoming Stigma and Statistics with Stories
The 11th annual Clergy and Lay Leadership Summit for the faith-based response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic will host a daylong conference with breakout sessions for teens, young adults and all other attendees. Learn more here.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.
World AIDS Day Commemoration, Center on Halsted
Center on Halsted will bring together individuals to commemorate strides made in HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and outreach work while inspiring a generation to live in supportive communities and advocate for their own health and well-being. Learn more here.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 6:30 p.m.
“Then and now: 35 years of HIV/AIDS,” International Museum of Surgical Science
The International Museum of Surgical Science has assembled a large-scale timeline of HIV/AIDS that charts the intersections of medicine and the social from the first appearance of the disease in 1981 to the present day. Email [email protected] to RSVP for the exhibit reception.