The fight against HIV/AIDS has been ongoing for decades, and in Illinois, we persist in our efforts to end the epidemic by 2030.
On Wednesday, April 10, advocates, allies, and people living with HIV from every corner of Illinois will come together for the state's virtual HIV Advocacy Day.
Deeply rooted in the theme “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” we look forward to increasing accessibility for folks across the state to participate in this year’s efforts to raise awareness of the needs of people living with and vulnerable to HIV.
AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) has laid out a comprehensive 2024 state legislative agenda built on the principle that “racism is a public health crisis,” and that moves the state closer to fulfilling the goals and priorities of the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. This agenda also addresses broader issues of health equity, health insurance and prescription drug reform, harm reduction, immigrant healthcare access, and ending homelessness. The targeted interventions outlined in AFC's policy priorities closely align with the broader goal of creating a healthier and more equitable Illinois.
Today, AFC unveils the 2024 Advocacy Day Pledge Page and Action Center where advocates will be able to make their voices heard on these important issues impacting their daily lives. Advocates will also be able to learn more about our policy priorities, contact their state legislators via email and social media, and engage their community on how they can get involved.
In advance of the April 10 Virtual HIV Advocacy Day, AFC will host webinars to prepare Illinois advocates and activists to take action:
March 20, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST:
Advocacy 101: GRWM Advocate Style (for new advocates)
March 20, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST: Advocacy Day 2024 Frontlines: A Session for Returning Changemakers (for seasoned advocates)
March 27, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST:
Overview of AFC's 2024 State Legislative Policy Priorities
April 3, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST:
Crafting Your Story: Tools for Advocacy & Systems Change
April 8, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CST:
Advocacy Day 2024: Prep With Us!
To pledge to participate in Illinois’ Virtual HIV Advocacy Day 2024 on April 10th, please visit the Pledge Page.
As we gear up for this year’s Virtual HIV Advocacy Day on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the importance of legislative action in combating HIV/AIDS cannot be overstated. We are always mindful that there’s “nothing about us without us” and the stories and voices of advocates like you make the difference. Although this year’s event may be virtual, the impact of advocacy and community engagement promises to be informative, accessible, and meaningful. And with your help, we can get to zero by 2030—together.
For more information about Illinois’ Virtual HIV Advocacy Day 2024 on April 10th, please visit https://www.aidschicago.org/advocacy-day/
