25 Ways to Make a Difference

  1. #1.

    Get tested

    and encourage anyone you know who is sexually active to consider testing.

  2. #2.

    Volunteer

    Offer your time and talents to serve those affected with HIV/AIDS.

  3. #3.

    Practice safe(r) sex

    Make healthy decisions in regards to your sexual health, and protect yourself against potential infection.

  4. #4.

    Use the Virtual Red Ribbon

    on your website or email signature.

  5. #5.

    See the Quilt

    The AIDS Memorial Quilt commemorates over 40,000 lives of those with HIV/AIDS.

  6. #6.

    Walk, run, or ride

    to raise funds and awareness for Piedmont Care.

  7. #7.

    Organize an event

    to raise funds for Piedmont Care.

  8. #8.

    Wear a Red Ribbon

    to show your support for people with HIV/AIDS and their caretakers, and for education and research leading to effective treatments, vaccines, or cures.

  9. #9.

    Donate a book or video

    about living with HIV/AIDS to your local library.

  10. #10.

    Purchase greeting cards and gifts

    from organizations like the United Nations and AmFAR, (The Foundation for AIDS Research) who donate to support the HIV/AIDS community.

  11. #11.

    Be a friend

    If you know someone living with HIV/AIDS, make the commitment to celebrate your friendship.

  12. #12.

    Donate

    money or individually packaged food and personal care items to Piedmont Care.

  13. #13.

    Remember the holidays

    by donating gifts to children affected by HIV/AIDS.

  14. #14.

    Lobby your senators or representatives

    for increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs.

  15. #15.

    Attend

    a World AIDS Day event.

  16. #16.

    Organize a food drive

    to support Piedmont Care's emergency pantry.

  17. #17.

    Discuss

    HIV/AIDS in your community. Encourage people to share their experiences and fears. Share information on safe(r) sex and personal protection practices.

  18. #18.

    Contribute

    to the Safe Haven Project, which creates and funds camps for children living with HIV/AIDS.

  19. #19.

    Give

    If you work for a large company, ask about matching-giving efforts.

  20. #20.

    Participate

    in fundraisers for HIV/AIDS education and treatment.

  21. #21.

    Learn more about HIV/AIDS

    Free HIV trainings are available.

  22. #22.

    De-stigmatize HIV/AIDS

    Be open with friends and colleagues if you are positive, or if you know someone who is living with HIV.

  23. #23.

    Invite

    Piedmont Care to speak to your organization, club, church, etc. about HIV/AIDS.

  24. #24.

    Lend a hand

    If you know someone living with HIV/AIDS, offer to rake leaves, mow the lawn, paint a room, or walk a dog.

  25. #25.

    Start a blog

    Write about your efforts and activities and invite others to share their stories.

Modified from The New York Times, December 1, 2006