There are several things you and your school or community group can do to to help increase awareness of HIV and AIDS in our community. Here are a few to try!
 
  • Make your voice heard: The Hear Me Project is currently holding a nationwide writing contest open to anyone between the ages of 14 and 22. Stories can be real or fictional and can include topics such as abstinence, sex, HIV, AIDS, monogamy, responsibility, regrets, choices pressures, etc. The grand prize for the competition is $2,500. Everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing to win an iPod. For more information visit www.hearmeproject.org. 
  • Include facts about HIV/AIDS in morning school announcements.
  • Make a display: Put together a bulletin board full of information about HIV/AIDS or dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the discovery of HIV. RAP has posters, brochures and other materials to help you get started.
  • Hold a Wear Red Day: Ask students to wear red to show support of AIDS awareness. Hand out red ribbons. 
  • Hold a bake sale to benefit a Rapids AIDS Project client. Money raised can be designated to help with healthcare costs, education, basic needs or emergency expenses. Baking not your thing? Hold a dodge ball tournament or another fundraiser.
  • Start your own film festival: Host a showing of a recent movie about AIDS, such as Philadelphia, Rent, In America or Breaking the Surface. These movies can be checked out at the local library. RAP also has videos available for check out. 
  • Host a RAP presentation: RAP staff, peer educators, clients, volunteers or any combination of these are always willing do a presentation about HIV/AIDS. Contact RAP for more information.

Let us know how we can help you bring HIV/AIDS awareness to your school or group in October, on December 1st or anytime. Send us an email or call us at (319) 393-3500 for more information.