Woops. I was planning on putting up some AIDS information as part of the Link and Think Project for World AIDS Day (which was December 1st), but I was too busy to get to a computer. Still, I think “better late than never” definitely applies. Of course, by now, many people already realize that AIDS hurts many people every day, all over the world. But how often do we allow ourselves to sit down on reflect on how this disease affects actual people? I think this is the right place to start in order to come to a full understanding of the problem. The AIDS Quilt is a good place to begin this process. We have part of this quilt in my school library and it moves me everytime I see it. Once you’ve absorbed the Quilt, or at least a little bit of it, check out this resource and teach yourself the basic facts about HIV and AIDS. Finally, pull out to the big picture by looking at these issues on a global scale. The United Nations AIDS website is a wonderful resource for this.

This past week, I came in contact with an organization that truly ties the local and the global view together. They are called Africa AIDS Response, and they are located in Portland, Oregon (where I live… this month). Last Thursday, they held a benefit concert to raise funds for the building of an AIDS/HIV clinic in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Portland’s sister city. I volunteered, helping them to set up decorations for the event. They were truly inspiring, beautiful people. I hope we can all try to manifest their strength and compassion by each helping in our own ways to address the global AIDS epidemic. If you have any thoughts or stories please email me. I’d be happy to share (or not share) you words here.