World AIDS Day
December 1
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 World AIDS Day
Resolution #153: Each year, World AIDS Day is observed on December 1.
It is a time for special programs on HIV/AIDS education and religious worship services that focus on intercessory and healing prayer, hope in God, and love and compassion in the midst of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We recommend that United Methodists be encouraged to observe World AIDS Day on or around December 1. We further recommend that voluntary offerings be given to "Global HIV/AIDS Program Development" (UMCOR Advance #982345). (Resolution Adopted at the 2004 General Conference)
Materials for World AIDS Day are available each year from the following:
UNAIDS, General Board of Church & Society and General Board of Global Ministries
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| For many years, World AIDS Day has been organized by UNAIDS in consultation with other organizations. However, in 2005 UNAIDS handed over responsibility for World AIDS Day to an independent organization known as The World AIDS Campaign (WAC).
The WAC's theme for their campaign is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise." This theme is however not specific to World AIDS Day alone but to the work the WAC does throughout the year. It remains the focus until 2010.
"Keep the Promise" is an appeal to governments and policy makers to ensure they meet the targets they have agreed to in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Some of the most important of these promises are contained in the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) Declaration and the World Health Organization's "3 by 5 Initiative."
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What can I do to support World AIDS Day?
Sample Worship
(PDF file)
Ways to commemorate World AIDS Day:
- Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area Promote the Advance Special UMC Global AIDS Fund #982345 to mobilize funding for UMC AIDS Projects around the world. (See below for additional information) Organize a worship service for World AIDS Day
- Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same
- Educate your congregation, including the youth group, about the Global AIDS pandemic and offer steps for action. Excellent web resource: www.unaids.org
- At school or work, you can support World AIDS Day by:
- Design and display posters on the AIDS issue - get people talking
- Selling red ribbons
- Organize a creative writing/poster campaign
UMC Global AIDS Fund: Alternative Christmas Giving.
UMCOR encourages you to give through your local United Methodist Church by noting the Advance Special number on your check, or gifts may also be sent to:
UMCOR
475 Riverside Dr Room 330
New York, NY 10115.
To make a credit card donation, call 1-800-554-8583 or go to: www.umglobalaidsfund.org.
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Focus of the 2009 World AIDS Day
"Universal Access and Human Rights" is the theme of the 2009 World AIDS Day according to the World AIDS Campaign (WAC).
The key slogans adopted for this year’s World AIDS Day stress the importance of human rights for persons living with HIV & AIDS. Among the key slogans adopted in the 2009 World AIDS Day resources is the following:
- I am accepted.
- I am safe.
- I am getting treatment.
- I am well.
- I am living my rights.
- Everyone deserves to live their rights.
- Right to live.
- Right to health.
- Access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support is a critical part of human rights.
(Taken from New World Outlook, General Board of Global Ministries, Nov/Dec 2009 issue)
Sample worship service / resources
All United Methodist church members are being encouraged to contribute to the UMC Global AIDS Fund - Advance #982345. Money from the fund is used for projects in the U.S. as well as abroad. This is one way United Methodists can respond. When contributing by check, please indicate the Advance Special number. Contributing to this Fund is a wonderful alternative Christmas giving idea. To contribute, go to: www.umglobalaidsfund.org.
Links:
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