The Countdown Begins!

Less than 9 days remain before the annual AIDSWalk walk-athon fundraiser on Sunday, October 15, 2006.  Many AIDGwinnett volunteers are now in "competition mode" working to raise as much money as possible to help persons living with HIV/AIDS in Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale Counties.  Several volunteers have already completed their AIDSWalk web sites to solicit online donations from friends and family.

So now the question is: What will be the theme of your AIDSWalk fundraising web page?  Please call Sharon Kricun (678-990-6445) for more information about how you can raise money to help persons living with HIV through online donations.  And to learn more about the AIDSWalk, just visit www.aidgwinnett.org

Emotional Video Highlights Human Side of AIDSWalk

Several volunteers recently produced a 60-second film to promote the AIDSWalk.  The film includes brief personal testimonies on "Why I support the AIDSWalk."  To view this powerful and emotional new video, please click here .
  

Saving Lives at Black Pride

Above: Rapid HIV test gives results in 20 minutes

Following the great success of our HIV testing outreach efforts at the 2006 Atlanta Pride Festival, AIDGwinnett decided to repeat our HIV testing outreach campaign at the September 1st Atlanta Black Pride Festival.  We reached dozens of people and linked several individuals to HIV/AIDS treatment and care services.  Before this event, they were not aware of their HIV-positive status; but now, thanks to the modern convenience and comfort of rapid HIV testing technology, they know their status and are taking steps to move forward in a positive light with HIV treatment options, prevention and education.
 
"I don't think anyone wants to learn they are infected with HIV," explained Tony, an AIDGwinnett volunteer.  "But really, it's better to know, because knowing your HIV status is half the battle.  And if you know you are living with HIV, then at least you can take steps to fight HIV in your body, like medication treatment, and you can protect your partners from infection, too."

National Latino
AIDS Awareness Day

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day will take place October 15, 2006, at the closing of Hispanic Heritage Month.  In observance of this event, AIDGwinnett volunteers will be conducting HIV testing outreach at three local gay Latin nightclubs to promote the importance of HIV testing, and to educate clients about safer sex options including risk reduction and correct condom usage.  Outreach will take place Thursday, October 12 through Saturday, October 14 at different locations each night.  For more information please  click here or call Greg Bautista at 678-990-6421.

Voting from Home
in the 2006 Elections

The 2006 election cycle in Georgia is extremely busy!  In just a matter of days, voters will soon decide who will be Georgia's next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, 13 representatives to the US Congress, State School Superintendent and much more. 
 
"I didn't realize my vote counted so much," explained Nikki.  "But then I saw a local election, where a candidate lost by just 300 votes.  Our clients and our volunteers are way more than 300 - so really, we could make a huge difference if all of us just vote."
 
In the past, voting was often a major inconvenience for many people because it involved bad traffic, missing time from work and waiting in long lines.  But now, voters can complete the entire ballot and select their preferred candidates from the comfort of their own living room thanks to a new law which allows you to request and receive an absentee ballot right at home.  You do not need to have any special reason such as disability, out-of-state travel, military service or hospitalization.  Just request the ballot and it will be mailed to your home!  For instructions and an application form, please click here .