There are a number of things that YOU can do to make an AIDS vaccine a reality and contribute to ending the epidemic.
Join the Advocates' Network
Sign up to join the ever-expanding network of AIDS vaccine advocates from around the world. The Advocates' Network is an electronic network for organizations and individuals interested or already involved in advocacy for the development of vaccines for HIV/AIDS. As part of this list, members can expect regular email announcements, updates and notices of events or activities related to AIDS vaccine research around the world. Go to the Advocates' Network page on the Clearinghouse or click here to join.
Host an "Ending AIDS" House Party
Whether it's a House Party in your living room for eight friends, a special meeting of your book club in the local library's community room, or a gathering of your workmates over a brown bag lunch, it's easy to organize a party, spread the word and work towards a world without AIDS. You can screen Ending AIDS: The Search for a Vaccine and discuss ways to support vaccine research. For help in planning your party and to receive a free copy of the DVD and a discussion guide to help guide the conversation email info@endingaids.org.
Volunteer to be a study participant in a trial
Hundreds of researchers around the world work everyday to find and develop an AIDS vaccine, but their work cannot move forward without the help of thousands more extraordinary men and women who volunteer for clinical trials. One way to help end the epidemic is to volunteer for an AIDS vaccine trial. For more information go to the AIDS Vaccine Clearinghouse and see the section on Participation in a Trial or email clearinghouse@avac.org and ask if there are any trial sites in your area.
Volunteer on a Community Advisory Board (CAB)
Community Advisory Boards (CABs) are a significant element of AIDS vaccine trials in both developed and developing countries. They are generally made up of no more than 20 people who serve as primary liaisons between the community and the trial researchers. Learn more about CABs in the Community Involvement section of the AIDS Vaccine Clearinghouse or email us at clearinghouse@avac.org to see if there's one operating in your area.
Participate in outreach and community education programs on AIDS vaccine issues
The development of AIDS vaccines depends on community participation and advocacy. It is important that the public and communities most immediately affected by the epidemic are aware of efforts to develop vaccines and the potential public health benefit vaccines will hopefully offer one day. It is also important to ensure community participation in vaccine research goes beyond volunteering as clinical trial participants. Informed and involved communities not only make vaccine research possible, they can speed up the process by advocating for wider public support, governmental commitment and funding, and by monitoring research efforts in the public and private sectors. For more information on community involvement and vaccine advocacy, see the AIDS Vaccine Clearinghouse.
Learn and teach!
There are many organizations working to advance the search for an AIDS vaccine, and many of them provide excellent educational and information resources. You can check out the list at
www.aidsvaccineclearinghouse.org/links.htm and we encourage you to order and read the AIDS Vaccine Handbook (2005).
For a free copy of the AIDS Vaccine Handbook (2005) visit: http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/Display/MatlDisplay.asp?MatlNbr=33520 or call (800) 458-5231 and request item # E198. For orders from outside North America, please email your request with your name and mailing address to handbook@avac.org.
Show your support
Raise awareness and funds to combat this pandemic by purchasing and wearing a bracelet from the Until There's A Cure® Foundation. For more information or to place an order call (800) 88-UNTIL or visit www.utac.org.
Become an AVAC Member
By becoming a Member of AVAC with contributions ranging from $20 to $1000, you will help facilitate our innovative, practical and effective work. You can help support AVAC's work by joining with us in a network of individuals interested in promoting accelerated, ethical HIV vaccine research. In return, we will send you:
- The AVAC newsletter updating you on AVAC and HIV vaccine research and policy issues from a community and consumer perspective
- Timely policy alerts advising you of action you can take to help HIV vaccine research
- A copy of our annual report of the field
To become an AVAC Member, click here.
For more information on issues related to HIV/AIDS vaccines and HIV prevention, visit the AIDS Vaccine Clearinghouse at www.aidsvaccineclearinghouse.org, email avac@avac.org or call us at +1 212.367.1021.
This website Copyright 2006 AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition
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