Give 30 HIV+ people training to become leaders

I hope this message finds you well!  We've had a busy time since our last update, adding new member to our team and launching an exciting social media campaign. Please read on for all the details! 

But first, we would like to start this update by extending our heart felt thanks to all of the contributors and supporters during this last reporting phase.  One of our requirements from GlobalGiving is that we must provide our donors with quarterly reports on the project that you donated to, which of course is the Does HIV Look Like Me? Canada Campaign. If you wish to receive additional updates on what our organization is up to, please be sure to sign up for our newsletter here.

Over the past several months, we have expanded our communications team to include three amazing volunteers who has extensive social media and writing experience.  We finalized a social media strategy which launched in April and we are well underway to reach our targetd incresed numbers for Twitter, Facebook and our newsletter contact list. 

We have also launched an exciting social media campaign called HIV Travel Restrictions = STIGMA, in which we release infographics on both the countries perpetuating travel bans on people living with HIV, and also celebrating the countries who have recently amended restrictive policies. Plans are also underway for a campaign address the criminalization of HIV. The campaigns have garnered significant interest so far, and are increasing our web and social media presence. 

Please do sign up for our  newsletter here,  like us on facebook, and follow us on twitter for up to date information on HIV, our HIV Travel Restrtictions = STIGMA campaign, and what we are up to.

PROJECT UPDATE

Our planned campaign for the Does HIV Look Like Me? Canada project requires a budget of $100,000, so our donations to date have not enabled us to hire staff and really kick off the project. In the meantime, we have continued to raise awareness about the organization are partnering with local and national organizations to gain letters of support, and working with our volunteers to develop the amazing content of our online campaigns. The fundraising committee of our Board of Directors is also committed to working on a fundraising strategy to help us achieve this financial goal. 

We are hoping for continued support, and encourage you to donate more and share the information about our amazing project with your friends and family, via email or through social media. All the links to share are provided below. Every little bit counts. All donations made in the US receive and tax receipt. 

We are currently working on grants to help us reach our goal, and continue to secure community partners and mentors for our ambassadors, locally, nationally and internationally.  We will also be seeking sponsors and funders both locally and nationally. Our hope is to garner some support from a hotel chain, an airline and a media sponsor to help us offset some of the travel and accommodation costs for our Does HIV Look Like Me? Canada Ambassadors. If you have any connections or suggestions we would love to hear about them!

We are excited to begin this journey to create our next generation of leaders, and help Canadians understand the HIV epidemic today. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions about the project.  Stay tuned for our next report which you will be provided in a few months!