Last month, we witnessed a peaceful yet surprising transition of power from the Biden administration to the Trump administration. The introduction of executive actions sparked steady frustration and fury about what would come next.
Now, faced with navigating administrative uncertainty, HIV/AIDS advocacy is at a critical stage for reimagining possibilities—whether by aligning our priorities with the current administration or by setting ourselves apart.
AIDSWatch@Home, a policy and advocacy initiative of AIDS United has the power to redefine what advocacy at the state level can look like, regardless of who’s in power.
Traditional advocacy days at state capitols have been the foundation of our efforts for a long time. More recently, statewide lobbying and advocacy days have centered on gathering constituents to meet with legislators armed with data and personal stories.
These gatherings remain essential; however, state-level advocacy groups must prioritize education, preparedness, and empowerment as our world becomes more interconnected. Advocates—particularly in the South and other regions disproportionately affected by HIV—must be educated on the systems of government, empowered to navigate processes, and see themselves as influential leaders in an ongoing movement, not just participants in a one-day event.
AIDSWatch@Home reimagines advocacy at the state level by providing:
- Tailored capacity building: Equipping advocates with insights of various frameworks and educating them on how HIV intersects with social determinants of health, systemic barriers, ongoing HIV criminalization, Medicaid expansion, PrEP/PEP access, and reproductive rights.
- Story sessions and roundtable discussions: Creating opportunities for advocates to connect on a personal level and build solidarity.
- Movement-building across coalitions: Supporting advocates with the allyship and confidence they need to sustain their advocacy and harness collective power to navigate future challenges. This includes training on policy literacy and communication support fore effectively engaging policymakers.
