World AIDS Day was first observed on December 1, 1988 as a result of an international summit of health ministers. The summit called for a "new spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS.” World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1. The day serves to strengthen the global effort to face the challenges of the AIDS pandemic, which continues to spread in all regions of the world.

It is a time to renew focus on:

• prevention education
• care for persons with AIDS
• remembering those who have died of AIDS
• prayer for those infected and affected by the virus
• advocacy for continued efforts to fight HIV/AIDS around the world

Help raise HIV/AIDS awareness on World AIDS Day and throughout the year.

Ideas for your congregation include:

Schedule a candlelight service of remembrance for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Schedule a service of healing.

• Observe a moment of silence during worship for those who have died of AIDS.
• During worship, pray for people infected with HIV, those living with AIDS, and family and friends who are affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Focus on the impact of HIV/AIDS during Christian education programs. Invite people living with HIV/AIDS to speak.
• Use an AIDS Quiz. Distribute to members to use as a tool to help open discussion about AIDS in your congregation.
• Distribute HIV/AIDS Awareness information and red ribbons prior to World AIDS Day
• Talk with young people about HIV prevention during confirmation and other weekly education programs.
• Encourage your pastor to speak about HIV/AIDS in his/her sermon.
• Invite people living with HIV/AIDS to share their stories with those in your congregation.
• Start a service program in which members work with a local AIDS group to provide meals, transportation, shelter, companionship and so forth to people living with AIDS.
• Form an HIV/AIDS advisory group within your congregation to advise all segments of your congregation on ways to be inclusive of people living with AIDS.
• Add books, videos, and other resources on HIV/AIDS to your church library.
• Provide space within your congregation for various support groups for persons impacted by HIV including: family members, persons infected, care givers, and siblings.

For worship helps (including sample liturgies), browse the "worship" section of this website.

Ideas for your community include:

• Decorate trees, buildings, and lampposts with red ribbons. Ask for permission first.
• Write a letter (or article) to your local newspaper supporting World AIDS Day.
• Contact the NAMES Project and bring the AIDS Memorial Quilt to your community. (NAMES Project Foundation: www.aidsquilt.org)
• Mobilize groups of which you or your children are a member to participate in World AIDS Day.
• Help set up a special display of books, resource materials, and web sites about HIV/AIDS at your local library.
• Organize performances by musicians and artists to raise money and awareness.
• Find out about both secular and church-affiliated (other denominations or ecumenical groups) HIV/AIDS groups and ministries in your community.
• Initiate or participate in interfaith observances of World AIDS Day in your community.
• Organize an HIV/AIDS fundraising event (run, walk, bike) and invite your community.
• Encourage work places to display posters or brochures about HIV/AIDS.
• Encourage local media to carry more HIV/AIDS related items.

(Ideas from American Association for World Health and General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.)

For more information about yearly World AIDS Day themes visit www.avert.org.