More than 1.2 million people in the United States are estimated to have HIV, and the scary part is that one in eight don't know they're infected. That's why HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs, like the Grassroot Project, remain vital. This week's DDG featured org, was founded in 2009 by then-Georgetown student Tyler Spencer. After spending two summers in South Africa, working on sports-driven HIV prevention programs, Tyler realized that the curriculum he was applying overseas could be adapted at home. At the time, nearly 3 percent of the DC population was living with HIV or AIDS
The first group of 40 college athletes was trained, and programming began in January 2009, in four local schools. Today, the Grassroot Project has worked in more than 50 DC-area schools and has partnered with DC Public Schools and the Office of the State Superintendent. Thanks in part to this nonprofit, the number of new cases diagnosed in DC has decreased by nearly 70 percent, but still remains at epidemic level.
The Grassroot Project continues to evolve, and new opportunities to volunteer keep arising. Learn more about partnering with the Grassroot Project.
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Happy December! 'Tis the season to be holly jolly and good to your fellow man (not that there's ever a season to NOT be good to your fellow man). In that spirit, enjoy these 31 acts of kindness, courtesy of Daria.
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Since 1988, Dec. 1 has been recognized as World AIDS Day. It's a day to show "support and solidarity" to those who have been fighting. It's a way to remind ourselves of the struggles and to bring awareness to those who might be in the dark. There's no right way to commemorate World AIDS Day. You can put on a red ribbon or buy a (RED) product to support the Global Fund. Educate yourself with these facts and stats from Serve DC, and read stories by real people living with HIV. Become a stigma fighter. Take your health in your hands at the UDC health fair. See artistic interpretations of the story of AIDS in POZArt, in movies like "The Normal Heart" and "And the Band Played On." Support organizations like the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. And the best thing you can do? Protect yourself and your... let's call them "intimate partners." Know your status. And say huzzah for the Trojan man. Yeah, we know, condoms aren't always fun, but compared to what can happen without them, they're pretty much the definition of "lesser evil."
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Fri. 12/2- Does an all you can eat buffet, open bar, live music, dancing, and a live auction sound like your kind of Friday night? What if we told you all proceeds will benefit Special Olympics DC programs and athletes? Then you'll appreciate the SODC Night of Trees Gala.
Sat. 12/3 -- The culmination of No Shave November is the 'Stache Bash VII, so get ready to flaunt your mustache and bust a move on the dance floor. All proceeds benefit the Movember Foundation which supports men's health education and initiatives.
Sun. 12/4-- Get your reindeer costume ready for this jolly jog to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. Bring your pooch along or run/walk with one of the Rescue's homeless dogs, also dressed in holiday garb. All dogs will get a holiday treat bag after the race. Your pup will thank you for this morning walk!
Mon. 12/5 -- Think you've got the ugliest holiday sweater in town? Get ready to prove it at this Ugly Sweater Happy Hour and toy drive. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots!
Tues. 12/6 -- Get ready to rock and support earthquake victims in Italy. All concert proceeds will go to the Italian American Relief Fund. Plus, beer and wine included is included in the ticket cost.
Wed. 12/7 -- Support high school entrepreneurs while shopping for the perfect holiday present at the Holiday Sales Baazar hosted by BUILD: Metro DC.
Thurs. 12/8 -- Volunteer to help the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute throw its annual IFDA sponsored Christmas Party for developmentally challenged students. Volunteers are needed to help set up, staff the event, and/or clean up. You don't want to miss the Christmas sing-along and the dancing!
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“Take a look at the plants. They come together and thrive peacefully in the garden or park. They lean on each other without trying to outdo one another. They serve as a sign that we can see beyond our differences and embrace each other in love while allowing our uniqueness to add color to our world. If plants can live in harmony and show their beauty to the world, we as humans can do much more.”
― Kemi Sogunle
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Kisses are for sharing. So is this newsletter.
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