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Author Topic: An Activist Goes to the White House  (Read 5789 times)

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Offline Andy Velez

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An Activist Goes to the White House
« on: September 20, 2010, 03:53:56 pm »
Dear All,

Through my having worked for the International AIDS Society as liaison to the activist community at several international conferences, and because of my activist background as well, I have been invited to participate in a planning meeting in early October which will be largely be focused on the 2012 International Conference to be held in Washington, DC. This will be a small group representing various organizations and key figures in HIV/AIDS. It is  being hosted by Obama's top HIV/AIDS advisors at The White House.

I've been talking to various community peeps and fellow activists about issues related to the July 2012 DC Conference, which is expected to be a hugely attended one. It is especially meaningful because it is the first one to be held in this country since the ban has been lifted on those living with HIV being allowed to enter the U.S.  That 2012 is a presidential election year kicks it up even further.

I see this as an opportunity to carry voices that might not be otherwise heard or at least not in quite the same way. It is both humbling and exciting to have this chance to speak up. Let me tell you as someone who in the past has many times been outside the White House demonstrating, including throwing the ashes of friends on to the lawn in protest, walking in as an invited guest this time is guite a personal trip to be making.

If you have something you want me to keep in mind for this meeting, please say so. All I can promise is that I am just going to do my best, and I am thanking you and I will very much appreciate your support.

In solidarity.
« Last Edit: September 20, 2010, 07:42:02 pm by Andy Velez »
Andy Velez

Offline leatherman

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Re: An Activist Goes to the White House
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2010, 03:58:20 pm »
That's awesome news! Congratulations!
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline anniebc

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Re: An Activist Goes to the White House
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2010, 06:13:21 pm »
Wonderful news Andy..stand proud.

Hugs
Jan :-*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline Ann

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    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: An Activist Goes to the White House
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2010, 06:40:37 pm »
I'm hoping the current ADAP disaster will be one of the first items on the agenda. Personally, I think the federal government should step in and take over its administration. That way states like Florida wouldn't suffer so much.

And congratulations on this achievement and recognition. I'm sure you'll do us all proud.

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

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"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline mecch

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Re: An Activist Goes to the White House
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2010, 06:46:09 pm »
Wow that's great!
Ask about the role the federal government (Congress) and the executive branch (Obama) is willing to take on in guaranteeing HIV care and treatment these years during the transition to "Obamacare".  The squeeze is on.  What if state budgets are even tighter, next year?

edit: LOL posted same time as Ann! Well I guess this must be the most important!
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline leatherman

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Re: An Activist Goes to the White House
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2010, 09:28:09 pm »
hey andy,
i got an update email from blog.aids.gov about a meeting this month. Was that the one you talked about? Did you get to go?
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Jody

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Re: An Activist Goes to the White House
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2010, 10:40:25 pm »
Hi Andy...I'm sorry I missed this particularly worthy post, what a worthwhile endeavor, did it go well or have you been left disappointed?  You are an inspiration to us all.  Keep up the great work dear man!

Jody
"Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world".
 "Try to discover that you are the song that the morning brings."

Grateful Dead

 


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