[Get Involved Tuesdays] HIV/AIDS in LA

Before joining Dance Marathon at UCLA, I wasn't at all aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the extent to which it affects all of us. I joined the organization as a way to build my resume, meet fellow Bruins and work with them on a common cause. However, my two years on committee, on Community Outreach and Education and then on University Outreach, changed my life as I began to learn about the virus that has infected over 60 million people.




HIV/AIDS affects ALL of us. There is no other way to say it. It does not discriminate against gender, race or class. Learning to prevent transmission is one thing, but also de-stigmatizing the virus and promoting a community of tolerance and support is another. My work with Dance Marathon, now known as the Pediatric Aids Coalition at UCLA, opened my eyes to how the community at large is affected and efforts I can make, as an individual, to achieve the aforementioned goals.

Dance Marathon at UCLA/Pediatric AIDS Coalition has raised over 1.75 million dollars since it began in the last 8 years. It benefits the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which is the largest pediatric AIDS foundation in the US. It also benefits Project Kindle and One Heartland, two free summer camp programs for HIV-affected children.

There are so many ways to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. One can donate directly to any of the mentioned organizations. You can dance at Dance Marathon in February 2011, which is an amazing and crazy and fun experience (or you can morale at the event.) You can become a counselor as the camps or volunteer in some other capacity. In addition, individuals can volunteer for AIDS Project LA (APLA) to do the AIDS Walk, do data entry, be an office service volunteer, or a special events volunteer.