I’m Brendan, I’m 24 years old, and I’m living with HIV.

I’m writing to you today to encourage you to support an organization that I’ve been involved with for the past 2 years, one that has given me the opportunity to grow as a person, a citizen, and an HIV advocate.

Last year, I was selected to serve as a Youth Policy Advisor through Georgia Equality’s Youth HIV/AIDS Policy Advisor program. As a part of this initiative, I was matched with a local elected official to serve as a resource to them on the needs of young HIV positive people in the metro Atlanta area. Since then, and with the help of Georgia Equality, I traveled to Washington, DC to meet with members of Congress and their staffs to present them with the facts about HIV in Georgia and encourage them to do more to help fight the epidemic.

I have been able to accomplish so much in the field of HIV advocacy because the team at Georgia Equality, and their HIV advocacy programs provided me with the opportunities to do so. I want Georgia Equality to continue to provide those kinds of opportunities to other HIV positive young people in Georgia. In order for that to happen, I need you to join with me today in making a donation to Georgia Equality. A donation in any amount that is signifigant to you will help.

In this season of gratitude, I cannot completely convey how thankful I am for Georgia Equality and it’s staff, but I hope you’ll help me say thank you by making a donation today.

The second cohort of Youth HIV Policy Advisors is well underway, and I can tell you that our program is working–the conversations we have had with lawmakers are a testament to that. Please consider supporting this very worthwhile program, one that has meant so much to me and the other program participants.

Together, we can make the policy changes that will end the AIDS crisis among young people in Georgia.

-Brendan Allison

PS: On Thursday we will be commemorating World AIDS Day.  This year’s Youth HIV Policy Advisors have worked with local artists to create an incredibly powerful program on what it is like to be living with HIV in Atlanta today. I hope you’ll join me at the Artists Reception @ Gallery 874 Thursday, December 1 at 6:00 pm. Anyone who makes a donation of $50 or more today will get a free ticket to the closing reception.