Activism

Click here for information about the AIDS 2008 activist listserv.

Activism has always been an important part of the AIDS movement, and is responsible for the critical involvement in Conference planning of people living with HIV and the community.

In recent years, however, there has been a debate among Conference co-organizers and other stakeholders about the role of non-peaceful and disruptive activism. At present, the policy is that peaceful activism and advocacy that allows freedom of expression is both encouraged and supported, but that disruptive activism will not be tolerated. The policy states that those who disrupt proceeding will be removed and/or have their badges confiscated.

This policy is outlined in the Principle and Values of Conference Participation contained on conference websites and in a policy of Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Protest on the website of the International AIDS Society.

To help promote these policies and mediate any conflict between activists and conference organizers, the IAS usually recruits a Conference Liaison - a community member who can build relationships with activist groups and negotiate for successful protests.

Some Conferences have also supported activism with on and off-site meeting spaces and resources for making signs and printing flyers.