“He who conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured”
|
|
|
Is there a cure?
Worryingly, surveys show that many people think that there’s a ‘cure’ for AIDS – which makes them feel safer, and perhaps take risks that they otherwise shouldn’t. These people are wrong, though - there is still no cure for AIDS. There is antiretroviral medication which slows the progression from HIV to AIDS, and which can keep some people healthy for many years. In some cases, the antiretroviral medication seems to stop working after a number of years, in other cases people can recover from AIDS and live with HIV for decades. But they have to take powerful medication every day of their lives, sometimes with very unpleasant side-effects. But there is still no way to cure HIV, and at the moment the only way to remain safe is not to become infected.
Greetings! This October, in the 29th year of this grotesque calamity, marks the 19th year of my personal Journey through AIDS. More than 20 years and 20 million deaths since the first AIDS diagnosis in 1981, almost 38 million people (range 34.6 – 42.3 million) are living with HIV. AIDS is an extraordinary kind of crisis; it is both an emergency and a long-term development issue. Despite increased funding, political commitment and progress in expanding access to HIV treatment, the AIDS epidemic
continues to outpace our response. No segment of humanity has been spared. The epidemic remains extremely dynamic, growing and changing character as the virus exploits new opportunities for transmission. This last year was our worst year ever, with 5 Million New HIV Infections (Prevention failures) and 3 Million Deaths (Treatment failures). As AIDS Quilt founder Cleve Jones said in 2001; “Our hearts may be filled, but there are only two emotions worth expressing at this perilous time: GRIEF and RAGE. Grief for the millions who have died and
are dying. Rage at the indifference, greed, and stupidity that permit this grotesque calamity to continue.”
Indifference, greed and stupidity are also the three major ingredients in the American recipe for what has come to be known as AIDS Complacency. A Cultural phenomena against which every major player in the fight against it has warned us continually for as long as I can remember. Indifference which is rooted in the arrogance that it can’t happen to us, only “the right people”; mainly gays. Greed fueled by the profits, jobs and paychecks from the new industry and
bureaucracy it spawned. Stupidity that prevents us from using every means available to prevent future infections. Since May 16th, 2004; the first local observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial - the purpose of which was to act as a catalyst for our CommUNITY to begin again to talk about HIV/AIDS, the theme of "Turning Remembrance into ACTION!" has evolved into this blueprint for a Stronger, Louder, Prouder and More Respected South Bank response to the AIDS epidemic. Mission Statement
The Mission of this organization is simply to “Take up the slack” that now exists in caring for the “Quality of Life” issues of the infected/affected who are now living longer and preventing further infections, as seen thru the eyes of a long term survivor…
Principles
In implementing its mission and purpose, SoBank Cares will adhere to the following principles:
The politics of inclusion – Respecting all people and treating all members of the HIV community with the same dignity and respect. While our focus will be on HIV/AIDS in our Community, we will also have concern for the stigmatization, discrimination, demonization, persecution, and oppression faced by all disenfranchised peoples.
Creating systematic change – We believe that our work must focus on building a broad base of support for “Quality of Life” issues of social justice that includes, but is not limited to, issues important to our HIV community. This means that long term change is of greater significance than any single issue, campaign, or candidate and our education and advocacy efforts will reflect that priority.
Philosophy - The Four Agreements Written by Don Miguel Ruiz
1) Be Impeccable With Your Word Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your work in the direction of truth and love. 2) Don't Take Anything Personally Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering. 3) Don't Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life. 4) Always Do Your Best Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
Can the organization operate while completing the 501(c)(3) process?Summary: Extra caution is needed, but many organizations have started work before the formal process was completedIna Frank wrote this note for the NONPROFIT FAQ when it was just getting started: State laws vary, so check closely. There are really two questions: a. May a "non-profit" organization operate before the STATE grants it a charter as such an organiztion? The short answer is: State law governs absolutely. The oxymoron is: an "organization" that does not yet have its charter from the state does not exist, except perhaps (state law, again) as an "association" of its members. But such a "proto-organization" can probably solicit support (although doubtful that it could do so to the general public -- state law, wouldn't you know) for the costs of organization (i.e., incorporation, IRS filings, etc.) www.southbankcares.net/TheFoundation.htm So, declaring oneself to "be" a non-profit before the state of incorporation bestows such a mantle is presumptuous but, so long as the status is correctly disclosed, probably not illegal. www.southbankcares.net/articles_of_organization.htm However, soliciting funds -- especially from the public -- before organizational status is achieved (and specific state approval for the solicitaion, as many states require, is also obtained) may very well be illegal. State law governs. b. May an organization solicit funds as a "non-profit" before the IRS recognizes its tax-exempt status. Federal tax exempt status (i.e., recognition as a tax-exempt public charity pursuant to Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) is another story. It is quite normal behavior for non-profits to begin operations before they get their federal tax exemption, since that can take months (or longer.) There is nothing wrong with a non-profit's applying for grants or soliciting support before the IRS rules, so long as the interim status is disclosed. A donor giving to a non-profit during this period does take a risk that tax-exempt status will not be granted, in which case the contribution is not deductible. For a private foundation, the risk is greater, since that type of entity may not grant funds to other than a recognized exempt organization. In the latter case, fledgling non-profits use the offer of a grant, conditioned on IRS approval, as a way to expedite the approval process. (Believe it or not, it does work, if adequately documented.) In the former case, the non-profit may agree to return the contribution if tax exempt status is denied. And, you have to acknowledge those donations and tell the donor that you have state approval while federal application is in progress.
Last updated: Saturday, August 7, 2010 . The Michael W. Connett Living Trust/South Bank HIVe
|
