The AIDS Survival Project Story

In 1986, a group of People with AIDS (PWAs) in Atlanta first met to discuss the availability of programs geared for individuals already infected by HIV and living with AIDS. At that time, being infected meant that self-empowerment and maintained quality of life were, at best, limited, and that death was imminent. Demanding treatment research and advocating basic individual rights were not a focus for any of the existing AIDS organizations. They were organized primarily by health care professionals or development specialists and rarely included HIV-positive people in the major decision-making processes.

In the course of establishing a new kind of AIDS organization, this group of PWAs turned to The Denver Principles. Those principles, first articulated in 1983, are as relevant and powerful today as they were then. They were the first assertion of the rights of people with HIV disease, demanding to be called "People with AIDS" instead of "victims" and calling on the public for active support in the struggle against discrimination, stigma, and scapegoating. Of all the rights and responsibilities set forth in the Denver Principles, perhaps the greatest influence on the founders of AIDS Survival Project was the conviction that people with HIV must be their own representatives – involved at every level of decision-making, serving on the boards of provider groups, and having an equal voice in all matters concerning their lives and well-being. Out of the commitment to this ideal, a new coalition of people affected by HIV was born.

What distinguishes AIDS Survival Project from other AIDS service organizations is a structure and mission that goes beyond "client services." From the very beginning, we have placed a high priority on advocating for human rights and fair treatment for all people living with HIV/AIDS and providing the means for individuals to become their own advocates. By taking part in the advocacy work AIDS Survival Project does individually and in coalition with many other groups, people with AIDS have the means to become a powerful united voice for equitable and rational public policy.

Our mission is built on the principle of self-empowerment, providing those affected by HIV disease with the information and support needed to make well-informed choices. "Give someone a fish," the saying goes, "and they will eat for a day. Teach someone to fish, they will eat for a lifetime." Through volunteerism, peer counseling, support groups, and up-to-date comprehensive treatment education, thousands of individuals have been able to manage their care, take control of their lives, and help others who face the same challenges.

This foundation of partnership was built into AIDS Survival Project 15 years ago as a coalition of HIV-positive individuals and their families, friends, caregivers and others concerned about this epidemic. Anyone who is HIV-positive may elect members of our Board of Directors, 50 percent of whom must also be HIV-positive. This unique structure insures a passionate and committed response to the diverse and changing needs of people with HIV/AIDS, because their voices are our voices. We also partner with other agencies and professionals across the spectrum of healthcare and social services, who provide valuable information about all aspects of living with the disease and about accessing resources available throughout Atlanta and the state.