HIV/AIDS AdvocacyReligions for Peace has a commitment to strengthen advocacy among religious communities regarding the AIDS pandemic. Due to stigma and discrimination, children are often deprived of basic social services and the support of their extended families. Such an enviroment can open the door for abuse, sexual exploitation, and other issues.

Advocacy means championing a cause; creating awareness and understanding about AIDS; and working to ensure that relevant policies and programs are put in place. HIV/AIDS advocacy helps drive a more effective response globally, regionally and nationally.

This training manual, used together with the participants’ handbook, is meant to strengthen the advocacy and media relations skills of religious leaders at both national and community levels in order to expand their advocacy efforts on behalf of children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, with the goal of bringing greater priority to their needs and expanding the response.

A third volume in the set addresses the stigma, discrimination, and denial challenges that faith communities may help to overcome.