Activities expanded to a full week

World AIDS Day, a global initiative to encourage countries and communities to take a stand against HIV/AIDS, will be commemorated on Dec. 1.

At CSU Monterey Bay, the observance has been expanded to a week of activities around the theme of "Getting to zero: We are our brothers' and sisters' keeper" – a reference to both the World Health Organization's theme and that of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The theme was chosen to highlight the fact that the highest rates of new infections in the U.S. are in the African American community.

Events include:

• Nov. 26-28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Free HIV testing available at the Campus Health Center. Results are avaailable in 30 minutes; counselors are available.

• Nov. 28, noon-2 p.m.: Showing of “Endgame – AIDS in Black America.” The film features personal stories from people with HIV including basketball legend Magic Johnson, and interviews with civil rights pioneer Julian Bond, health workers, activists and black pastors around the United States. Media Learning Complex, Room 118

• Nov. 28, 6-7:30 p.m.: Personal journeys with AIDS, featuring a conversation with speakers whose lives have been touched by the disease. University Center conference room

"With 33.3 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, the disease has become more than an illness. It’s a human rights issue." – Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general, World Health Organization

• Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Testing at the Village Project, 1069 Broadway, Seaside • Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m.: Open mic night: AIDS and the Spoken Word. Poets, rappers and spoken word artists are invited to bring their words – and their hearts – to the subject of HIV/AIDS. Service Learning Building (former Advising Building, Bldg. 44)

• Nov. 30, 2-3 p.m.: AIDS and social justice rally. Rally will include review of statistics and timeline, along with a facilitated discussion about AIDS and social justice and the reading of pledges and promises of how we can be our brother's keeper and get to zero; zero new infections, zero deaths. Student Center, West Lounge

• Nov. 30, 3:30-5 p.m.: AIDS Warrior Mobilization and Awareness. After the rally, volunteers will conduct an awareness campaign at locations in Salinas, Marina, Seaside and Monterey

• Nov 30, 6-8 p.m.: Showing of “And the Band Played On,” which tells the story of the discovery of the AIDS epidemic and the political infighting in the scientific community that hampered the early fight against it. University Center living room

•** Dec. 1**, 5-6 p.m.: Candlelight vigil, hosted by Out and About. Campus quad.

Events are sponsored by the university’s Health and Wellness Services, the Service Learning Institute, Campus Dining Services and AmeriCorps; presented by Black Students United, NAACP@CSUMB and Out and About; and supported by community partners Central Coast HIV/AIDS, African American HIV/Wellness and the Village Project.

For more information, to volunteer or to request disability accommodations, please contact Steven Goings, service opportunities coordinator, at 582-4659.