SAMPLE PROCLAMATION

October 15, 2007

WHEREAS, the Hispanic/ Latino community of [name of city] is one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the region. Today Hispanics/ Latinos make up [XX] of the [XX] population and are quickly expanding. Hispanics/ Latinos are making a critical contribution to life in our communities through dedication to family, diversity, work and cultural richness; and

WHEREAS, Hispanics/ Latinos make up 14% of the United States population, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but account for 20% of the living AIDS cases nationwide; and

WHEREAS, misconceptions about HIV transmission contributes to the increasing rate of new HIV diagnosis within the Hispanics/ Latino community thus it is critical to raise awareness of the potential for HIV infection in the Hispanic/ Latino community and offer culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV testing and prevention programs; and

WHEREAS, Hispanics/ Latinos see AIDS as one of the most important health issues facing the nation yet many lack health insurance and are not connected to traditional social services and health care networks. Further, Hispanics/ Latinos require critical health information that is culturally tailored; and

WHEREAS, in order to reduce the rate of HIV diagnosis, HIV prevention programs for Hispanics/ Latinos must target those who are at high risk for infection but are HIV negative as well as those men and women who are HIV positive. Furthermore, counseling services and HIV testing must be offered to pregnant Hispanic/ Latina women; and

WHEREAS , AIDS has challenged the extended Hispanic/Latino family to find new reservoirs of compassion, and to confront difficult issues such as drug use and sexuality; and

WHEREAS, [name of organization] offers [describe efforts in region that impact Hispanic/ Latinos and indicate they need to be expanded]; and

WHEREAS , Latino AIDS Awareness Day provides the opportunity to increase community awareness and dialogue, to commemorate those lost and bring leaders together to advocate for greater services and community involvement to fight this epidemic.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , I [name and title of elected official], by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of [name of city, state, or locality] do hereby proclaim October 15, 2007, as “LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY” in [name of city state or locality] and call upon the people of [name of city, state or locality] to observe this day with appropriate programs, activities and ceremonies supporting this year’s theme,

“Wake Up! Take Control! Take The HIV Test!”