National AIDS Lobby Days, May 24 through June 3

One of the biggest obstacles to improvement in the Federal response to the AIDS epidemic is the sense among many members of Congress that their constituents do not care about AIDS. To help overcome this problem, political and service organizations are encouraging people from around the country to meet with their U. S. Senators and Representatives in their home district offices. When Congress is not in session, members and their assistants are likely to be in their districts -- providing a good opportunity for face-to-face citizen lobbying without the necessity of traveling to Washington.

National AIDS Lobby Days, May 24 through June 3, has been organized by ACT UP/DC and other ACT UP chapters, AIDS Action Council, Gay Men's Health Crisis, Human Rights Campaign Fund, Iowa Dignity and Equality Advocates, Mobilization Against AIDS, National Association of People with AIDS, National Coming Out Day, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and Project Inform.

The effort "is designed to bring out people with AIDS, HIV- positive persons, gays and lesbians, families and friends, activists, scientists, health professionals, social workers, etc. -- in short the widest range of people who advocate a compassionate Federal response to the AIDS crisis.

"In cities throughout the country, participants will visit the district offices of their U. S. Senators and Representatives to lobby for or against specific legislation. In addition, the lobby days will be an opportunity for people denied SSI, Medicaid, or entry to AIDS clinical trials to present their personal stories to Congressional staffers."

For more information, call Robert Warnock, 202/328-8253, or Michael Petrelis, 202/543-1070. Or write to ACT UP/DC, P. O. Box 9318, Washington, DC 20005, 202/728-7530.