AIDSWatch '95 on Capitol Hill

A record number of individuals concerned about AIDS converged
in Washington D.C. May 21-23 to learn about Federal AIDS
issues and to lobby members of congress. This grassroots
effort, coordinated by the National Association of People
With AIDS and co-sponsored by 26 national organizations,
brought together over 500 advocates including people with
AIDS, caregivers and service providers from 38 states. The
focus of this annual event is to educate members of Congress
and ask for their support of AIDS issues. This year's agenda
included:

* Reauthorization and full funding of the Ryan White CARE
Bill;

* Maintaining Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS
(HOPWA);

* Supporting AIDS treatment research at the National
Institutes of Health;

* Sustaining community-based CDC AIDS prevention activities;

* Protecting Medicaid's entitlement status; and

* Opposing mandatory HIV antibody testing of pregnant women.

Personal Observation

As a participant in AIDSWatch I came away feeling optimistic
about the democratic process. Although I had mentally
prepared myself for meetings with an unsympathetic Republican
controlled Congress, my experiences taught me the power of
being involved. Most of my lobbying visits were held with
legislative aides who consistently brought up the fact that
individuals can and do make a difference. They repeatedly
stressed how important it is to make our voices heard in
Washington. It is apparent after this experience that they
are unable to represent a silent constituency; letters and
phone calls make a big difference. Even though it is
unfortunate that we are unable to depend upon Congress to
formulate sound public policy and advocate for the needs of
people with AIDS without our involvement, it is reassuring to
come away from this event knowing that most elected officials
recognize the power of a vocal constituency and will respond
accordingly. It isn't high-priced lawyers and smooth-talking
lobbyists who can take credit for successes in Washington; it
is the folks back home who make those phone calls and write
those letters.