By Chris Szigetvari, the Australian World AIDS Day 2005 Project Team

If you are reading this newsletter wondering how you can make a difference, then I hope this is the final inspiration that will guide you into action. Making a difference is as easy as having 3 key factors: a cause, a team, and the drive to do your best.

World AIDS day 2005 was held on December 1. If you didn't know this,you are not alone. The theme for Australian World AIDS Day 2005 was "Let´s talk about it", because unfortunately this tragic human epidemic has been swept under the carpet. "Out of sight, out of mind" does not address the issue of AIDS devastating parts of this world and HIV does not discriminate.

During the International Young Professional Summit 2004, met talented and driven Rassel Chisango. Rassel is the projects coordinator of Royal Youth Organisation (RYO). He is also the Metropolitan Harare Provincial Executive Secretary for the Zimbabwe AIDS Network. The need for AIDS education/advocacy funding with proceeds going directly into local operations is a worthy cause that cannot be ignored.

Rassel put the word out there, and a team of like-minded individuals formed in no time to champion the cause. I had the privilege of working with Nicky Seaby (Canberra), Britt Jacobsen (Brisbane), Tam Nguyen (Victoria), Caitlin James (Brisbane) and Cameron Neil (Canberra). Although leagues apart, it was easy to communicate and coordinate via email, Australia Post, and mobile phone.

The drive and dedication of such a great team was amazing to watch in action. Rassel sent us 150 hand-made "I-care AIDS" ribbons that we sold in the name of fundraising to friends and colleagues around Australia. Our presence was felt at our workplaces and through lunchtime fundraising events. We raised awareness with our close family and friends by seeking their support. We even linked with the
Engineers without Borders conference held in Melbourne.

With this dedicated team of young professionals, we raised AUD $664.70 as a result of World AIDS Day 2005. RYO will be using these funds to invest in some income generating projects in the Zimbabwe community. The ultimate aim is for RYO to be self-funded. The outcomes from this project will go a long way in Zimbabwe, and we hope that the funds raised will be the start of something great in Africa. If you would like to join the AIDS network please do so at http://projects.takingitglobal.org/YP-HIV-AIDS. We encourage you to create similar opportunities in your community.