Our movement needs YOU. My name is Sable K. Nelson and I’m a Policy Analyst at NMAC. The current proposed cuts to HIV funding would be devastating to our movement because they would both reduce and eliminate vital programs that the most vulnerable people in our community need to stay in care or access HIV services.
Over the past three decades, NMAC has worked in coalition to ensure people of color have a seat at the table and our voices are heard in the fight against HIV. This year, NMAC is asking you to:
(1) Participate in HIV/STD Action Day on Capitol Hill on September 6th. Action Day is being held one day before the
2017 United States Conference on AIDS. This is your opportunity to meet with your Member of Congress and/or Senator and share your story as to why it is so important to protect programs such as SMAIF, HOPWA, and Ryan White. Since you will already be in DC for USCA, we were hoping you would also join us on September 6th to make your voice heard as part our movement on Capitol Hill. Thank you to those who have already registered to take part of this important event. There is no cost associated with registering for Action Day. In order to participate in Action Day, all you would have to do is register ahead of time and NMAC will schedule your legislative meetings. If you have any questions about Action Day, please contact Sable Nelson or Matt Rose for assistance.
(2) Engage the media. We are also looking for spokespeople 
who will work with NMAC’s communication team to place local op-eds in the mainstream, people of color, HIV, and LBGT press in August. Our team will work with you to generate content for these pieces. If you would be willing to work with us on these editorials, please contact Daniel Pino or Chip Lewis.
(3) Prepare to speak to your federal elected officials and/or the media. To help you in your advocacy, we a
re hosting a variety of webinars that offer real-world skill-building resources that will impart practical information, offer suggestions, and answer questions about how to make the most of your time working with your elected officials both ON and OFF Capitol Hill. Here is a list of all webinars being offered to interested attendees:
Effective Story Telling (Part 1): Aug 23 (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST)
Effective Story Telling (Part 2): Aug 28 (3:00 PM – 4:00PM EST)
How to Navigate the Hill & Engage with Media: Aug 31 (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST)
We encourage you to visit our official HIV/STD Action Day webinar website and find out more ways to join us for one, two, or all of these sessions. You do NOT need to pre-register for these webinars. But, we do encourage you to mark the dates and times on your calendars.
(4) Attend the Opening Reception for USCA at the Library of 
Congress on Wednesday, September 6th. This reception will be an opportunity to meet with your colleagues and members of Congress. It is vital that our movement shows up for this reception. More information about the logistics for the opening reception will come to as we get closer to the date.
We are so close to an end to this epidemic and we can only achieve an HIV-free generation if we maintain federal investment in HIV prevention and treatment services. Now is not the time to be silent and wait for action – we MUST join together and ensure all of our voices are heard.
Yours in the Struggle,
Sable K. Nelson, Esq
Policy Analyst
NMAC