Mission & Philosophy

Our Mission Statement is:

The AIDS Committee of London brings people together in partnership to provide leadership in education, support and advocacy to meet the challenge of HIV/AIDS.

By respecting human dignity and diversity, the AIDS Committee of London creates an atmosphere of trust, which enables people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS to make informed choices.

Our Goals:

An Increased Quality of Life for Those Infected with or Affected by HIV/AIDS

• Clear recognition of the inherent rights and worth of each individual to live with independence, dignity, and self determination.
• Accurate information and knowledge so that informed choices can be made.
• Emotional and psychosocial support.
• Connection to the community.
• Empowerment to manage more effectively with HIV/AIDS.

The Reduction of Risk of HIV/AIDS

• New HIV/AIDS infection rates continue to be reduced through accessible harm reduction information and materials.
• Safer sex and drug use behaviours are utilized.
• Reduction of specific co-existing infections (e.g. Hepatitis C) in partnership with other community health care providers.
• Reduction of barriers to safer sex and drug use behaviours and specific existing disorders in partnership with other community agencies.

Increased Community Awareness

• The community is well informed about HIV/AIDS.
• The community is afforded the opportunity to provide practical support for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
• The community is well informed about preventative measures that reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS.
• The community is afforded the opportunity to advocate for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Work Collaboratively with Local, Provincial, National and International HIV/AIDS Initiatives that reflect ACOL’s Mission, Philosophy and Values by:

• Contributing to opportunities for professional and human development.
• Partnering with organizations and groups that will enhance the services of each partner.
• Collaborating with local initiatives that are contributing to the global response to HIV/AIDS.

Our Philosophy Statement is:

• The AIDS Committee of London operates in accordance with the principles of Greater Involvement of People Living with or Affected by HIV/AIDS (GIPA) outlined in the UNAIDS Best Practices Collection (1999).
• We believe people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS must have accurate information and compassionate support that will enable them to manage their own health care.
• We believe people living with or affected by HIV or AIDS have the right to be fully integrated in society.
• We believe in providing information and services that are non-judgmental and respectful of an individual's right to self-determination.
• We believe in affirming human dignity in the context of HIV/AIDS. We strive for open attitudes, protection against discrimination and accurate and non-prejudicial attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS and people and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
• We believe in including the full diversity of people who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS to build innovative partnerships that meet the challenges and confront the issues raised by HIV/AIDS.
• We are proud of our origins and history in the gay and lesbian community.
• We prize the strength of the many who have joined together in making one community.
• We value the passion, dedication and expertise of our volunteers, directors, staff and supporters.
• We honour the courage of those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
• In our continual renewal of commitment to our mission, we remember and bear witness of the lives of those who have died from AIDS.