The Reunion Project Introduces AWARE LTS Leadership Academy for Long-Term HIV Survivors

The Launch of AWARE LTS Leadership Academy



In a significant move to empower the voices of long-term survivors of HIV, The Reunion Project has announced the launch of its inaugural AWARE LTS Leadership Academy. This initiative was unveiled on HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of recognizing those who have lived with the virus for many years. The academy aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders from within this community, focusing on advocacy, policy-making, and fostering resilient communities.

AWARE stands for Aging with Agency, Resilience, and Engagement, and is designed specifically for long-term survivors. It provides a structured program of training, mentorship, and peer support to help participants take charge of advocacy efforts that directly impact their lives and communities. In the words of Jeff Berry, Executive Director of The Reunion Project, "Now more than ever, we must invest in leaders who can navigate a changing landscape while centering the lived experiences of those aging with HIV. AWARE is a powerful step toward that future."

The academy’s inaugural cohort will consist of individuals from across the United States participating in a four-module, virtual training program. This program covers essential areas such as leadership development, storytelling, advocacy skills, and community engagement strategies. Larry Bryant, Senior Program Manager at The Reunion Project, emphasized the necessity of such initiatives: "For too long, long-term survivors have been left out of critical conversations about aging, HIV, and health equity. The AWARE Academy is a direct investment in their leadership."

The AWARE LTS Leadership Academy is not just an educational program; it’s a platform for empowerment. It equips long-term survivors with the skills needed to sit at decision-making tables, influence the formulation of policies, and hold systems accountable to their communities. As they undergo training, participants will not only gain knowledge but will also form a network of support that reinforces their roles as advocates.

The Reunion Project, founded in 2015, is dedicated to supporting individuals who have lived through the early phases of the AIDS epidemic and are now long-term survivors of HIV. This project aims to foster community, resilience, and shared experiences within this unique group while advocating for systemic changes that address their specific needs. By launching the AWARE LTS Leadership Academy, The Reunion Project is taking a bold step forward in their commitment to uplift and empower this often-overlooked community.

For those interested in learning more about the AWARE LTS Leadership Academy or The Reunion Project, further information can be found at reunionproject.net or through direct contact via email at [email protected]. The launch of this academy promises to enhance the visibility and influence of long-term survivors of HIV, ensuring their voices remain integral to discussions surrounding health care, aging, and social justice for all.

Key Points:


  • - The AWARE LTS Leadership Academy launches in recognition of HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day.
  • - Focus areas include leadership development, advocacy, and community engagement.
  • - The project aims to give long-term survivors a stronger voice in policy-making and advocacy.

In conclusion, the introduction of the AWARE LTS Leadership Academy marks an important milestone for HIV long-term survivors, who have often found themselves marginalized in societal discussions about health and aging. By fostering leadership from within the community, The Reunion Project has created a vital pathway for change, inspiring a future where those with lived experiences can lead the charge for better policies and health equity.

Topics Health)

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