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Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Tel: 612-341-2060
Fax: 612-341-4057 info@mnaidsproject.org
TTY Metro: 612-373-2465
TTY State: 888-820-2437

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2009 Annual Report

Read the 2009 Annual Report

 

Advocacy

Toolbox

HAN

Skills and strategies for being an effective advocate

Are you ready to make a difference in HIV policy in Minnesota? This page is dedicated to bringing you the tools and resources you need to be an effective advocate in your community.

 

Know your elected officials

The best place to start! Get information about your elected officials, including their contact information, what committees they are on, and what communities they represent. Having this information can help your meeting or phone call go smoothly, and can help you to build a rapport with your elected official.

How to find your elected officials
 

Visit the Capitol

Capitol

You’ve identified your legislators, and now you want to let them know what you think! Here are a few ways you can get in touch, along with some helpful hints to make your message even more effective:

Write a letter to your elected official

Call your elected official

Meet with your elected official

Tips on communication

Use the media

Newspaper

Another great way to get your opinion out is by writing to your local newspaper. Letters to the Editor have a fairly large readership, and can be a great way to let people in your community know what you think! Here are some tips for writing a stellar Letter to the Editor.
 

Know the Issues

Don’t forget to do your research! When you’re preparing to meet with your representative or to write a letter to the editor of your local paper, it’s important to make sure that you have strong, accurate information to back you up. The Minnesota AIDS Project website can be a great tool for this. Check out our HIV Fact Sheets and Legislative Agenda to get started. No matter where you turn for your facts, make sure your sources are sound and reputable.
 

Take Action!

Action Alert

Now you’re ready to take action and influence HIV policy in Minnesota! There are tons of opportunities every year for you to get out there, so here are just a few helpful suggestions:

1. Sign up for the HIV Action Network and get email alerts about upcoming votes in the legislature, relevant news and events from around the state.


2. Attend AIDS Action Day This is a great opportunity to meet with your elected officials at the capitol. Be a lobbyist for a day and let your voice be heard in support of honest HIV prevention and other effective policies to stop HIV in Minnesota.


3. Vote! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MAP does not support candidates or political parties. However, we do support your right and responsibility to do so. In order to be an engaged citizen, you need to vote. Voting is one of the easiest, most effective ways to help stop HIV.

 

 

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Last Updated: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Questions about our Web site? Email webmaster@mnaidsproject.org

Content Notice: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily though sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or materials, please exit this Web site.