LoveNotes – February/March 2003 Issue

SisterLove – LoveNotes – February/March 2003

The year 2003 marks SisterLove’s thirteenth year as a community resource for women concerned about their reproductive and sexual health, human rights and HIV/AIDS. Like each preceding year, this new year brings an invigorating assortment of opportunities and challenges.

Throughout the year we plan to provide updates regarding our work and share information about the fight for women’s reproductive and sexual health and rights around the world.

In this issue of LoveNotes, we are pleased to welcome four individuals as members of SisterLove’s staff. While they are new to us as employees, they are not new to this work or to the SisterLove family.

Dia Hodnett, MPH – Health Education Coordinator. Dia joined SisterLove as a volunteer three years ago when she was a graduate student at Emory University ’s Rollins School of Public Health. As a volunteer Healthy Love Party Facilitator, Dia conducted numerous Healthy Love Parties and helped train others to serve in that role. Upon earning her Masters In Public Health, Dia worked with Emory’s Project HORIZONS, a community-based research project focusing on adolescent African American women and sexual health.  During this time she continued to volunteer at SisterLove and expanded her commitment by representing SisterLove at national conferences focusing on  increasing outreach to and activism among young women of color. Recently Dia has begun post baccalaureate studies in preparation for medical school.

felecia malone, Health Education Consultant. felecia brings over fifteen years of experience in the feminist, AIDS and reproductive and sexual health and rights movement to SisterLove. felecia’s experience includes direct service in AIDS and reproductive health care, program development and implementation, and communications training for social service organizations. Through the years felecia has served in many capacities at SisterLove; she is longtime friend and advocate.

John Crawford – Chief Financial Officer. John comes to SisterLove with over fifteen years accounting experience that includes providing accounting services for public and privately held corporations, auditing and taxation, federal contract auditing and state public health budgeting. John first worked with SisterLove last year as a fiscal consultant.

Yvonne Vinson – Conference Coordinator. Yvonne, an experienced events logistics specialist, has joined SisterLove to help coordinate, with Spelman College and Bennett College, the first of three invitational conferences titled ‘Women and Girls and HIV/AIDS in Africa and the African Diaspora”. The Conferences will be held in Senegal, West Africa in June 2003, in Brazil later that Fall and in Atlanta, Georgia at Spelman College in June of 2004. Although new to SisterLove, Yvonne’s familiarity with our work and her life-long commitment to community service have contributed to her transitioning smoothly into her new position.

We invite you to join us as we formally welcome Yvonne, John and Dia to SisterLove. The skills and commitment that they bring to SisterLove and to this work will inspire great things in the years to come.

SISTERLOVE, SOUTH AFRICA

Thanks to the conscientious efforts of our South Africa and U.S. based International Program staff, SisterLove convened its first SisterLove, South Africa Board of Directors meeting in January, approximately six months after our South Africa office was established in Witbank, South Africa.

The current membership of SisterLove, South Africa’s Board of Directors includes: Dázon Dixon Diallo, President, SisterLove, Inc.; Dorothy Nairne, Africare, Regional HIV/AIDS Coordinator; Leslie D. Posey, SisterLove, Inc., Chief Operating Officer ; John Crawford, SisterLove, Inc., Chief Financial Officer ; Seseni Nu, SisterLove, Inc., International Programs Manager ; Dr. Ronald Braithewaite, Emory University-Rollins School of Public Health, Associate Professor and Folami Harris, Margaret Sanger Centre-South Africa.

A major priority of the Board is to continue the recruitment of South African nationals to assume positions of leadership within the agency by June 2003. SisterLove, South Africa staff, Tryphinah Ngwenya, South Africa Program Manager; Busisiwe Baloyi, South Africa Program Assistant, and Peace Corps volunteer, Monica McGhan continue their efforts to support the Board’s development while also implementing SisterLove’s South Africa projects.

SisterLove, South Africa staff, along with agency staff from Atlanta, attended AMANITARE’s, African Women’s Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights Conference that was held in Johannesburg, February 4-7th.

AMANITARE, an African partnership for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, is committed to establishing a methodological approach to consolidating the skills, knowledge and resources of individuals, institutions and groups active in the fields of sexual & reproductive health and rights throughout Africa.

The theme of this year’s conference was, “Prosperity through Empowerment”. The Conference was an opportunity for women’s organizations, policy makers, researchers and health care providers to promote a rights-based, holistic approach to sexual & reproductive health. SisterLove was honored to host three workshops focusing on women of African descent on the continent of Africa and abroad. The workshop topics were, “The Healthy Love Party and other HIV/STD Prevention Interventions”, “Using the Human Rights Framework to Develop International Grassroots Partnerships Among Women of Africa and the African Diaspora Working on Sexual and Human Rights”, and “Society for Women Against AIDS in Africa (SWAA) in the African Diaspora”. The workshops were very well received, inspiring dialogue among women of African descent working to improve services for women around the world.

SISTERLOVE AND FIT SOUTHERN GIRLS: A PERFECT FIT!

Health. Wellness. Self-Advocacy. The same values that frame SisterLove’s service inspires the work of five young sisters committed to helping women make that mind-body-spirit connection that leads to better, healthier and fuller lives.

Amidst shelves upon shelves of exercise videos promising ‘abs of steel in 30 days’, women can now find Hip, Hop Step For Charity, a 40-minute, high energy, step exercise video featuring Daphne Grissom, an AFAA certified fitness instructor with over five years of experience. What makes Hip, Hop Step For Charity different from all the rest? Partly, its the ‘hype music’ and urban beats, but mainly, it’s because the women responsible for this inspirational video speak of helping women strengthen and celebrate their lives and truly believe in giving back to their community.

Proceeds from the sale of Hip, Hop Step For Charity will benefit four nonprofit organizations: The YMCA of Atlanta, The First Tee Golf Program, Make-A-Wish Foundation and SisterLove, Inc..

Dia Hodnett, SisterLove’s Health Education Coordinator and a certified personal fitness instructor, was excited to attend Fit Southern Girls’ release party earlier this month. After meeting the ladies and previewing the video, Dia reflected, ‘their energy is real, you can feel that these sistahs care and know how to get a good workout”.

Daphne Grissom, Felicia Stone, Shawn Nix, Natasha Taylor and Tisha Deshield bring their professional expertise, personal energy and consciousness to an industry not known for community action and service. If we’re lucky, Fit Southern Girls will forever provide a real alternative for women with lives, women with curves and women concerned about their health and wellness and that of their families and community.

To purchase Hip, Hop Step For Charity visit Fit Southern Girls online at www.fitsoutherngirls.com. The 40-minute video is competitively priced at $19.99 for VHS and $24.95 for DVD. A portion of all proceeds will benefit SisterLove, Inc..

SISTERLOVE RECEIVES SUPPORT

One of the challenges of social change and social service work is identifying those who share your concerns and commitment and are able to lend their support. Through the years, SisterLove has been fortunate to have the support of many who have enabled us to remain a community resource.

This fiscal year SisterLove is proud and honored that the Public Welfare Foundation, Broadway Cares/Equity Fund for AIDS, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Gertrude E. Laws Fund have chosen to continue their support.  We are also pleased to welcome the support of United Parcel Service (UPS), the Georgia Department of Human Resources and Advocates for Youth.

It is impossible for us to take this support for granted.  Each day and each opportunity to support, educate and advocate for women affected by and living with HIV/AIDS reminds us that we would not be able to do this work without such encouragement.

SISTERSONG CONFERENCE: CALL FOR PAPERS

A Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from November 13-16, 2003. The Conference is being organized by the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective, a network of local, regional and national grassroots agencies representing four primary ethnic populations/indigenous nations in the United States: Native American/Indigenous, Black/African American, Latina/Puerto Rican and Asian/Pacific Islander. SisterLove has been an active member of the Collective since its inception in 1997.

The Conference will bring together women of color activists, providers, policymakers, and allies to discuss and develop strategies for improving the reproductive health of women of color in the United States.

The SisterSong Collective invites individuals to apply to participate as a speaker or workshop leader and to submit a proposal for a conference presentation (in English or Spanish) by March 31, 2003.

Anyone needing assistance in preparing a proposal or with questions or comments, should contact SisterSong’s National Coordinator, Laura Jimenez, at Lauramjimenez@hotmail.com or by phone at 212-281-1137.

For a fuller description of the Conference and the Call for Papers and Presentations, visit SisterLove’s website.

SISTERSONG: A YOUNG ACTIVIST’S EXPERIENCE
By Danielle B. Jackson

As two colleagues and I drove to Beaufort, South Carolina from Atlanta, I doubt any of us knew what we were getting ourselves into. We were headed to a weekend retreat being held by the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective. What we did know was that we would be gathering with a dynamic group of women who have taken the lead in reproductive and sexual health and rights issues for women of color in the United States. We were anxious and excited, yet we remained unsure of what was about to take place. Even with all of our pondering, we could not have anticipated the importance of the events of that weekend

From November 22^nd through the 24^th of 2002, fifteen women met with the purpose of discussing the history of the SisterSong Collective, understanding it’s significance in the current public health climate, and developing a plan to guide it’s near and distant futures. In the end, the weekend turned out to be so much more than that. With the intergenerational combination of Latina, Native American, and Black women that were there, it couldn’t help but be a spiritual weekend. Each morning, many of us would go to the beach to begin our day with the sunrise. At various points in the day, we called upon our ancestors by burning sage and pouring libations. We held hands. We prayed. We also played, watched videos late at night and ate junk food. We took a historical tour of St. Helena’s Island and met the Penn Center’s intriguing Director. And each morning we met to address the issues that guided, and reflected, our lives. The all day sessions were intense, enlightening, educational and, above all, productive.

In formal and informal gatherings we spoke of the urgent need to document the history of women of color’s struggles and triumphs in this work, the importance of putting forth our values and concerns, of reaching out to women of color working ‘in the trenches’ of the movement and many other critical issues. We discussed and began planning the November, 2003 SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights National Conference to be held at Spelman College in Atlanta.

The entire weekend was amazing. Not only did we bond as a group of dedicated women, we each also left with a renewed sense of purpose as well as specific tasks for furthering the movement’s agendas. Personally, I’ve taken the lead on a project to develop a national directory of women of color organizations working in reproductive health. I look forward to a long relationship with this progressive group of women and anticipate great things.

EXPANDING YOUR SPIRIT: MORNING’S COMING!
By Kinaya Ade

Why is it that we always feel worse at Night?
Fevers rise;
Toothaches throb;
Flu symptoms intensify;
Pain increases;
Heartaches deepen.
Where is the morning?
We ask ourselves will we make it through the Night,
Or will we succumb to the:
Fever,
Toothache,
Flu,
Pain,
And, oh yes, the heartache.
Mornings coming!

What jars our spirit so at Night yet fails to phase us in the Day?
The squeaky floor,
The barking dog,
The dripping faucet,
The children playing,
The neighbor’s car,
The quiet phone,
The stillness,
The silence.
Where is the morning?
Will it come?

Why is Night so different from the Day?
Could it be that it represents those things that are:
Hidden,
Yet to be seen,
Anonymous,
Forbidden,
Undercover,
Unsure?
While Day represents those things that are:
Exposed,
Present,
Known,
Acceptable,
Unveiled,
Sure?
Too much Night?

My friend, know that almost everything that represents Day,
At one time represented Night.
Night is nothing but a mere extension of the Day.
Go with it.
Flow with it.
Talk control of the Night,
It desires to serve you well
It indeed was created by the same Divine Presence that blessed you with the Day.
Rest well,
Be content,
Mornings Coming!
I bid you Peace.

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Did this piece speak to you? Share your thoughts with Kinaya. E-mail Kinaya.
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WOMEN’S RIGHTS UNDER ATTACK IN GEORGIA
by Aprille Blair and Kozetta Harris

For many, the approaching 30^th anniversary of Roe v Wade is cause for reflection and celebration. But for some ultra-conservatives in the State of Georgia, the time is ripe to restrict the rights guaranteed women by the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Anti-Choice activity in Georgia, like other states across America, has been brisk the first few month’s of the new year. Seven bills have been introduced in the State Legislature that would, if passed, effectively restrict women’s ability to exercise their reproductive rights, protect their privacy and receive responsible and reliable health information and care.

The National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) continually monitors legislation related to reproductive freedom. The following information regarding pending Georgia legislation is provided on NARAL’s website :

Georgia Senate Bill 23 – Informed consent. 24-hour waiting period. State-prepared materials must be offered. Introduced 1/27/2003 by Senator Cheeks

Georgia House Bill 1 – Requires a woman seeking an abortion to first obtain a “death warrant.” No physician may perform an “execution” [defined in the bill as an abortion] without a “death warrant.” Any woman seeking an abortion must file a petition to obtain a death warrant in the county of her residence. Requires the court to appoint a guardian ad litem to “protect the rights of the fetus.” Authorizes the guardian ad litem to file a petition demanding a jury trial to “determine the rights of the fetus.” Within 30 days of the jury trial petition being filed, a trial shall begin for the purpose of “balancing the fetus’ right to life against the rights of the person seeking to have the ‘execution’ performed.” Provides for expedited appeal procedures. Creates criminal penalties for physicians who perform an abortion without a death warrant. Introduced 1/13/2003 by Representative Franklin.

Georgia House Bill 23 – Informed consent for abortion. 24-hour waiting period. Information given to the woman must include the medical risks associated with the particular abortion procedure, including breast cancer and “possible detrimental psychological effects.” State-prepared materials must be offered. Reporting requirements. Felony penalty. Provides a cause of civil action for the woman, “father,” or “grandparent,” against a physician if s/he fails to obtain informed consent prior to performing an abortion. Exception in cases of medical emergency. Introduced 1/13/2003 by Representative Walker.

Georgia House Bill 52 – Informed consent. 24-hour waiting period. Information given to the woman must include the medical risks associated with the particular abortion procedure, including breast cancer. State-prepared materials must be offered. Reporting requirements. Felony penalty. Provides a cause of civil action for the woman, “father,” or “grandparent,” against a physician if s/he fails to obtain informed consent prior to performing an abortion. Exception in cases of medical emergency. Introduced 1/15/2003 to House Committee on Judiciary by Representative Mills.

Georgia House Bill 63 – Requires a woman seeking an abortion to first seek a “grand jury indictment against the fetus for an applicable capital offense.” If the grand jury returns “an indictment against the fetus,” the court is required to appoint a guardian ad litem “to protect the rights of the fetus.” Authorizes the guardian ad litem to file a petition demanding a jury trial to “determine the guilt or innocence of the fetus.” Such trial must commence within 30 days of petition being filed. “If finder of fact determines that the fetus is not guilty of the charges, the execution [defined in the bill as an abortion] shall not be performed.” Provides for expedited appeal procedures. Creates criminal penalties for physicians who perform an abortion without a death warrant. Introduced 1/15/2003 to the House Committee on Judiciary by Representative Franklin.

Georgia House Bill 254 – Choose Life license plates. Creates Choose Life license plate in order to establish and fund a Choose Life adoption support program. $25 fee. Funds cannot be disbursed to organizations providing abortion-related services, including counseling and/or referral. Requires that 60 percent of the funds received must be allocated for the material needs of pregnant women who are committed to placing their child up for adoption, including clothes, housing, medical care, etc. Introduced 2/3/2003 to House Committee on Children and Youth by Representative White.

Georgia House Bill 286 – Choose Life license plates. Creates Choose Life license plates to promote and support a Choose Life adoption support program. Additional $25 fee. Funds cannot be disbursed to organizations providing abortion-related services, including counseling and/or referral. Introduced 2/4/2003 by Representative White.

SisterLove joins Pro-Choice advocates and organizations such as the Georgia Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (GARAL), Georgians for Choice, and Planned Parenthood of Georgia in an effort to spread awareness of pending legislation and address questions that arise as a result of the inflammatory rhetoric inherent in these bills and in discussions of their merit.

Randy Hicks of the Georgia Family Council has expressed a concern that HB 63 will make those that support a woman’s right to choose appear “extreme and unreasonable.” Some within the Republican Party have dared express concerns about the actions of fellow Republicans. House Republican Leader Lynn Westmoreland of Coweta County has been reported to comment, “I don’t think this bill (HB 63) has any hope of passage. This bill is certainly not part of the Republican agenda.”

Whether or not such legislation is officially endorsed by the Republican Party appears not to be a concern of extremists determined to weaken and ultimately reverse Roe v Wade.

In a press release issued in November, 2002, GARAL warns that “…H.B. 1 is part of a concerted effort to capitalize on the newly anti-choice environment in the legislature. Anti-choice lawmakers know that now is their chance to enact sweeping restrictions on choice and lay the groundwork for an eventual challenge to Roe. Unfortunately for Georgia women, anti-choice conservatives have increased their allies in the Georgia Legislature.”

The fight for women’s reproductive rights is once again in the legislative and judicial branches of our government. Like thousands upon thousands of women before us, women of the 21^st century must demand our rights and fight for what should have, always been ours.

Call, E-mail or Write Your Legislators TODAY!

Don’t know your legislators? Visit Project Vote Smart online.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Full Text SB 23:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/sb23.htm

Full Text HB 1:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hb1.htm

Full text HB 23:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hb23.htm

Full text HB 52:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hb52.htm

Full text-HB 63:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hb63.htm

Full text HB 254:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hb254.htm

Full text HB 285:
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/hb285.htm

National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) Summary of Legislation Affecting a Woman’s Right to Choose: http://mail.naral.org/longdoc.nsf

Georgia Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (GARAL): www.garal.org

Planned Parenthood Federation of America: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

ASK SISTER LOVE
By Maya Prabu and Kozetta Harris

Dear Sister Love,

Recently, I read an article that said a condom should be used when performing oral sex on a man. I relayed that information to my cousin and she said that I must have misread the article, especially since condoms do NOT taste good. Can you tell me if I’m right and what can be done about nasty tasting condoms? ~Signed Kim

Greetings Kim!

You are absolutely correct. It is generally recommended that a latex barrier be used during oral sex – a condom for a male and a dental dam or non-microwaveable plastic wrap for a female. This advice is based upon a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in February 2000. According to this study, oral sex “contributes significantly” to the spread of HIV.

It is believed that a risk of HIV transmission exists for both the person ‘receiving’ oral sex as well as for the person ‘performing’ oral sex. Mouth sores, lesions and gum disease along with cuts, abrasions or lesions on the penis provide possible ‘entry points’ for the virus. HIV, like other sexually transmitted diseases (for example, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and syphilis) can be transmitted during oral sex eventhough it is generally accepted that the risk is lower than the risk associated with vaginal and anal sex.

When using condoms during oral sex it is extremely important not to use condoms lubricated with spermicides like Nonoxynol-9.

Many women prefer to use flavored lubricated condoms to cover their ‘rubbery taste’. Flavored, lubricated condoms come in many flavors–from strawberry to cola–and can be found in most adult ’sex stores’, via mail order catalogues or the internet.

Thankfully, flavored water-based lubricants (like ID and Wet) are available to add taste to a non-lubricated condom and to dental dams or plastic wrap. Another option for safer oral sex is non-lubricated, mint flavored condoms that have a light ‘minty’ taste without the ‘gooey’ quality that some find unappealing. For oral sex being performed on a woman, many recommend spreading a thin layer of lubricant on both sides of the plastic wrap for a more pleasant taste and increased clitoral sensation.

To sum up, yes it is a good idea to use a latex barrier during oral sex and yes there is a way to mask the taste of latex by using flavored water-based lubricants, and non-lubricated or flavored condoms. Kim, now you can repeat your advice to your cousin with confidence. Be safe.

One Love,
Sister Love

Information About HIV, STDs and Oral Sex:

The Body: www.thebody.com

The New Debate Over Safety of Sucking:
http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0308/osborne.php

What You Should Know About Oral Sex:
ftp://ftp.cdcnpin.org/Updates/oralsex.pdf
[Acrobat Reader Required to Read]

Safer Sex Supplies – Online Resources:

Planned Parenthood Condoms:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/condoms

Condomania: www.condomania.com

Condom Kiosk: http://www.condomkiosk.com

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Got a question for Sister Love? Send questions about HIV/AIDS, safer sex and other reproductive health issues to LoveNotes

While Sister Love is not an actual person, all questions are read and answered by a SisterLove staff person, volunteer or an individual with relevant expertise.

Information contained within responses is not meant to substitute for medical advice. SisterLove strongly encourages individuals to consult with a physician, medical or health professional for all medical concerns.
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NEW RESOURCE: GENDER HIV/AIDS PORTAL

A new gender and HIV/AIDS web portal will provide researchers, policy-makers and practitioners access to cutting edge information at their fingertips. Developed by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in collaboration with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the portal is a one-stop online resource center on the gender dimensions of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Globally, 50 per cent of adults living with HIV/AIDS are women. The epidemic disproportionately affects women and adolescent girls who are socially, culturally, biologically and economically more vulnerable, and who shoulder the burden of caring for the sick and dying.

The web portal will be a constantly evolving, multi-dimensional and dynamic virtual space that promotes understanding, knowledge-sharing, and action on HIV/AIDS as a gender and human rights issue. User-friendly, informative and interactive, the site offers research, training materials, surveys, advocacy tools, current news and opinion pieces by leading experts, and women’s stories from the field. Plans are also underway to house an experts database, which will serve as a technical and networking vehicle for national and global gender and HIV/AIDS specialists.

Visit the gender and HIV/AIDS web portal at
http://www.GenderandAIDS.org

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Source: Copyright GENDER-AIDS 2002
http://archives.healthdev.net/gender-aids
Email:GENDER-AIDS@healthdev.net
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UPS EMPLOYEES PREPARE TO GIVE BACK

Aretha Black is an every day woman. You know, a woman like your sister, your Mother, your wife or your girlfriend. She has a family, responsibilities, friends, and someone to call her ‘Boo’. But there is something about Aretha that makes her different. For one, Aretha works for UPS, an employer that believes in encouraging and supporting community service. Secondly, Aretha cares about those affected by AIDS.

For two years Aretha cared for her brother Willis who eventually died from AIDS. She cared for him because he was her brother, because she loved him, loved the child that he was from the moment of his birth to the time beyond his passing. It lightened Aretha’s heart to know that Willis finally learned to love himself and was able to embrace his ‘true self’ before he died.

Since her brother’s passing, Aretha has developed a passion for helping others learn that people living with AIDS are not someone else’s child, someone else’s responsibility. She knows that they are every day people, like her and like her brother Willis.

For quite some time Aretha organized food drives and donated clothing and other items to SisterLove in support of LoveHouse, SisterLove’s housing program for women living with HIV/AIDS and their children. She knew that the two LoveHouse residences needed some repairs and renovations. She also knew that her employer managed a ‘giving program’ to support nonprofits recommended by its employees. To Aretha, the answer was clear. She would recommend SisterLove for a UPS community enrichment grant.

UPS’ community enrichment grants are made possible by contributions from its employees and are intended to support nonprofits that positively impact their employees’ lives and communities. By donating 120 or more hours of volunteer service to nonprofits recommended for funding, employees are able to know, first hand, how their contributions are used while actively demonstrating their support for the organization.

Aretha decided to recommend both SisterLove and Childkind, a nonprofit providing daycare, family placement/adoption and family support for children who are HIV+ or have other severe medical conditions, for UPS community enrichment grants. She created SisterLoveChildKindNews, using Yahoo! Groups, to help mobilize and keep in touch with colleagues ready to ‘give back’ to their community.

Excerpts from the email Aretha sends to those who join her Yahoo! Group provide some insight into why she has chosen to organize this effort.

“I am so honored that you are interested in my efforts to give back to the people in our community who really need our help. I MUST first thank UPS for their level of consciousness to issues that affect our lives. It would be very easy for them NOT to acknowledge the problems in our present day society. As an UPSer, I have a greater sense of PRIDE knowing that MY COMPANY cares enough about me to make a difference where I live, whether great or small.

In the last 20 years or so, AIDS has ravished our world. In the Metropolitan Atlanta area alone, the CDC estimates that there are 17,157 people living with AIDS. If this dreaded disease has not affected your family, you should thank God. On the other hand, many people like myself have watched loved ones suffer an agonizing death because of this disease. As a result of our present crisis, we will be working with two non-profit organizations that are instrumental in the fight against this epidemic.”

You need not be a UPS employee to join Aretha’s Yahoo! group or to make your own contribution to stop the spread of AIDS.

To join SisterLoveChildKindNews, visit Yahoo! Groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SisterLoveChildKindNews/

To volunteer or make a contribution, contact SisterLove today.