The Global Health Council is the world's largest membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world. About Candlelight The Candlelight Memorial The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, a program of the Global Health Council, is one of the oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world. Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organizations in 115 countries hosting local memorials that honor the lost and raise social consciousness about the disease. The Candlelight is also much more than just a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilization skills. With 33 million people living with HIV today, the Candlelight continues to serve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to new generations. Mobilization & Advocacy Campaign In addition to commemorating the lives of those lost and affected by AIDS, the Candlelight Memorial program serves as a community mobilization campaign beginning in December and ending with the international memorial in May. The campaign begins World AIDS Day (Dec. 1) when the Global Health Council unveils the season's official poster and theme. Organizations register online for free on the Candlelight website to become official "coordinating organizations." Once registered, the Global Health Council informs and guides coordinating organizations in the planning of their memorial activities. The Global Health Council also works with the organizations to advocate for policy change by promoting the Candlelight Advocacy Platform during key global AIDS events throughout the year. Coordinating Organizations Coordinating Organizations are the community-based groups and programs organizing the Candlelight Memorial around the world. Coordinating organizations are diverse and include service organizations, academic institutions, health-care facilities, faith-based groups, businesses, media, and more. Through a designated point person, the Global Health Council provides each organization with a coordinator packet including a manual and posters, web space to post event details, opportunities to participate in leadership and exchange activities, and membership to the campaign's global coalition. At the end of their memorials in May, coordinating organizations submit a brief final report online detailing what happened at their activities and the impact of the events on their communities. The Memorials Memorials range from small community vigils to multi-day national commemorations. In addition to remembrance, many coordinating organizations use the Candlelight Memorial as an opportunity to promote local AIDS services, encourage education and community dialogue, and advocate for the advancement of public policy. Memorials often include lighting of candles, marches, speeches, dramatic performances, spiritual and cultural rituals, and a safe space for interaction and community engagement. To kick-off the worldwide memorial events, the Global Health Council co-hosts the Opening Ceremony every year in a different country through a partnership with a coordinating organization demonstrating excellence in community awareness and action. Regional & National Leadership Leadership by people living with HIV/AIDS and those affected by the disease is an important part of the Candlelight Memorial program. The Global Health Council works year-round to achieve its mission in close partnership with the International Advisory Board, a board of regional coordinators representing each world region where the program takes place. A set of national coordinators lead the Candlelight in their countries, working with community coordinating organizations to cultivate their community events. Throughout the year, the Global Health Council brings regional and national coordinators together for strategic planning exercises and meetings, and international exchange. Candlelight Calendar October: Registration Opens December: Start of mobilization campaign January: National Leadership Planning & Meeting May (Third Sunday): Worldwide Candlelight Memorial & Opening Ceremony September: International Advisory Board Meeting Other Information Mission Statement Candlelight Advocacy Platform History of the Candlelight Memorial 2009 Annual Report (PDF, 850K)

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