International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Planning Calendar

Here is a list of the important dates when planning a memorial in your community.

December

World AIDS Day - December 1st

Kick off for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Campaign

	Step 1.
Getting Started & Planning Phase Invite the local universities, colleges and other local organizations to help organize and participate in the training.

January

	Step 2.
Tailoring the Event to Your Community Coordinate a community art project with youth from the surrounding schools to display during the Candlelight Memorial ceremony.

February

Last day to register - February 1

	Step 3.
Identifying and Inviting Speakers Invite appropriate decision-makers to talk about how the community can get involved in the political response to AIDS.

March

Candlelight material mailed out to registered communities - March 1

	Step 4.
Fundraising and Sponsorship Hold a concert or a day-long festival to help raise funds and gather supports for your issues.

April

	Step 5.
Marketing and Promotion of Your Memorial Develop a listserve from names collected at the memorial to spread info about HIV/AIDS after the memorial

	Step 6.
Arrange Local Press Coverage - Prepare press releases and media advisories Use publications and articles about the memorial to help raise awareness about the event and generate publicity for your organization. Follow up to be sure they will print the article and cover your memorial.

May

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day
(May 15, 2005 | May 21, 2006
May 20, 2007)

Final Preparations

- Arrange for volunteers
- Create a detailed schedule of events
- Design programs to hand out
- Make sure to take care of the logistics
- Schedule a photographer/videographer

June

Evaluation and follow-up
Send thank you notes to speakers and volunteers

July

Planning for Next Year’s Memorial and World AIDS Day.

Note: This is a good time to think of ways to integrate the two-year theme into next year’s advocacy activities.