WRP Advocacy

The Women Rising Project works to represent the interests of HIV+ women through its varied advocacy activities, which include Together We Rise performances and Volunteer Speakers.

Together We Rise
A short dramatic performance that reflects the different faces of women with HIV and AIDS, the struggles they face, and their triumph of coming together from behind closed doors. Through support and love, HIV+ women emerge from crippling isolation and gain the strength to tear down obstacles to live powerful, productive, healthy lives. This performance piece, conceived in 2004, is performed at conferences and HIV/AIDS awareness events.

Speakers Program
The Women Rising Project has presenters trained on several topics including HIV risk reduction, the basics of HIV, and the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls.

Community Outreach
In support of the March 10th National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, representatives from the Women Rising Project and AIDS Services of Austin appeared on the talk radio program "The Ladies Room with Lolis" on March 7, 2008. Women Rising Project Co-Founder Sylvia Lopez, along with AIDS Services of Austin staff directors Marilyn Wilson, Director of Development, and Lee Manford, Executive Director, were interviewed by show hostess Lolis. A recorded archive of the program is available at http://www.theladiesroomwithlolis.com/healthandfitness.html.