Last month, we witnessed a peaceful yet surprising transition of power from the Biden administration to the Trump administration. The introduction of executive actions sparked steady frustration and fury about what would come next.
Now, faced with navigating administrative uncertainty, HIV/AIDS advocacy is at a critical stage for reimagining possibilities—whether by aligning our priorities with the current administration or by setting ourselves apart.
AIDSWatch@Home, a policy and advocacy initiative of AIDS United has the power to redefine what advocacy at the state level can look like, regardless of who’s in power.
Traditional advocacy days at state capitols have been the foundation of our efforts for a long time. More recently, statewide lobbying and advocacy days have centered on gathering constituents to meet with legislators armed with data and personal stories.
These gatherings remain essential; however, state-level advocacy groups must prioritize education, preparedness, and empowerment as our world becomes more interconnected. Advocates—particularly in the South and other regions disproportionately affected by HIV—must be educated on the systems of government, empowered to navigate processes, and see themselves as influential leaders in an ongoing movement, not just participants in a one-day event.
AIDSWatch@Home reimagines advocacy at the state level by providing:
- Tailored capacity building: Equipping advocates with insights of various frameworks and educating them on how HIV intersects with social determinants of health, systemic barriers, ongoing HIV criminalization, Medicaid expansion, PrEP/PEP access, and reproductive rights.
- Story sessions and roundtable discussions: Creating opportunities for advocates to connect on a personal level and build solidarity.
- Movement-building across coalitions: Supporting advocates with the allyship and confidence they need to sustain their advocacy and harness collective power to navigate future challenges. This includes training on policy literacy and communication support fore effectively engaging policymakers.
In states such as Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Alabama, AIDSWatch@Home has empowered advocates to challenge these barriers through innovative approaches to engaging policymakers—such as rallies, community fairs, and day summits. The 2025 events will also be essential to rally community for changes stemming from the new federal administration.
As we prepare for the 2025 AIDSWatch@Home State-Level Advocacy Days, we must recognize that advocacy is no longer just about showing up—it’s about finding our power within and building collective strength in our communities. We must prioritize spaces where advocates feel equipped and prepared to drive change. With initiatives like AIDSWatch@Home, we can ensure that the HIV advocacy movement stays strong, flexible, and grounded, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
Together, we can transform advocacy days into advocacy movements.
About the author: Sattie Nyachwaya (she/her) is a dedicated community weaver and strategic disruptor, focused on nurturing emerging leaders in marginalized communities through advocacy and storytelling. With a background in the HIV/AIDS sector since 2017, Sattie’s advocacy efforts also span Reproductive Justice and LGBTQIA+ rights, and she is the secretary on the Board of Directors at The Afiya Center in Dallas, Texas. As she nears the completion of her master’s in public administration with a specialization in Public Policy, Sattie has been recognized with the DCEO Outstanding Healthcare Advocate Award in 2022, also is a proud New Leaders Council Alumni and a co-founder of Dallas Texas’ first BIPOC-led Reproductive March. Her commitment to mentorship and intentional work aims to create a legacy for future leaders in her community.
