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COMMUNITY PARTNER ILLUMINATION CEREMONY TOOLKIT

Note: If illumination activities help you with your local HIV response, we hope this toolkit will help you with your efforts.

This June 5th, the world will mark the 40th Anniversary of the first reported cases of AIDS identified in the U.S. The 2021 tagline is: 40 Years of Progress - It’s time to End the HIV Epidemic. The 40th Anniversary of HIV signifies a moment in history where we remember those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and honor their memories. It is also a time to pay tribute to the U.S. scientists, researchers, advocates, healthcare professionals, and public health workers who have contributed to our global effort to end the HIV epidemic. The commitments of international partners, federal agencies, advocates, and community organizations who work tirelessly on the frontlines in face of this global public health crisis are what push us forward. This milestone is an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to tackling HIV, demonstrating that despite the worldwide challenges due to COVID-19, we remain focused on ensuring resources and capacity to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and abroad.

Below is a living “40th Anniversary” toolkit, including Illumination Ceremony observance ideas, sample outreach templates, social media assets, and more available on HIV.gov. Please use the content included in this toolkit to supplement this year’s observance and communications needs. Activities will occur throughout May 1st - June 27th National HIV Testing Day.

How to use the Toolkit

  • Incorporate “40th Anniversary” content, images and messaging in HIV awareness communications.
  • Customize and share materials with your audiences and stakeholders.
  • Utilize observance ideas to host your own local event.

Resources included in Toolkit

  • Illumination Ceremony
  • Event Checklist
  • Sample Outreach Templates: Business Participation, Speaker Request, Media Alert, Media Recap
  • Additional Event Ideas
  • Social Media Takeover
  • “40th Anniversary” Commemorative Assets

“40th Anniversary” Illumination Ceremony

Forty years ago, the U.S. released a groundbreaking discovery marking the beginning of the HIV epidemic. In honor of the “40th Anniversary’, we are encouraging city parks, popular landmarks, buildings and businesses to illuminate their properties with red lights in observance of this historic moment. The powerful imagery of illuminating cities throughout the country in the iconic red color for HIV, demonstrates our stance and solidarity to ending the HIV epidemic. This observance pays homage to the estimated 1.1 million people with HIV around the world while standing alongside the HIV community remembering lives lost and honoring long-term survivors as well. During the lighting, we ask observers to participate in a 35 second moment of silence to recognize the estimated 35 million people who have died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide.

The U.S. government is fully committed to helping end the HIV epidemic at home and abroad, while ensuring an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestically, we are focusing on preventing new HIV infections; ensuring health equity and improving HIV-related health outcomes of people with HIV; reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities; and integrating and coordinating efforts that address the HIV epidemic among all partners and stakeholders. The Biden administration has proposed increasing investments in domestic and global HIV programs such as PEPFAR, Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE), and promoting activities that drive awareness such as the Illumination Ceremony highlighting the “40th Anniversary”.

To host an event in your city, please review the Illumination Ceremony Toolkit for an event checklist and tips to garner media coverage of the event.

Event Checklist

Use the following schedule of activities to develop a detailed timeline and checklist of tasks in planning your observance event. Sample email templates are included below. Customize it to fit your organization’s needs.

  • Check-in with HIV community and civic leaders to seek their input and support
  • Scout iconic, prominent structures such as monuments, museums, and tall buildings in your city to be illuminated with red lights under the night sky on June 5th.
  • Reach out to the building’s property or office managers to request their participation in the lighting ceremony. This will require the buildings to have either their own digital displays or physical lights in which they can control or supplement their own lighting capabilities with rentals.
  • Organize a list of 3-5 lighting and event rental companies (for hints on how to find local event rental companies enter “lighting event rental and insert your city” in the search bar) that are familiar with the project idea and can facilitate the rental, setup and breakdown of the lights and any other event equipment needs. This shortlist will serve as recommendations to local companies that need additional support to provide the lighting.
  • Coordinate participating businesses in your community to participate and schedule lighting their businesses throughout the evening.
  • At one of the participating locations, host a memorial program featuring remarks from local dignitaries, community organizers, advocates, long-term survivors and family of loved ones. Reach out to partner community organizations to confirm speakers. If not, ensure you do the following recommendations for local media outreach and social media amplification.
  • Send a media alert to local press outlets to capture the Illumination Ceremony. Identify 2-3 spokespeople who can be available prior or during the event for interviews. Provide both the media and spokespeople with the fact sheet and approved talking points to control the messaging and narrative of the “40th Anniversary” observance.
  • Hire a photographer/videographer to edit content and share easily during and after the event.
  • Assign someone to publish event photos and information to social media platforms during the event utilizing the hashtags included in the toolkit.
  • Send a media recap within 12 hours after the event with official photos (without watermarks), summary of key attendees and event highlights for post event coverage.
  • Send a thank you note to all participating businesses and program speakers.

Sample Outreach Templates

Use the following sample verbiage below for outreach to local businesses, potential speakers and media outlets. Customize it to fit your organization’s needs.

Business Participation Request

On Saturday, June 5th, we invite you to join civic leaders, dignitaries, influencers and advocates from around the world to stand in solidarity with the HIV community for the “40th Anniversary” observance. The 2021 tagline is: 40 Years of Progress - It’s time to End the HIV Epidemic. This June, the world will mark the “40th Anniversary” of the first reported cases of AIDS identified in the U.S. The “40th Anniversary” of HIV signifies a moment in history where we remember those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and honor their memories. This milestone is an opportunity for federal partners, community organizations, and private businesses to stand together along the frontlines in face of this global public health crisis and commit to our global effort to end the HIV epidemic.

The Illumination Ceremony raises awareness about HIV and continues the fight to end the HIV epidemic together.

Please confirm participation by (date) to (organization lead).

For more information about “40th Anniversary” observances throughout the country and the federal response to the HIV epidemic, visit HIV.org and connect on social at @HIVgov. For more information about (organization lead), visit (organization website).

Speaker Request

On Saturday, June 5th, we invite you to join civic leaders, dignitaries, influencers and advocates from around the world to stand in solidarity with the HIV community for the Lighting Up “40th Anniversary” observance. The 2021 tagline is: 40 Years of Progress - It’s time to End the HIV Epidemic. This June, the world will mark the “40th Anniversary” of the first reported cases of AIDS identified in the U.S. The “40th Anniversary” of HIV signifies a moment in history where we remember those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and honor their memories. As a leader and advocate in the HIV community, we’d like to invite you as a featured speaker for the Illumination Ceremony in observance of the “40th Anniversary” of HIV on (time) Saturday, June 5th at (location). Each speaker will provide 2-3-minute remarks to raise awareness about HIV and commitment to our global effort to end the HIV epidemic.

The Illumination Ceremony raises awareness about HIV and continues the fight to end the HIV epidemic together.

Please confirm participation by (date) to (organization lead).

For more information about the “40th Anniversary” observances throughout the country and the federal response to the HIV epidemic, visit HIV.org and connect on social at @HIVgov. For more information about (organization lead), visit (organization website).

Media Alert

On Saturday, June 5th, (community organization) will host the “40th Anniversary” Illumination Ceremony, to uplight city parks, iconic buildings and businesses red in honor of 40 years of HIV to remember lives lost, honor long-term survivors and join the fight to end the HIV epidemic. The 2021 tagline is: 40 Years of Progress - It’s time to End the HIV Epidemic. This June, the world will mark the “40th Anniversary” of the first reported cases of AIDS identified in the U.S. The Illumination Ceremony will observe a moment of silence for 35 seconds in recognition of the estimated 35 million people who have died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide since the beginning of the epidemic. This event will feature local civic leaders, dignitaries, influencers and advocates to raise awareness about HIV, overcome stigma, and work together towards a brighter future.

The U.S. government is fully committed to helping end the HIV epidemic at home and abroad, while ensuring an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestically, we are focusing on preventing new HIV infections; ensuring health equity and improving HIV-related health outcomes of people with HIV; reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities; and integrating and coordinating efforts that address the HIV epidemic among all partners and stakeholders. The Biden administration has proposed increasing investments in domestic and global HIV programs such as PEPFAR, Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) and promoting activities that drive awareness such as the Illumination Ceremony highlighting the “40th Anniversary”.

Who: (organization lead and notable attendees)

What: “40th Anniversary” Illumination Ceremony

When: Saturday, June 5th at (time)

Where: (location and address)

Available for Interviews: (name 2-3 spokespeople)

For more information about “40th Anniversary” observances throughout the country and the federal response to the HIV epidemic, visit HIV.org and connect on social at @HIVgov. For more information about (organization lead), visit (organization website).

(Media Contact)

Media Recap

(name top 3 most notable attendees) joined several prominent civic leaders and activists in solidarity to honor the hundreds of thousands of Americans who’ve lost their lives to HIV and AIDS-related complications at (location) on Saturday, June 5th. The 2021 tagline is: 40 Years of Progress - It’s time to End the HIV Epidemic. The (name of participating businesses or landmark) was illuminated with red lights for a memorial lighting marking 40 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported in the U.S. During the “40th Anniversary” Illumination Ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence for 35 seconds in recognition of the estimated 35 million people who have died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide since the beginning of the epidemic. Over (number of people gathered (virtually) in local city) to remember and honor lives impacted by HIV.

(Quote from OIDP)

The U.S. government is fully committed to helping end the HIV epidemic at home and abroad, while ensuring an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestically, we are focusing on preventing new HIV infections; ensuring health equity and improving HIV-related health outcomes of people with HIV; reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities; and integrating and coordinating efforts that address the HIV epidemic among all partners and stakeholders. The Biden administration has proposed increasing investments in domestic and global HIV programs such as PEPFAR, Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) and promoting activities that drive awareness such as the Illumination Ceremony highlighting the “40th Anniversary”.

(Quote from community organizer)

Other notable attendees included (list names up to 7).

For more information about the “40th Anniversary” observances throughout the country and the federal response to the HIV epidemic, visit HIV.org and connect on social at @HIVgov. For more information about (organization lead), visit (organization website).

Please send coverage to (list media contact).

(Include event photos/video and link to multimedia gallery with photographer credit)

Additional Event Ideas

Additional ideas to host a “40th Anniversary” observance event in your local community are listed below:

  • Organize a virtual health resource fair: Reach out to local clinics and healthcare providers in your area that specialize in reproductive health or HIV prevention. Promote self-testing HIV kits as an alternative to traditional HIV testing fairs.
  • Host a virtual panel discussion/social media chat with community leaders: Curate a candid conversation addressing stigma, sexual health, and HIV prevention. Identify local influencers, advocates, healthcare providers to participate in sharing their knowledge and experiences.
  • Sponsor a virtual 5K run/walk: Encourage supporters to spread the word and participate in a virtual 5K. This is a great COVID-19 friendly, alternative to traditional run/walks. Invite neighboring businesses to match the mile pledge commitments with monetary donations towards HIV research and outreach.
  • Honor local heroes for their contributions to end the HIV epidemic: Identify HIV leaders and trailblazers in the community who have made undeniable contributions towards ending the HIV epidemic. Honor them amongst family, friends, and the community with a virtual awards ceremony.
  • Repost and share social media graphics from the asset library: Download and share the official “40th Anniversary” commemorative social media assets to spark social conversations and use the @HIVgov handle and #40YearsofHIV hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Social Media Takeover

Join the #40YearsofHIV Social Media Takeover. Create content on your social media platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around HIV. Please use the messaging and creative assets below for dissemination for the “40th Anniversary” events.

  • Write, Record, Share! Write a message, record a video or share a post with your loved ones about ending the HIV epidemic.
  • Add GIFs, videos, or images. Download official “40th Anniversary” commemorative assets at HIV.gov.
  • Use #40YearsofHIV in your social media posts and tag @HIVgov. Including the official hashtag will help others easily search and find out about your events and activities.
  • Don’t forget to tag and follow @HIVgov!

Sample Social Media Posts

Below you will find social media images followed by post copy. Click to preview and right click to download each image. The square images can be used for Facebook and Instagram and the rectangular images can be used for Twitter.

Twitter: #40YearsOfHIV calls us to REFLECT on the more than 32 million lives lost to AIDS-related illness over the past 40 years. In their honor, we will not stop until we #EndHIVEpidemic in the U.S. and around the world. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv

Facebook: June 5th is an opportunity to REFLECT on the more than 32 million lives we’ve lost to AIDS-related illness over the past 40 years. In their honor, we will not stop until we end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and around the world. Learn more. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV #EndHIVEpidemic

Instagram: June 5th is an opportunity for the global community to REFLECT on the more than 32 million lives we’ve lost to AIDS-related illness over the past 40 years. In their honor, we will not stop until we end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and around the world. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV #EndHIVEpidemic #HIV #AIDS

Twitter: Now is the time to RECOMMIT to #EndHIVEpidemic—in the U.S. and abroad. We stand with our partners in ensuring equitable access to #HIV services and strengthening our global response to future pandemics. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV

Facebook: Now is the time to RECOMMIT to our goal of ending the HIV epidemic—in the U.S. and abroad. We join our partners across the federal government and HIV community in our commitment to ensure equitable access to HIV services, investment in global and domestic health programs, and strengthen the global response to future pandemics. Learn more. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV #EndHIVEpidemic

Instagram: Now is the time to RECOMMIT to end the HIV epidemic—in the U.S. and abroad. We join our partners across the federal government and HIV community in our commitment to ensure equitable access to HIV services, investment in global and domestic health programs, and strengthen the global response to future pandemics. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV #EndHIVEpidemic #HIV #AIDS

Twitter: In honor of #40YearsOfHIV, we are committed to diversifying and innovating new methods to the HIV response. We pledge to REENERGIZE our efforts to ensure we meet the needs of those most affected by #HIV. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv

Facebook: As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first reported cases of what later became known as #AIDS, we pledge to REENERGIZE and diversify our efforts to end the HIV epidemic. We must ensure the progress we’ve made continues and that equitable access to prevention, care, and treatment remains at the forefront. Learn more. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV

Instagram: In honor of #40YearsOfHIV, we are committed to diversifying and supporting innovative methods to the HIV response. We pledge to REENERGIZE our efforts to ensure we meet the needs of the communities most affected by HIV. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #EndHIVEpidemic #HIV #AIDS

Twitter: Together, we make a difference🤝. We must work together as a country and REENGAGE our partners to support critical contributions to #HIV response that can end the HIV epidemic at home and abroad. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV

Facebook: Together, we make a difference. We must work together as a country and REENGAGE our partners to support continued innovation of programs and methods to address HIV at home and abroad. Learn more. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV

Instagram: Together, we make a difference🤝. We must work together as a country and REENGAGE our partners to support critical contributions to the #HIV response that can end the HIV epidemic in the United States and abroad. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40YearsOfHIV #EndHIVEpidemic #HIV #AIDS

Twitter #1: June 5th marks the 40th anniversary of the first reported cases of what later became known as #AIDS. We continue to work together to #EndHIVEpidemic and reflect, recommit, reenergize, and reengage. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40yearsofHIV

Facebook #1: June 5th marks the 40th anniversary of the first reported cases of what later became known as #AIDS. On this day, we:

  • REFLECT upon and honor with action those lost from AIDS-related illnesses.
  • RECOMMIT to help #EndHIVEpidemic in the U.S. and around the globe.
  • REENERGIZE and diversify the HIV response.
  • REENGAGE, empower, and strengthen partnerships.

Learn more. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40yearsofHIV

Instagram #1: June 5th marks the 40th anniversary of the first reported cases of what later became known as #AIDS. On this day, we:

  • REFLECT upon and honor with action those lost from AIDS-related illnesses
  • RECOMMIT to help #EndHIVEpidemic in the U.S. and around the globe.
  • REENERGIZE and diversify the #HIV response.
  • REENGAGE and coordinate around the world.

Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40yearsofHIV

Twitter #2: On June 5th, we observe 40 years since the first reported cases of what later became known as #AIDS. Join us as we REFLECT on the past, REENERGIZE current efforts, REENGAGE partners, & RECOMMIT to #EndingHIVEpidemic. Learn more. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40yearsofHIV

Facebook #2: On June 5th, we observe 40 years of progress since the first reported cases of what later became known as #AIDS in @CDC’s Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Join us as we REFLECT on the past, REENERGIZE current efforts, REENGAGE partners, and RECOMMIT to ending the HIV epidemic. Learn more. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40yearsofHIV

Instagram #2: On June 5th, we observe 40 years of progress since the first reported cases of what later became known as AIDS. Join us as we REFLECT on the past, REENERGIZE current efforts, REENGAGE partners, and RECOMMIT to ending the HIV epidemic. Learn more @HIVgov. www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv #40yearsofHIV #EndHIVEpidemic #HIV #AIDS

“40th Anniversary” Commemorative Assets

HIV.gov has provided official “40th Anniversary” commemorative assets free and for public use. Download here.