Abstract

PIP: The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) views acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) as a spiritual and ethical crisis as well as a medical concern. AIDS challenges society to respond in ways that affirm respect for all human beings and strengthen our sense of community. AFSC's history of work in defense of the rights of those who are vulnerable to discrimination and its experience in helping communities define and seek solutions to problems that affect them gives this organization a unique role to play in the AIDS crisis. In this regard, AFSC plans to take 6 actions: 1) to identify effective AIDS educational materials focusing on prevention and make them more widely available; 2) to consult with communities of color and language minorities in the US to determine the availability and cultural appropriateness of currently available educational materials; 3) to have staff working in other countries determine how governmental and international bodies are approaching the AIDS issue and to make recommendations on a role AFSC can play; 4) to speak out regarding public policy and testing, as well as to advocate policies that support education, research, and health care; 5) to implement personnel policies that ensure confidentiality and nondiscrimination in cases of AFSC staff members who may develop the AIDS virus; and 6) to work together with other private and public groups to encourage them to develop similar action plans and demand governmental actions. Although the values of compassion, respect for the dignity of all individuals, and equal treatment cannot in themselves rid society of AIDS, their application can ensure that the disease does not erode the bonds of humanity and community.