The call for nominations for the 2010 Red Ribbon Award is now open.  As in the past, the award honors and recognizes exceptional grassroots leadership in responding to the AIDS epidemic. Nominations are accepted from December 1st, 2009 until February 28th, 2010.

Twenty-five community-based organizations will be selected through a community-led process and invited to attend the XVIIIth International AIDS Conference in Vienna from 18-23 July, 2010, where they will have an opportunity to showcase their work. All 25 organizations will receive $5,000 each. Five of these will receive special recognition and an additional $15,000.

This year the Red Ribbon Award will be given to community groups for outstanding leadership in responding to AIDS in one or more of the following categories:

• Ensure that that people living with HIV receive treatment
• Support HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes for people who use drugs
• Remove punitive policies and laws, stigma and discrimination that block effective AIDS responses and marginalize key populations (men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners)
• Stop violence against women and girls and promote gender equality
• Enhance social support for those affected by HIV, including orphans and vulnerable children

This year a special recognition Award will be presented to an organization whose cross-cutting approach jointly addresses AIDS and MDGs at the community level.

Are you Eligible?