Youth Are Change Agents and Leaders:
Today's youth are one of the first generations to grow up with AIDS as a consistent global reality. Moreover, youth comprise nearly half of all new HIV infections. Youth therefore have a special opportunity and responsibility to actively engage as change agents and leaders in the global response to HIV/AIDS. As such, FACE AIDS was founded by youth, is run by youth, and is focused on youth.
Peer Community:
FACE AIDS is a vibrant, supportive, and diverse peer community for youth, through which they can move from being dedicated but disconnected individuals to being an impactful coalition of leaders who learn from and support one another.
Opportunity Over Tragedy:
Though the human costs of HIV/AIDS are devastating, the social injustices of our world must be viewed as ground springs for action. We are ambitious and optimistic, and focus on opportunities for change and impact.
Social Justice:
FACE AIDS strives to promote global health equity not because the international community can afford it (though we can), and not because it is in our strategic interest (though it is), but because doing so is right and just. Furthermore, the HIV/AIDS pandemic is fueled by social injustice and inequity, and effectively combating it requires engaging with a wide range of social justice issues.
Comprehensive Health Care:
We are committed to supporting HIV/AIDS interventions that are comprehensive, broad-based, and long-term, and that focus on strengthening public health care systems. We believe that such interventions are the best way to effectively combat HIV/AIDS. As such, FACE AIDS student chapters raise funds for the provision of comprehensive health care in HIV-affected communities.