The purpose of Grassroots Voices is to help you to work with the federal government, and especially to build relationships with your Representative and Senators. Perhaps you have already established relationships with your federal elected officials. If so, you deserve credit. If you haven't yet had the chance to establish these ties, Grassroots Voices can help you get started.

The federal government has an important role to play in efforts to provide prevention, care, and treatment services to people living with and affected by HIV. And while it is accurate to say that federal HIV policies are set in Washington D.C., the influences that shape these decisions can originate in places far beyond the nation’s capital–if you and others communicate your interests and needs to Members of Congress and their staffs.

At first glance, this might seem intimidating. Don’t worry; it feels that way for everyone at the start. The rules and protocol of Congress can seem complex and, at times, confusing. And on top of that, Representatives and Senators can seem distant and out-of-reach. At AIDS Action, we understand that the idea of building relationships with them might be a new one that makes you feel a little uneasy.

That is why AIDS Action, with the generous support of the John M. Lloyd Foundation, created Grassroots Voices. In five installments, this online series will identify ways to begin and maintain relationships with your Representative and Senators. It will also offer simple pointers to make those relationships as effective as possible.

We hope that the Grassroots Voices series will be a useful resource as you make contact with Members of Congress and work to influence HIV legislation.