Speak Silence

Programme Summary:

Launched in 2003, Speak Silence is an annual campaign held each October in an effort to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Speak Silence challenges people to take a vow of silence for 25 hours - one hour for every million people around the world who have died as a result of AIDS. The core goals of this event include honouring the memory HIV/AIDS victims, as well as showing support and helping to protect those adversely affected by the stigma and rights abuses associated with HIV/AIDS. All funds raised through the advocacy effort will assist Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) to increase HIV/AIDS reporting and to empower students across Canada to create their own HIV/AIDS awareness programmes.

Communication Strategies:

This initiative draws on the participation of Canadian citizens as well as prominent personnel to raise funds and call for education and action related to the human rights abuses that exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS. In an ironic twist on the traditional "communication initiative", participants will show their solidarity through silence - not just the traditional "moment of silence", but 25 hours of soundlessness. Those involved will protest against silence about HIV/AIDS - and the lack of awareness that failure to talk about the epidemic can engender - by covering their mouths with Speak Silence bandanas and handing out information cards to explain their participation in the fundraiser. Those who "use their voices in their respective careers, but [who] all agree that sometimes silence makes the loudest statement of all" are expected to take part in the October 20-21 2006 event, such as Canada AM radio host Seamus O'Reagan, musician Hawksley Workman, Mayor of Toronto David Miller, Global TV news anchor Robin Gill, and hip hop group Swollen Members.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are drawn on as part of this initiative to generate awareness about human rights issues and to spur participation. Photographs of several participants - with bandanas covering their mouths - are featured on the Speak Silence website. Those wishing to sign up to take a vow of silence may register here, and/or participate in online discussion groups about the issues being highlighted by the campaign. Donation of funds can be carried out online as well; all funds generated from Speak Silence will go directly to fund JHR's School Chapter Program, which enables journalism students and student leaders to spread knowledge about human rights and HIV/AIDS in their communities.

Development Issues:

HIV/AIDS, Rights.

Contact Info:

Ben Peterson

Source:

Email from Ben Peterson to The Communication Initiative on October 13 2006; and the Speak Silence website.