ACT works to reduce new HIV infections in Toronto and promotes the independence, dignity, health and well-being of people living with HIV and AIDS and those at increased risk of HIV.
Founded in 1983 by a group of community volunteers, today ACT is a leader in efforts to end AIDS in Toronto. Through HIV and sexual health education, prevention and outreach, we are working towards a city with zero new HIV infections, zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
Mission
ACT works to reduce new HIV infections in Toronto and promotes the independence, dignity, health and well-being of people living with HIV and AIDS and those at increased risk of HIV.
Vision
A Toronto where there are no new HIV infections, and the people and communities living with or most affected by HIV and AIDS live long and healthy lives free from stigma and discrimination.
Commitments
Greater and meaningful engagement of people with HIV/AIDS (GIPA/MEPA):
- commit to the greater and more meaningful engagement of people living with HIV/AIDS at all levels of the organization. ACT is a signatory to the Ontario Accord, a statement of solidarity with GIPA/MIPA.
Equity, access & non-discrimination:
- value the diversity and distinct needs and contributions of our program and service users, volunteers, staff and supporters.
- provide targeted programming and services to specific communities in order to realize optimal health outcomes.
- acknowledge that diversity in age, culture, (dis)ability, gender, HIV status, language, race, religion, sexual identity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status is central to our work.
- recognize the presence and impact of all forms of discrimination and marginalization on individuals and communities living with and at risk of HIV, and commit to eliminating them.
- ensure that our services are accessible and our programming inclusive of diverse perspectives and approaches.
Self-determination:
- work with individuals and communities to enable them to take an active role in determining, planning and directing their health, care and well-being.
- provide confidential, responsive, caring, respectful, sex positive, non-judgmental and client-centred services that promote the health of people living with and at risk for HIV.
- create targeted strategies to meet the particular needs of people living with and at risk for HIV.
- value the rights of individuals to make informed choices that include, but are not limited to, sex, sexuality, reproduction, health care, substance use and HIV treatment.
- employ harm and risk reduction approaches to provide information and education in effort to reduce people’s risk of HIV infection.
Respect:
- commit to treating each of our service users, staff, volunteers, and community partners with respect.
Strengths-based approach:
- recognize that despite the impact of stigma(s) and discrimination, there is resilience within the communities that have been deeply affected by HIV in Toronto.
- nurture the capacity, skills, knowledge, connections, confidence and potential in all of the individuals and communities we serve through our program and service delivery.
- share the successes and strengths of our work.