2008-2010 Strategic Plan

Introduction & Background

Everyone can be a force for change in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Bringing together diverse communities and individuals, and harnessing that collective power, is at the core of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's work. This strategic plan builds on AFC's strengths and recent accomplishments to address the current and future challenges posed by the epidemic.

MISSION: AFC's mission is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic. We pursue our mission through:

Advocacy
Funding
Collaboration

HISTORY: Founded by community activists and physicians in 1985, AFC is a catalyst for local, national, and international action on HIV/AIDS. We collaborate with government and community partners to pursue comprehensive strategies against HIV/AIDS; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate policy and human rights to bring an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

MANDATE: AFC endeavors to inspire and unite individuals and institutions to achieve systemic changes. Our work is therefore multi-pronged and designed to impact:

• Individuals affected by and concerned about HIV/AIDS
• Agencies serving people with and at risk for HIV
• Service Systems, including the HIV service delivery sector
• Decision-makers and Opinion Leaders, including press and government officials

VALUES: Central to our unique model and approach are the guiding principles of inclusion, diversity, accountability, transparency, accuracy, efficiency, collaboration, and high performance. In addition, we rely on community input- especially from people living with HIV/AIDS and direct service providers- to guide and inform our work. The AFC Board of Directors and staff pursue these core values through each of our programs, services, and general operations.

<< Page 1 >>