Passing the Torch: Mentoring the Next Generation of HIV Advocates By Daniel G. Garza
Posted: June 17, 2026
Every year, somewhere between 400 and 600 HIV advocates, activists, and changemakers travel to Washington, D.C., for AIDSWatch. We come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared commitment to telling our stories and advocating for policies that improve the lives of people living with HIV. Some attendees are first-timers, eager to learn and make a difference. Others are seasoned advocates who have spent decades fighting for resources, equity, and access to care. Many of us carry the memories of friends we have lost, battles we have fought, and victories we have achieved. Yet we continue to show up because we know that advocacy remains essential in the fight to end HIV.
For years, I have had the privilege of mentoring advocates through the National HIV & Aging Advocacy Network(NHAAN). I currently serve as a Co-Chair of the NHAAN Training of Trainers (ToT) workgroup, where I help prepare members to become effective advocates and leaders in their communities. One of the most rewarding parts of that work is helping individuals prepare for AIDSWatch and other advocacy opportunities.
Many people arrive feeling nervous about meeting with elected officials for the first time. Through NHAAN, I have collaborated with advocates to develop their personal stories, draft letters, understand policy issues, and build confidence before stepping into congressional offices. I have met new members who have never participated in a legislative meeting and helped them understand that their lived experiences are among the most powerful tools they bring to the conversation.
This year, I had the privilege of partnering with Bobby and Spencer as they attended AIDSWatch for the first time. What I expected to be a mentoring opportunity became something much more meaningful. Standing beside them, I saw advocacy through a lens I feared I had lost. Their excitement, curiosity, and commitment reminded me why I became involved in this work in the first place. Watching them prepare for meetings, ask questions, and share their perspectives reignited the fire that first led me into HIV advocacy more than 25 years ago.
It brought me back to the moment when I first found the courage to speak publicly about my HIV diagnosis. Like many long-term survivors, I have experienced moments of fatigue and frustration. Advocacy can be challenging work. Progress does not always come quickly, and there are times when it feels like we are fighting the same battles repeatedly. Mentoring new advocates reminded me that this movement has always survived because we carry one another, share our stories, and make space for the next person to lead. Bobby and Spencer did not just learn from me. They helped me remember who I am in this movement. That is the power of mentorship.
I have always believed that personal stories have the power to change hearts, minds, and policies. Facts and statistics are important, but it is often the lived experiences of people affected by HIV that move decision-makers to action. Effective advocacy connects personal experience to policy solutions. When we share our stories and demonstrate how policies affect real people, we create opportunities for meaningful change.
Mentorship is not simply about passing along knowledge. It is about preserving our history, sharing lessons learned, and ensuring that the next generation is prepared to continue the work. It creates space for new voices, new ideas, and new leadership while honoring the experiences of those who came before.
As a member of NMAC’s 50+ Strong & Healthy Program, I have seen firsthand how important it is to invest in leadership at every stage of life. As a member of the 2026 50+ Strong & Healthy Cohort, I joined a community of advocates committed to improving the health, wellness, and quality of life of older adults living with HIV while strengthening our collective voice in advocacy efforts.
The work of developing leaders is also central to the CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign. The Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign is the national campaign of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Through education, awareness, and community engagement, the campaign helps reduce stigma and empowers people affected by HIV to act in their communities.
As we look forward to the future, I encourage anyone who cares about ending HIV to consider attending AIDSWatch 2027. Be one of the hundreds of survivors, advocates, leaders, and allies who show up because we know change does not happen by accident. Be part of the reason lawmakers hear our stories. Be part of the reason communities receive the resources they need. Be part of the next generation of leadership. Because when we pass the torch, we do not lose our light; we make the movement stronger.
And together, we can help end HIV.
Learn more about how to combat HIV stigma by visiting the Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign. Access the following link to learn more: https://bit.ly/nmac_togetherENG