by Shevron Alfred The Ming Chuan University International Volunteer Group has successfully launched its first major project, the HIV/AIDS Call to Action Campaign, on September 30, 2011. More than 130 students attended the campaign launch that was held at the Taipei campus, along with dignitaries from several of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, including Sao Tome and Principe, Burkina Faso and Haiti. In delivering the welcome remarks, Campaign Director Vina Frederick called for an end to stigmatization and discrimination of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The highlight of the event was a moving testimony from an elderly woman living with the virus. Her touching story of contracting the deadly disease and then being shunned by her own family moved members of the audience to tears. She urged people to protect themselves from the virus and to end the discrimination of those currently living with it. The launch of the HIV/AIDS call to Action Campaign raised over NT$11, 000 dollars for the Harmony Home – a shelter that has provided unwavering support for people living with and affected by the disease. The Ming Chuan University International Volunteer Group has planned a series of other activities this semester to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in Taiwan which will culminate with a major ceremony on December 1, 2011–World AIDS Day. For more information, visit their website at www.call2action.webs.com