(BLOG) RED - Buy (RED). Save Lives.

CENTE(RED) Body & Mind

2012-05-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

For a limited time only KLUTCHclub - a wellness service designed to deliver an array of healthy products every month right to your door - is offering a (RED) box for June! The contents of the June box take on the theme of CENTE(RED) body and mind.

For every (RED) box purchased, KLUTCHclub will donate all profits to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. What’s more, you’ll get a 10% discount when you use the gift code '(RED)' at checkout!

So what comes in the June KLUTCHclub?

- Barre3 workout downloads

- Gift card for Body Language Sportswear Yoga apparel

- Crum Creek Soy trail mix and a gift card

- Journey bar

- Gift card for OG yoga saks

- Yu-Be moisturizer

- African Black Soap from Ghana made by Savvy Boheme

Get your CENTE(RED) KLUTCHclub today and join the fight for an AIDS FREE GENERATION by 2015.

(RED)RUSH TO ZERO: The Beginning of the End of AIDS Starts with You.

2012-05-24T05:48:00.000-07:00

The first ever (RED)RUSH launches June 1st-10th 2012. What are we rushing towards? ZERO. Today and every day 1,000 babies are born with HIV. By 2015, that number can be close to zero. Will you (RED)RUSH with us? http://www.redrush.com

Credits
Director: Arni & Kinski
Production Company: aWHITELABELproduct
Production Company Executive Producer: Ellen Jacobson-Clarke, Annique De Caestecker, Oliver Hicks
Head or Production: Lynn Zekanis

Production Company: Black Label UK
Production Company Executive Producer: Dom Freeman
Production Company Line Producer: Jules Fennell

Director of Photography: Tim Maurice-Jones

Casting: Take Five Studio (London)

Agency: Hill Holliday (Boston)
Agency Co-Director of Integrated Production: Bryan Sweeney
Agency Chief Creative Officer: Lance Jensen
Agency VP Associate Creative Director: Rick McHugh
Agency Associate Creative Director: Ibraheem Youssef

Agency SVP Director of Marketing: Chris Wallrapp
Agency Management Supervisor: Clifford Stevens

Editorial Company: White House Post (London)
Editor: Gareth McEwen
Editorial Senior Producer: Lisa Kennick

VFX Company: MPC (London)
VFX Producer: Jamie Loudon

Graphics Company: Gentleman Scholar
Creative Directors: Will Johnson & Will Campbell
Designer/Animators: Sang Shin & Jordan Lyle
Graphics Producer: Emily Gleicher

Music/Title Track: Góðan Daginn
Artist: Sigur Rós
Artist Management: Big Dipper Productions

Audio Mix: Soundtrack (Boston)
Engineer: Brian Heidebracht

(RED)'s CEO, Deborah Dugan, in Huffington Post: 'Engaging New Audiences in the Fight Against AIDS'

2012-05-24T05:33:00.001-07:00

An excerpt from blog by (RED)'s CEO in this week's Huffington Post on the critical moment we are at in ensuring an AIDS FREE GENERATION by 2015 and the announcement of (RED)'s latest initiative, (RED)RUSH.

"The world finds itself at a historic moment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with the opportunity to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV and take a crucial step toward defeating this global pandemic that has already claimed 30 million lives. It's a chance to change the course of history by ensuring that the next generation is born HIV-free by 2015.

This is an attainable goal, but it isn't a done deal. We find ourselves in a time when the global economy threatens public sector funding for this effort. Now would be the absolute worst time to take our foot off the gas and lose the momentum we have built in the fight against AIDS thanks, in large part, to the ability to provide life-saving anti-retroviral drugs to millions of people over the past decade.

So how can the world push this effort over the finish line? Critical pieces include creating new funding models, new ways to keep heat on the issue and new ideas to entice people's engagement and energy in this battle.

For our part in this fight, (RED) is trying to engage corporations and the public in a variety of ways. On June 1, (RED) will kick off our first (RED)RUSH TO ZERO campaign, ten days of in-person and digital events and experiences bringing together brands, celebrities, gamers, music fans and consumers around the world, to raise critical funding and awareness. There will be the (RED)RUSH Games, a global video game tournament whose small participation fee will benefit the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The (RED) music program will allow fans to buy (RED) tickets and concert venues to create (RED) promotions, again benefitting the Global Fund. A unique fundraising road trip will have a group of dynamic women driving across Europe. And our roster of corporate partners are participating in a variety of ways, from offering new (RED) products to creating social media fundraising campaigns."

Read the full blog here.

The Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour : 70 women. 1100 miles. 35 cars. 4 cities. 4 days. 1 goal - fight AIDS

2012-05-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

On June 7th, 70 women will begin a 4-day trip across Europe with one goal in mind - to help deliver an AIDS FREE GENERATION by 2015. Driving 35 red cars, these 70 women participating in the inaugural Cash and Rocket (RED) Tour will go from the excitement of central London, to the beauty of Place Vendome in Paris, through the cobbled piazzas of Milan ending on the coast of Monte Carlo. Each stop holds an exciting event including a reveal of the latest (BUGABOO)RED design collaboration at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme to a stop in Geneva for lunch and a polo match followed by a dinner event upon arrival at the Park Hyatt Milan and culminating with an auction in Monte Carlo.

The European road trip will raise both awareness and funds to help fight AIDS – the drivers are fundraising for (RED) on Crowdrise. And it could not come at a more important time.

We are currently at a critical milestone in the fight against AIDS: by 2015 we can virtually eliminate the transmission of HIV from mums to their babies. Every day 1,000 babies are born with HIV. By 2015, that number can be near zero. It’s an incredible possibility – one that could help see the beginning of the end of AIDS. And when you set that against the backdrop of the AIDS pandemic – 30 million deaths in 30 years – the opportunity to turn the tide on this disease is a possibility we can seize.

To sponsor a driver please click here.

Stay tuned @joinRED for updates from the road!

Get Ready: It's the 1st Ever (RED)RUSH To Zero

2012-05-21T15:55:00.001-07:00

(RED) today announced the first-ever (RED)RUSH TO ZERO campaign, taking place June 1-10, 2012, to raise funding and awareness to help deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015, a critical milestone in the fight against AIDS. The virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV is part of the eight Millennium Development Goals, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by the target date of 2015.

(RED)RUSH TO ZERO, held in June, which is the 31st anniversary of the discovery of HIV, consists of a series of in-person and digital events and experiences involving brands, celebrities, gamers, music fans and consumers around the world. Since launching in 2006, (RED) has raised more than $190 million to fight AIDS. The recipient of these funds is the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. (RED) helps finance Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that have impacted the lives of more than 14 million people affected by AIDS in Africa.

(RED)RUSH TO ZERO will feature three major components: the (RED)RUSH Games, a video game tournament; the (RED)Music program, allowing fans to buy (RED) tickets from major artists and iconic venues to turn their shows (RED); and the Cash & Rocket (RED)Tour, a fundraising road trip across Europe.

“The world is at a historic moment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with the opportunity to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV and take a critical step toward defeating this global pandemic,” said Deborah Dugan, CEO of (RED). “We will only get over the finish line if we create new funding opportunities and new ways to keep people engaged and energized– (RED) will do its part by bringing business, culture, sport, and empowered women together to help empower other women and their children by ensuring that the next generation is born HIV free. (RED)RUSH is a unique effort to build momentum and ensure that the incredible progress that has been made over the last decade continues. We are, as always, grateful to our corporate partners for stepping up and creating exciting, new opportunities for engaging consumers and generating vital funding for the Global Fund.”

“We’ve made so much progress in the fight against AIDS over the last decade. Now would be the worst time to slow down,” said Gabriel Jaramillo, General Manager, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. “As the global economy threatens public sector funding, more than ever we need innovative fundraising models like (RED), which has done so much to align the private sector to our goals. We’re excited about (RED)RUSH and its ability to tap into popular culture to help deliver a key milestone on our path to ending AIDS. We’re very grateful for (RED)’s bold ideas to help us reach our goals.”

The (RED)RUSH Games
(RED)RUSH Games, which is being powered by STiKS GAMING, will launch on June 1st, and will partner with the world’s largest gaming Conference, E3, in LA. Gamers will have the chance to compete against each other and play alongside their favorite celebrities on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 – for prizes and prestige – in video games including EA's FIFA 12, NHL 12, 2K Sports' NBA2K12, KINECT Sports Season 2, and Forza Motorsports 4. Gamers will donate-to-play, and proceeds will benefit the Global Fund. Each gamer’s profile page will allow them to keep track of their scores, overall tournament results and, most importantly, see the impact of their donation.

Celebrities and brands signed up include Kate Upton, Converse, Michelle Rodriguez, Funny or Die, Samantha Ronson, Bugaboo, Michael B Jordan, Kris Allen, Mophie, Scott Porter, Ryan Cabrera, FEED, Wayne Brady, Aldis Hodge, Al Shearer, Kerli, Andrew Bowen, Ray Ford, Electric Touch.

(RED)MUSIC
(RED)RUSH will engage music fans through (RED)ROWS, (RED) venues and the release of a single from the forthcoming album (RED) Hot + FELA. Artists are auctioning premium seats and exclusive packages to help fight AIDS in an initiative called (RED)ROWS. The first (RED)ROW auction will start on June 1st and end on June 10th and participating artists include Bryan Adams, The Black Keys, Leonard Cohen, Coldplay, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers, K’naan, Diana Krall, Maxwell, Tim McGraw, Metric, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Phish, Pink Martini, Punch Brothers, The Tragically Hip and The xx. (RED) has partnered with white-label ticketing provider CrowdSurge to unveil (RED)ROWS, a unique technology solution that enables artists to turn their shows (RED) by auctioning concert tickets.

Popular live music venues across the U.S. will also participate in (RED)Music, with promotions to drive funds and awareness to the 2015 goal. Venues include Stubbs in Austin, Metro in Chicago, Brooklyn Bowl in New York and The Paramount, Neptune and Moore Theaters in Seattle.

Additionally, during (RED)RUSH the first single from the forthcoming album (RED) Hot + FELA will debut – a remake of Fela Kuti’s “Lady” by Angelique Kidjo, tUnE-yArDs, Akua Naru and Ahmir Questlove Thompson which will be released on June 1.

Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour
A group of 70 women – entrepreneurs, lawyers, designers, doctors, CEOs, models, architects, fashion stylists – will take to the roads of Europe in (RED) branded vintage and classic cars on the Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour from London to Monte Carlo. The caravan of (RED) cars including (RED) CEO Deborah Dugan, Dr Patricia Asamoah from Ghana, LOVE editor Katie Grand, Charlotte Stockdale, trip organizer Julie Brangstrup, model Lily Becker, sisters Jemma and Jodie Kidd, entrepreneur Umberta Beretta leaves London’s Berkeley Square on June 7 and ends in Monte Carlo on June 10, with stops in Paris and Milan. At the Paris stop, Bugaboo will unveil its latest design collaboration. (RED) has partnered with Crowdrise, the online fundraising tool, which will allow the women to fundraise before and during the trip. The trip will end with an auction in Monte Carlo with all proceeds going to the Global Fund.

During (RED)RUSH, (RED) corporate partners will offer consumers ways to fight AIDS and to build on the $190 million raised to date. The organization’s first Central and South American partnership will see wireless providers Telcel and Claro introducing (RED) wireless products in 15 countries including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. (RED) will also launch two new partners – Tourneau will offer a (RED) collection of their Tourneau TNY watch and Bottletop will introduce (RED) versions of their iconic Luciana clutch bag and the unisex Kibe belt. (RED) partners include Apple, The Coca-Cola Company, Starbucks, Converse, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Bugaboo, Nike, Penfolds, SAP and American Express, and they contribute up to 50% of the proceeds from the sale of (RED) products and services to help fight AIDS.

Beats by Dr. Dre will kick off the inaugural (RED)RUSH TO ZERO campaign with a party in their NYC store on June 2nd.

www.redrush.com

(RED)RUSH 2012: 10 DAYS. 10 WAYS TO FIGHT AIDS.

2012-05-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

On June 1st the first ever (RED)RUSH launches. And what are we rushing towards? ZERO. Today and every day 1,000 babies are born with HIV. By 2015 that number can be close to zero.

(RED)RUSH TO ZERO is our new initiative that runs from June 1st – 10th and there are lots of different and fun ways for people to get involved to help end the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies. It runs for 10 days and here are 10 things you can do to get involved:

1. Buy a (RED) product and your choice will trigger the (RED) partner brand to contribute part of the proceeds from the sale to help fight AIDS. So when you're shopping for an iPod nano at Apple why not choose the (RED) one, or the (RED) headphones from Beats by Dr. Dre – it costs you exactly the same as the non-(RED) version.

2. Play in The (RED)RUSH Games. It’s the biggest video game tournament around – so pick up your Xbox or PlayStation and play to win prizes and prestige all while fighting for an AIDS FREE GENERATION.

3. Bid on a (RED)ROWS concert ticket. Coldplay, The Killers, Tim McGraw, Death Cab for Cutie are all offering special (RED) tickets for sale to their shows with proceeds to the fight.

4. Get the first track from the forthcoming (RED) HOT AND FELA album – ‘Lady’ by tUnE-yArDs, Angelique Kidjo and Questlove.

5. Sponsor a bunch of women who are driving across Europe to raise money for the fight in the Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour.

6. Give an INSPI(RED) T-shirt as a gift to a friend – they make great birthday gifts!

7. Spread the word! Tell your friends about #REDRUSH on Twitter & Facebook. Just cut, paste and post this message:

1,000 babies are born with HIV every day. By 2015 that # could be near zero. #REDRUSH TO ZERO June 1-10. http://www.redrush.com @joinRED

8. Watch and share the new (RED) video.

9. Create a panel on our (2015)QUILT – it only takes a minute and represents everyone who is fighting for an AIDS FREE GENERATION. Over 50,000 panels have already been created!

10. Friend (RED) on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with how you can help fight AIDS.

The (RED)RUSH GAMES: Game on for an AIDS FREE GENERATION

2012-05-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

You heard it here first! We’re calling all Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players to join us for the first ever (RED)RUSH Games – a video game tournament with the highest stakes imaginable – the fight for an AIDS Free Generation by 2015.

The (RED)RUSH Games are taking place between June 1st-10th as part of our new initiative (RED)RUSH TO ZERO. Every day 1,000 babies are born with HIV. By 2015 that number can be close to zero. (RED)RUSH TO ZERO is our new campaign to raise awareness and funds to help make this possibility a reality.

During the (RED)RUSH Games you will have the chance to play alongside some of the most loved brands and celebrities as well as each other while playing video games like EA's FIFA 12, NHL 12, 2K Sports' NBA2K12, KINECT Sports Season 2, and Forza Motorsports 4. Gamers will donate to play and proceeds from the (RED)RUSH Games will help support HIV/AIDS Global Fund grants on the ground in Africa.

To add to the competition we’ve created two teams - TEAM INSPI(RED) and TEAM POWE(RED). Which team do you think will raise the most money?

We already have Kate Upton, Funny or Die, Samantha Ronson and Wayne Brady on board – will you game on to fight AIDS too? We'll be sharing more news about the games soon. Stay tuned into @joinRED for the latest details on the (RED)RUSH Games!

A (RED) HOT Music Collaboration

2012-05-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

We can’t wait! On June 1, the first single from the forthcoming album (RED) Hot + FELA will debut. The track - a remake of Fela Kuti’s “Lady” - features Angelique Kidjo, tUnE-yArDs, Akua Naru and Ahmir Questlove Thompson. The song was recorded at Converse Rubber Tracks in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The album, (RED) Hot + FELA, pays homage to the music and spirit of Fela Kuti and will be the first collaboration between (RED) and the Red Hot Organization, creators of a long running line of musically original compilations that benefit AIDS organizations, ranging from 1990’s Red Hot + Blue (which featured U2 on Cole Porter’s “Night And Day”) to 2009’s Dark Was The Night produced by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National.

(RED) Hot + FELA, to be released this fall, is the follow up to Red Hot’s successful 2002 album, Red Hot + Riot, on which artists ranging from D’Angelo to Sade covered songs by Fela Kuti. Be in the know and check out www.facebook.com/joinred and @joinRED for upcoming details on this latest music collaboration.

Great Music Saves Lives: Say Hello to the (RED)ROWS Ticket Auction

2012-05-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

(RED)RUSH sees the launch of (RED)ROWS - the latest way you can help fight AIDS. The world’s greatest artists are auctioning off the best seats in the house at their shows for (RED). Coldplay, Tim McGraw, The Black Keys, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Sheryl Crow, The xx and Maxwell are just some of the amazing artists who’s tickets you can bid on with a portion of the profits from all ticket sales will go to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

The auction for this group of artists (and there are more coming!) is happening during (RED)RUSH – it kicks off on June 1^st and ends June 10^th. Below is the current list of artists who are part of our first (RED)ROWS auction. And click here if you want to be notified of when the auction goes live. We’ll make sure you are the first in the know!

(RED)ROWS Artists Include:

The Black Keys

Blind Pilot

Bryan Adams

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Coldplay

Death Cab for Cutie

Diana Krall

Elvis Costello

The Killers

K'NAAN

Leonard Cohen

Maxwell

Metric

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Tim McGraw

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Phish

Pink Martini

Punch Brothers

Rufus Wainwright

Sheryl Crow

Swedish House Mafia

The Tragically Hip

tUnE-yArDs

The xx

Obama, Bono, G8 Leaders...and YOU!

2012-05-17T13:46:00.003-07:00

Guest Post by Malaka Gharib - Social Media & Blog, ONE

Clear some space in your schedule this Friday for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security, a discussion on new activities to advance global agricultural development, food and nutrition security in Africa.

Bono and President Obama, at last year’s World AIDS Day event, will meet again at the

Chicago Council’s Symposium on Global Agriculture. Photo credit: Ralph Alswang/ ONE

This event is a dream come true for us here at ONE — we’ve been trying to “plant the seed” in the G8 to put sustainable global agriculture at the top of their agenda at this year’s summit. And now, thanks to this event, President Obama, G8 and African leaders, businesses, international organizations and civil society, Bono and more will have the opportunity to devote time and attention to this topic. Although we can’t be certain it will affect the outcomes of the Summit, we think it’s a great way to kick off the G8.

The best part? You’re invited to the event, and you can participate, too. The Chicago Council is livestreaming the day’s panels, discussions and events on their website. Feel free to drop in, leave and come back to the event whenever you wish, all from the comfort of your computer. Panelists and guest speakers will all be on standby, ready to answer your questions on Twitter — so be sure to follow @GlobalAgDev and direct your questions and comments to #globalag.

Here’s a list of some of the guests who will be attending:

President Barack Obama
His Excellency Dr. Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin & Chairperson of the African Union
His Excellency Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of Ethiopia
His Excellency John Atta Mills, President of Ghana
His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary, United States Department of State
The Honorable Rajiv Shah, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development
Bono, Co-Founder of ONE and (RED)
The Honorable Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director, UN World Food Programme
Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development
Ms. Josette Sheeran, Vice Chairman, World Economic Forum

And again, here’s how you can get involved:

- Watch the livestream of the event. It starts at 8 a.m. EDT. You don’t have to watch the whole thing, but make sure you keep it up in a tab on your browser so you can follow along. Find out which events you want to watch by checking out the agenda here.

- Follow live blog posts and analysis from Roger Thurow and other hunger experts at the Chicago Council’s Global Food For Thought blog.

- Ask questions to the panelists and guest speakers by tweeting at @globalagdev and using hashtag #globalag. They’ll be on the lookout for your questions, so you may get an answer from Josette Sheeran of the World Economic Forum or even Rajiv Shah of USAID!

I’ll be following along, too — so remember, you can always tweet at @ONECampaign with any questions you have about the event. See you on Friday!

ADO(RED): 5 (RED) Mother's Day Gift Ideas

2012-05-10T09:42:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we have 5 (RED) gifts to make your mom's day that much better. Every (RED) purchase you make helps fight for an AIDS Free Generation by 2015.

Mother's Day Gift Idea #1: Spread the LOVE - The (FEED)RED Special Edition LOVE 30 Bag

Mother's Day Gift Idea #2: For your tech loving moms - The (APPLE)RED iPad Smart Cover

Mother's Day Gift Idea #3: We know your mom still rocks them - (CONVERSE)RED Chuck Taylor All Star shoes

Mother's Day Gift Idea #4: Give your mum a boost - The (MOPHIE)RED Special Edition universal battery line

Mother's Day Gift Idea #5: Join forces - The (RED) and ONE beaded bracelet

How do you prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV?

2012-04-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

UNAIDS (Outlook 30, 2011 Report)

Guest post by Erin Hohlfelder, ONE's global health policy manager

It’s hard to miss (RED) & ONE’s focus on The Global Fund and our goal to ensure that virtually no child is born with HIV by 2015. But many of you have rightfully asked, “How does this exactly work?” It’s a miracle of modern medical technology that we’re able to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). To help you understand, we’ve created a CliffsNotes version of how it works:

An HIV-positive mother can pass HIV on to her baby any time during pregnancy, labor, delivery and breastfeeding, so the transmission of the virus must be blocked at each stage. The 2010 World Health Organization guidelines recommend that HIV-positive pregnant mothers should go on a regimen of three antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) as soon as possible — and stay on these drugs until their infant is born and breastfeeding has concluded.

As soon as the infant is born, the baby should take nevirapine — a very inexpensive drug — daily for six weeks. The infant should be formula-fed rather than breastfed if possible, but it’s recognized that formula feeding is both expensive and difficult to do safely in resource-limited settings, so the mother is recommended to breastfeed her child exclusively for six months while continuing to take ARVs. In a recent study conducted by Harvard University in Botswana, mothers who adhered to this regimen reduced transmission of HIV to their babies by an amazing 99 percent.

These prevention guidelines have evolved over the years as scientists have learned more about how to most effectively reduce the risk of transmission while also working to minimize drug resistance for our most effective treatment tools. Many policymakers stress that access to effective contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies is also important for women who are HIV-positive.

For more details on the PMTCT process, including a chart that maps which drugs are used when and in what settings, visit AVERT’s handy guide. Also, be sure to check out WHO’s global strategic vision for 2015.

Win a Trip to See (RED) Creativity & Commerce at Work in Montreal

2012-04-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Remember when we were calling for the most creative people in the world to be part of the Sid Lee and (RED) Boot Camp? We've rounded up eight multidisciplinary talents, put their creative juices to work and are now giving you the chance to see their final ideas come to life at the

C2-MTL creative conference in Montreal.

Not only will you get to spend May 22nd - 25th in the fantastic city of Montreal, you'll also be part of exploring creative answers to commercial questions at the conference.

So how do you enter? We want to hear your favorite quote on creativity. (e.g. "Business has only two functions - marketing and innovation." - Peter Drucker)

Share your answer here by Thursday May 3rd 2012, at 11:59 AM for your chance to win and make sure to Like the C2-MTL and (RED) Facebook pages to find out when the winner will be announced! Get quoting - we can' wait to hear them!

Rules and regulations apply.

Don’t be fooled… we can reach the beginning of the end of AIDS

2012-04-06T08:54:00.003-07:00

Guest blog by ONE's Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Davidoff

ONE pulled a lot of legs this week. We launched our new spot “I Predict” across the web and in an April Fool’s Day email to our members with a series of crazy predictions for what could happen by 2015 — “kittens will be banned from YouTube,” “Charlie Sheen will be president,” “fax machines will make a comeback.” We got your attention. Now we want you to act to support the one prediction that can actually come true: the beginning of the end of AIDS.

“I Predict” was shot at the Sundance Film Festival back in January thanks to the generosity of our friends at the Sundance Channel, who made ONE their nonprofit partner for the festival. We used this amazing opportunity to engage the celebrities you see in the spot. Many of them asked what “the beginning of the end of AIDS” actually is, and how we planned to get there. Great question — here’s the answer.

We’ve defined the beginning of the end of AIDS as the point at which the number of people newly added to treatment outpaces the number of people newly infected with HIV in a given year. That year could be 2015. Even then, we’ll still have a long way to go — but we will have broken the back of the AIDS pandemic as we know it now.

Leaders from around the world have demonstrated the political and financial will to fight this disease. Leading scientists agree it is possible to see the beginning of the end of AIDS. But how will we do it by 2015?

ONE has outlined three goals that will get us there:

1. Work to virtually eliminate the transmission of HIV from mother-to-child

2. Accelerate access to treatment and get 15 million people on ARVs

3. Promote prevention techniques like voluntary male circumcision to stop new infections.

The fact is we’re at a turning point. The incredible progress we’ve already made –- and could make — is at risk.

Every generation is known for something. Ours could be the one that bends the curve of this pandemic. And it starts with you right now. Sign ONE’s petition to reverse budget cuts to life-saving AIDS programs — and ask your friends to do the same.

Sharing this news with your social network is critical. ONE has always been about the collective power of voices raised together. Now we’re asking you to take that to the next level by using your social media power to spread the word. ONE does not buy commercial time on TV or the web – you are our media plan — for every launch, for every message.

The beginning of the end of AIDS is an amazing story. But the world won’t hear about it without you. Here are some tools to get you started:

• Short link: http://bit.ly/HJZMnv

• Twitter Hashtag: #ipredict

• Twitter Handle: @ONECampaign

Sample tweets:

• #ipredict in 2015 we will finally see the Beginning of the End of AIDS http://bit.ly/HJZMnv via @ONECampaign

• #ipredict in 2015 we will see an AIDS free generation. Please join me http://bit.ly/HJZMnv via @ONECampaign

• Join me and @ONECampaign to support the Beginning of the End of AIDS http://bit.ly/HJZMnv #ipredict

So whether you tweet, post, pin or anything else, you can help make the beginning of the end of AIDS a reality — pretty amazing stuff if you ask me.

(RED) Goes to Washington

2012-04-03T07:52:00.004-07:00

These days “red” and “blue” are pretty divisive colors around Capitol Hill, but when it comes to the fight against AIDS, being (RED) means something entirely different – it means a belief in the idea that we can be the generation to deliver an AIDS Free Generation.

On March 20, I traveled to Washington to speak at a briefing session for members of congress, congressional staff, and leaders in the global health community that highlighted the private sector’s critical role in the Global Fund’s lifesaving work. Coming from entertainment, I felt like a fish out of water on Capitol Hill. It was all quite formal, and following protocol is not my strength. That being said, I was honored to sit on a panel alongside our friends at the Global Fund, PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), and Friends of the Global Fight, as well as (RED) Proud Partner The Coca-Cola Company, and Chevron, who has invested $55 million in the Global Fund.

Beyond financial support, we all contribute to the fight in different ways – from Chevron’s “Workplace Wellness” initiative, to Coke’s medical supply chain project in Tanzania, to (RED)’s success in raising public awareness and giving people new and exciting ways to take action. We bring unique strengths to the table, but one thing is clear, the private sector’s involvement is crucial. As Christoph Benn, Director of Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations at the Global Fund said at the close of the session: “With every dollar of private sector money, every dollar received from tax payers goes further. This is the unique contribution of the private sector … But it’s much more than the money. It’s helping to make programs run more effectively and efficiently. We have to put it all together … Together we have changed the course of these terrible pandemics. We can continue to do so. It is within our reach to achieve an AIDS Free Generation.”

Deborah Dugan – CEO @ (RED)

(RED) DJ Football Games Auction – Autographed gear from Tiësto’s Team Netherlands and Sebastian Ingrosso’s Team Sweden

2012-04-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Been wanting to grab one of those jerseys from the first ever (RED) DJ Football Games at Miami Music Week? The wait is over.

On March 21, 2012 Tiësto’s Team Netherlands – Sunnery James, Ryan Marciano, Nicky Romero, Sidney Samson, R3HAB, Afrojack and Quintino –took on Sebastian Ingrosso’s Team Sweden – Alesso, Adrian Lux, AN21, Otto Knows and Dada Life – with a final score of
13 – 11; but the competition isn’t over.

All (RED) DJ Football Games gear has been signed by the DJ’s and are being auctioned for (RED) at CharityBuzz.com/RED. Unique items including individual player’s game-worn jerseys, team jerseys, select cleats and even the game ball, have been signed by the DJ’s and are up for auction through Charitybuzz.com. Now the competition heats up even more to see which team’s apparel can raise the most money. Proceeds will benefit the Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) monies to fight AIDS on the ground in Africa.

So what’s on the auction block?

Soccer Ball, signed by:

Afrojack, Sebastian Ingrosso, Tiësto, Alesso, R3hab, Adrian Lux, Samson, Dada Life, Otto Knows, AN21, Sunnery James

Netherlands Team Jersey, signed by:

Tiesto, R3hab, Quintino, Afrojack, Samson, Romero, Ryan Marciano, Sunnery James

Sweden Team Jersey, signed by:

Sebastian Ingrosso, Alesso, Adrian Lux, Dada Life, AN21, Otto Knows

Signed Jerseys:

Netherlands Signed Jersey, Tiësto (Captain)

Netherlands Signed Jersey, Afrojack

Netherlands Signed Jersey, Nicky Romero

Netherlands Signed Jersey, Quintino

Netherlands Signed Jersey, Sidney Samson

Netherlands Signed Jersey, R3hab

Netherlands Signed Jersey, Sunnery James

Netherlands Signed Jersey, Ryan Marciano

Sweden Signed Jersey, Sebastian Ingrosso (Captain)

Sweden Signed Jersey, Alesso

Sweden Signed Jersey, Olle from Dada Life

Sweden Signed Jersey, Stefan from Dada Life

Sweden Signed Jersey, AN21

Sweden Signed Jersey, Otto Knows

Sweden Signed Jersey, Adrian Lux

Signed Cleats

Tiësto

Afrojack

Sebastian Ingrosso

Olle from Dada Life

Stefan from Dada Life

Alesso

The auction is open to bidders internationally through April 17th at Charitybuzz.com/RED. Don’t miss your chance to own an item from the epic (RED) DJ Football Games while helping the fight for an AIDS Free Generation. Let the bidding begin!

The INC(RED)IBLE Women Series: A Voice in the Fight Against AIDS

2012-03-30T08:37:00.003-07:00

As Women’s International History Month and our INC(RED)IBLE Women series comes to an end we want to recognize some of the women who use the power of their voice in the fight for an AIDS Free Generation - Ellen Degeneres, Dr. Patrica Nkansah-Asamoah, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dr. Mphu Ramatapeng. Thank you for delivering such an important message at a critical turning point for the Beginning of the End of AIDS.

It’s not too late to have the INC(RED)IBLE Women in your life featured in our series. Find out how here.

Ellen Degeneres

Ellen's panel on the (2015)QUILT

In November 2011, Ellen Degeneres was appointed Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness by Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Secretary Clinton stated, “Ellen is going to bring not only her sharp wit and her big heart but her impressive TV audience and more than 8 million followers to raise awareness and support for this effort.”

Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah

Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah on Stage during (RED) & ONE’s

World AIDS Day Event, “The Beginning of the End of AIDS.”

Dr. Patricia is the Director of the PMTCT Clinic at Tema Hospital in Ghana, witnessing first-hand the impact on the ground that Global Fund monies funded by (RED) provide.

“By far the most gratifying part of my job is taking an HIV positive mother through labor and delivery, and following up with her and being able to tell her after 18 months that her baby is HIV negative. I have seen, first-hand, that when mothers have access to ARVs, they use them. And when they use them the chances of vertical transmission (when the virus travels inadvertently from the pregnant mother to her child) are minimal. At Tema General Hospital, a mere 5% of babies whose mothers have begun treatment test positive... I am hopeful that as we focus our energy and resources on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015, that our transmission rate will drop to zero and I’ll have more stories…where we are able to give our babies the gift of being HIV-free at birth.” –Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah

Dr. Mphu Ramatapeng

Photo Credit: ONE

Dr. Mphu Ramatapeng is the minister of health for Lesotho. Her commitment to global health issues, including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and HIV-TB co-infection is inspiring and relentless. In an interview with our friends at ONE, Dr. Ramatapeng relates her country’s progress in PMTCT treatment thus far:

“In Lesotho, the possibility of achieving what was once an elusive target — an AIDS-free generation — is very real. In some of the most difficult to reach, very remote areas, we’re now having children born HIV-free. We are actually a model country for PMTCT efforts in the sense that we didn’t adopt single dose nevirapine [a cheaper, less effective PMTCT treatment regimen] from the onset, but instead we adopted the best lines of treatment — much earlier than South Africa, in fact. Every pregnant woman in Lesotho in the last five years has been tested and followed by community health workers from village to village.” –Dr. Mphu Ramatapeng

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Photo Credit:US Department of State

On November 17th, 2011 Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered a powerful and important speech on the possibility of an AIDS Free Generation. She stressed the importance of concentrating on three key pieces to make that possibility a reality – preventing the transmission of HIV from moms to their babies, increasing access to lifesaving anti-retroviral medication, and scaling up innovative prevention techniques such as voluntary medical male circumcision and the use of treatment as prevention.

“The goal of an AIDS-free generation may be ambitious, but it is possible with the knowledge and interventions we have right now. And that is something we’ve never been able to say without qualification before. Imagine what the world will look like when we succeed. Imagine AIDS wards that once were stretched far beyond their capacity becoming outpatient clinics caring for people with a manageable condition, children who might have been orphaned and then trafficked or recruited as child soldiers instead growing up with the hope of a better future, communities where despair once reigned filled instead with optimism, countries that can make the most of every single person’s God-given potential. That is the world that has always been at the core of American belief, and we have worked toward it in our own history. It’s the world I think we all would like to live in. An AIDS-free generation would be one of the greatest gifts the United States could give to our collective future…Let’s not stop now. Let’s keep focused on the future. And one of those futures that I hope we can.” –Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

If you missed Florence Ngobeni-Allen's INC(RED)IBLE story you can read it here.

What (RED)'s Reading: Instant Infant HIV Diagnosis to be Rolled Out in Rural Kenya

2012-03-22T08:34:00.002-07:00

Credit: Isaiah Esipisu/IPS

New technology in Kenya is making it possible for the results of infant HIV testing nearly instant. Isaiah Esipisu shares the story on IPS News. Here's an excerpt:

"NAIROBI, Feb 20, 2012 (IPS) - Jesse Mtembe, a nursing officer at the Akithenesit Health Centre in Teso North, in Kenya’s Western Province, cannot wait for his centre to be connected to a new software system for diagnosing HIV in infants that is being developed in the country’s leading private university.

Soon Mtembe’s patients will be able to receive the HIV tests results of their infants as soon as the relevant tests have been conducted at one of the country’s central laboratories some 200 kilometres away. Currently parents in rural health centres wait up to 18 weeks for the results.

Since 2011, students at Kenya’s Strathmore University have been developing and refining software for infant HIV diagnosis. The software has been implemented in 75 health centres in the remotest parts of the country as part of first phase trials.

The software seems simple enough. Once blood samples arrive at one of the country’s four central Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratories all samples are logged into the system. Once this is done, the software automatically generates a short message service (SMS) to the rural health centre the sample was sent from to confirm receipt.

Once diagnosis has been completed, the system generates another SMS to confirm this, and if the result is negative, the results are also given. Results are received in rural areas on SMS printers and parents are notified by the clinic that their results are ready."

Read the full article here.

Team Tiësto v. Team Sebastian Ingrosso: A DJ Footie Match to Fight AIDS

2012-03-20T09:35:00.001-07:00

Miami Music Week has a bit of a different tune this year as the world’s best DJ’s showcase their massive skills on stage and off in a footie match for the ages – a face-off between the Dutch and the Swedes.

Tiësto, Sebastian Ingrosso and 12 other top DJ’s will take the field on Wednesday March 21, in a battle for bragging rights and to raise money for (RED). Each team will play in a custom jersey in their country's signature colors designed specifically for the game. At the end of the match the jerseys will be signed by each player and auctioned off by (RED) for you to get your hands on – all proceeds will go to (RED) supported Global Fund grants on the ground to fight AIDS in Africa.

So, which team do you think will win?

Team Netherlands – Captain Tiësto

R3HAB

Team Sweden – Captain Sebastian Ingrosso

Alesso

Adrian Lux

Dada Life (Olle and Stefan)

AN21

Otto Knows

Stay tuned to @joinred and @DJFootballGames for the latest updates on the match, the auction and more. Next week the exclusive footage of the game including highlight reels and interviews with the players will be on (RED)'s YouTube channel.

Now let's see who's got game.

How a Small Big Thing Can Help Fight AIDS

2012-03-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

We are happy to announce the Spanish jewelry company Tous has joined the (RED) family to help fight AIDS. Recognizable by the iconic Tous bear, the (TOUS)RED Special Edition bracelet features a vermeil 18kt gold-plated sterling silver disc on a red nylon cord – now available in all Tous stores and at tous.com globally. The bracelet costs US$ 119 and Tous will contribute 5% of each purchase to the Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) monies.

It’s a small big thing. Click here to buy.

Calling All Creatives Worldwide: The (RED) Boot Camp

2012-03-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

We’ve partnered up with Sid Lee and are looking for the most creative people on the planet in graphic design, web design, art direction, copywriting, creative technology, industrial design and architecture to be part of the Sid Lee and (RED) Boot Camp.

The challenge for the 2012 Sid Lee and (RED) Boot Camp? Be INSPI(RED) to Innovate. Creatives will be challenged to imagine the future of the fight against AIDS by generating powerful new ideas such as programs, events, technologies, products and places. What would you do to take the fight to the next level? How can (RED) continue to make an impact by mobilizing its supporters?

Think you have what it takes?

You have until March 30th to visit Sid Lee’s Facebook page and apply to be one of eight top creatives who will team up to explore innovation and ideas in the fight against AIDS.

The 240 hour creative blitz will be held May 15th – May 24th in Montreal at Sid Lee’s industrial space as well as on site at C2-MTL – an international conference on commerce and creativity.

For more info check out Sid Lee on Facebook and Twitter. Apply here now.

Must be 18 or older. Successful applicants will be flown at Sid Lee's Expense – Transportation to Montreal (up to Can$1,200), food, accommodations, activities.

Meet Another INC(RED)IBLE Woman

2012-03-15T06:51:00.002-07:00

Panelists on Stage during (RED) & ONE’s World AIDS Day Event, “The Beginning of the End of AIDS.”

From left to right: Kay Warren (Founder, HIV & AIDS Initiative, Saddleback Church), Florence Ngobeni (HIV Educator & Ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Muhtar Kent (Chairman & CEO, The Coca-Cola Company), Panel Moderator Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Neurosurgeon & CNN Chief Medical Correspondent), Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah (Director of PMTCT Clinic at Tema Hospital in Accra, Ghana), Alicia Keys (Artist & Co-Founder of Keep a Child Alive), Bono (Lead Singer of U2 & Co-Founder of (RED) & ONE), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Florence Ngobeni-Allen is an HIV educator and programs consultant from Johannesburg, South Africa. As an HIV-positive mother and beneficiary of prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) treatment, she speaks out on behalf of women and children as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She was also a panelist at (RED) and ONE’s World AIDS Day event on “The Beginning of the End of AIDS,” during which she shared her personal story of bravery and triumph.

Nearly 15 years ago, Florence lost her baby daughter Nomthunzi to AIDS. Shortly after giving birth in 1996, Florence’s husband fell ill and died a few months later. Nomthunzi had also become ill, so Florence brought her to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, where they both were tested for HIV – they tested positive. Antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) were not available for children in South Africa at that time and Nomthunzi sadly passed away a few weeks later. She was only five-months old.

To help cope with her grief, Florence volunteered to become a counselor at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the same hospital where she and Nomthunzi had been tested for HIV. She found that there was very little access to ARVs and countless mothers were losing their children to HIV. But thanks to the efforts of so many, including the Global Fund and PEPFAR, things began to change – there was finally a way to stop HIV transmission from mom to baby and treatment made its way to South Africa bringing with it, hope for an AIDS Free Generation.

Florence got married again and knowing about PMTCT treatment she began considering the possibility of having a family. She became pregnant and with access to ARV treatment was able to give birth to a healthy HIV-negative son named Alex who is now 5-years-old. Last year she gave birth to a second son, Kulani, who is also HIV-negative.

Florence believes in the dream of an AIDS Free Generation. As she said on World AIDS Day, “I have a reason to fight the fight that we’re all fighting. We still have women and children who will go through the same cycle. I’m glad that we think in the next 30 years we’ll eradicate HIV. We’ll get rid of HIV. And no child, no mother will die of HIV.”

Read more about the INC(RED)IBLE Women Series here.

Ashley @ (RED)

INC(RED)IBLE MOTHERS

2012-03-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day in the UK on Sunday and what better way to continue our INC(RED)IBLE Women series than to recognize all the mums out there.

We've already introduced you to Doris – a seamstress, jewelry-maker, and proud mother. When diagnosed with HIV in 1998, treatment for HIV/AIDS was not widely available in Ghana. Now, thanks in part to Global Fund-financed programs supported by (RED) funds, life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) medication is available in Ghana and Doris has been taking ARVs since 2003. Thanks to treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV – the kind of treatment also funded by (RED) supported Global Fund grants – she is the mother of Michael, her HIV negative son.

Now, we want you to share YOUR amazing mother with us.

There are two ways to have your mum be part of our INC(RED)IBLE Women series.

1) We'll send a tweet to your mum on Mother's Day! Just send us her twitter handle and your message.

2) Post your mum's photo on our Facebook page and tell us in one line why she is incredible.

All your photos and tweets will be added to our INC(RED)IBLE Women's album on Facebook and Pinterest which will go live at the end of the March.

Happy Mother's Day to all our UK friends!

INC(RED)IBLE WOMEN

2012-03-08T09:58:00.001-08:00

Today is International Women’s Day. To celebrate we want to recognize the INC(RED)IBLE women in our life and yours.

Kektso and Doris are two amazing women we’ve met. Who are yours? Which woman inspires you? Share her photo and tell us in one line why she is INC(RED)IBLE to you. Post it on our Facebook page or tweet us.

At the end of the month your photos and stories will be gathered together in an album on Facebook and Pinterest to recognize each and every INC(RED)IBLE woman. We can’t wait to meet them. Until then, meet Keketso and Doris…

Keketso is INC(RED)IBLE for showing others that having

HIV should not stop them living their lives to the fullest.

Keketso learned she was HIV positive in 2000. Three years later, her husband died of AIDS, which Keketso believes he contracted in South Africa, working in the mining industry. Thanks to antiretroviral treatment which (RED) helps finance in Lesotho, Keketso is determined to show others that having HIV should not stop anyone. She now counsels other HIV patients. Keketso even won the title of “Queen of Positive Living 2008” and married the man of her dreams.

Doris is an INC(RED)IBLE mother.

Doris is a seamstress, jewelry-maker, and proud mother. When Doris was diagnosed with HIV in 1998, treatment for HIV/AIDS was not widely available in Ghana. Now, thanks in part to Global Fund-financed programs supported by (RED) funds, life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) medication is available in Ghana. Doris has been taking ARVs since 2003. As a founding member of the Wisdom Association, a Global Fund-financed support connecting with other HIV positive community members, “it makes me happy to help others who feel alone when they find out about their status.” Also, thanks to treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV - the kind of treatment funded by (RED) supported Global Fund grants - Doris is the mother of Michael, her HIV negative son.

Will Your Story About Aid Change the World?

2012-03-06T07:32:00.001-08:00

Guest post by Tom Scott– Director, Global Brand & Innovation at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Originally published on Impatient Optimists, the blog of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In November of 2009, I read an article by the New York Times writer Nicholas Kristof for Outside magazine. In the piece, he talked about how positive, hopeful storytelling about development (financial aid given by governments to help developing countries alleviate poverty) could help save millions more lives; while negative stories overwhelm. People are more inclined to act in response to success stories.

I couldn’t agree more.

But the problem is negative stories are much more appealing and easier to tell. Studies in "Positive psychology"suggest that you need five “positive” interactions to replace just one “negative” interaction. The deck is clearly stacked to get those positive stories out.

One story that needs changing is that of development aid and the powerful impact it can have around the world. That's where you come in. We need to gather and share stories of aid that works well.

We constantly hear stories of corruption, waste, and broken systems when it comes to aid. But that’s not the whole story. Effective aid programs help developing countries become self-sufficient. They do not replace those countries’ efforts, but rather support the important work that’s already under way.

To foster new ideas and thinking on this, we are drawing on one of the most innovative programs at the foundation: Grand Challenges Explorations (GCE). It's a foundation program which funds early-stage projects which show great promise, even if they have never been tested before. For the first time ever, GCE will be used to help solve a communication challenge: changing the narrative on aid.

The goal of this challenge? To find inspiring, positive stories to tell. How? We're soliciting new approaches to communications that motivate the public in the wealthy countries of the world to change their minds about aid, and take actions to demonstrate their support.

It’s simple. Fill out a short form. Be clear. Be creative. Be prepared. Your idea for new ways to communicate about changing the world could be chosen.

The foundation is partnering with the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to spread the word. In order to find the very best ideas, you have to tap the very best creative minds. The diversity of thinking and ideas should help push the limits of creativity around this critical issue.

When I joined the foundation just over two years ago, I was awestruck by the amazing ambition of my colleagues. Working just down the hall were people trying to find ways to eliminate diseases from the face of the earth.

I thought to myself, Couldn’t we have the same level of ambition when thinking about how to communicate about these really challenging issues?

If we, as a global community, are to succeed in ending extreme hunger and poverty and improving the health of the poorest, we must find ground-breaking ways to gather and share stories of aid working well. We must bring the data behind those stories to life. And we must do it on a global scale, making it relevant to audiences who are wrestling with tough economic decisions at home.

We want your ideas. Tell us your story.

Proposals are due May 15, 2012.