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Executive Director Bill Hirsh was recently presented with a Catalyst for Change Award from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s HIV Advocacy Network (HAN) on Monday, August 21st at their Strut offices in the Castro. HAN mobilizes the HIV community to advocate for public policies to address the needs of the HIV community.

Ande Stone congratulates Bill Hirsh

We are grateful for Bill and his leadership over the past 24 years. While we acknowledge the work ahead, we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the strength of the HIV community and the important public policy victories we’ve collectively made along the way.

I write to inform you of my decision to step down from my role as Executive Director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP) at the end of the calendar year. I have been incredibly privileged to have served the community in this role for almost 24 years and I could not be prouder of the work our organization has done to improve the health of people living with HIV/AIDS by addressing their legal issues.

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My work with ALRP began many years ago as a volunteer soon after I graduated from law school. Back then much of ALRP’s work involved running out to hospitals to draft emergency wills for folks who were dying much too young.

The terrible discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS defined that time almost as much as the compassion of community members who stepped up to support them. As treatments for HIV improved, the legal needs of our clients changed, and ALRP expanded its services to support our clients as they were living with HIV, rather than dying of AIDS.

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Every day I see the difference that our dedicated Staff Attorneys and generous volunteer Panel Attorneys make in the lives of our clients – keeping folks housed, insured, healthy and safe. The organization is in a solid financial position with talented staff and volunteers, and an engaged Board of Directors. I look forward to working with our Board to ensure as smooth a transition as possible, and I step aside confident that the organization will thrive under new leadership and renewed energy.

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I do not know what professional opportunities await an older gent with my legendary technological challenges, but I know that my commitment to social justice will never waiver. And I know that I can always be proud of the work I have been able to do as part of the ALRP family.

From the Heart,

Bill Hirsh

For Volunteer Appreciation week, we want to share how grateful we are to our wonderful volunteers. Whether a volunteer in our office, at our events, or on our Panel, you make a difference in the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS.

Here are some photos from our most recent Volunteer Appreciation Party. Many thanks to Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman for hosting on the 22nd Floor!  The view was amazing, the snacks and beverages were delicious, and the heartfelt goodwill was the best part of all!

ABA Presidential Appointment now a 3-year term.