Recently, I have been a little distraught by the apathy on my campus when it comes to sexual and reproductive rights and HIV/AIDS.

Our Student Global AIDS Campaign chapter, has about 7-8 people who come to meetings regularly, on a campus of about 10,000 students which is rated the most politically active by the Princeton Review.  Two years ago, there were about 20 students who attended meetings, being enthusiastic activists for the HIV/AIDS cause. So, you might be asking what happened? What went wrong?

We know that the rates of HIV have been the same, if not worse, especially in the District of Columbia.

Because World AIDS Day is approaching, I wrote an op-ed in my school's newspaper featured here: http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2009/11/23/Opinions/Elizabeth.Orlan.Join.The.Fight.Against.Hivaids-3839446.shtml

I'm hoping that students will be receptive to my message, and not pass it by because of looming papers and other concerns. 

My question to you, fellow activists and advocates for youth, is this: what is your response to the issues you care about on YOUR campuses? How do you battle the apathy?In order to stay motivated, I think of Margaret Mead's famous quote:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."