So after getting up way too early (for being college students, obviously), we all managed to trek out to Tressider to meet up and load the cars with all our stuff and supplies. After all that was done, we started heading up to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park for our first volunteer event.
At Golden Gate Park, we joined up with a number of other volunteers from a variety of groups to help plant newly donated trees and just perform general upkeep of the memorial. It was really incredible, and a privilege, to be able to share this time with so many volunteers who have been personally affected by HIV/AIDS. Half of us worked to pull weeds out, and the other half pushed and shoveled mulch up and down these hills for the new trees. However, no matter what we were doing, we were very lucky to be working with such a diverse and welcoming group of volunteers. Despite how taxing the work was, it was a great way to start the trip.
Next up, we drove to a Native American AIDS project powwow. The powwow was first and foremost a celebration of life in this community that has been so affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. After taking in the sights, sounds, and dances, we were able to have an interesting conversation with three different representatives from the Native American AIDS project, Larkin Street, and Black Coalition on AIDS. After that, we helped to clean up for a bit, and then headed back to the apartment to eat, relax, and regroup for the next day. Here goes!
-Daniel Herrador
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