LS&Co. Unzipped
Jun 19 2012
The Accidental Activist
Editor's note: The Levi Strauss & Co. Pioneer Award honors today's pioneers in nonprofit organizations around the world. It recognizes the hard work and pioneering efforts of individuals working for or with those nonprofits. Our hope is that calling attention to the work of today's pioneers will inspire others to join their march forward. Last week we presented a Pioneer Award to James Dilley, M.D., the Executive Director of the Alliance Health Project at the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Dilley was the first psychiatrist involved with treating people living with AIDS at San Francisco General Hospital back in the 1980’s.
On June 15th I had the extraordinary honor of receiving a Levi Strauss Pioneer Award. Without hesitation, I would like to dedicate it to the staff at Alliance Health Project (formerly the AIDS Health Project).
On most days, I think of myself as an accidental activist. In 1982, when I left the Midwest and moved to San Francisco to fulfill my psychiatry residency, I thought I would live in anonymity as a gay doctor with a private practice. All that changed when the AIDS epidemic struck.
It’s been 28 years since the inception of the AIDS Health Project and I have had a great many pioneers by my side: creative, ambitious, hard working, and dedicated people, some who are no longer with us. Some are still with me today, blazing new trails in response to both changes in the epidemic and new populations of people who need our help. It is particularly gratifying that Levi Strauss, itself a pioneer in community service, should be the one to bestow this recognition on us. Thanks for the support.
Photos: Trish Tunney
The Pioneer Award, next to a proclamation from the California State Senate, also honoring Dr. Dilley on his work.
Alliance Health Project staff, to whom Dr. Dilley dedicated his Pioneer Award.
Posted By: James Dilley, M.D., Executive Director, UCSF Alliance Health Project |
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Suzanne (not verified) - Jun 20 2012
I am so proud to be a small part of a company that stands behind such courageous individuals as Dr. Dilley, and such honorable causes as the AHP.
passerby (not verified) - Jun 19 2012
Hmmm, not the most attractive award I've seen, but no one more deserving than the good Dr. Dilly! Congrats to AHP and much thanks to Levi Strauss!
Editor's note: Thanks for your comment. A simple explanation about the actual Pioneer Award "trophy" -- the framed "worker's glove." It's intended to represent the tremendous efforts of Dr. Dilley and other "pioneers" who blaze new trails and clear the path for others to follow. Consider it a metaphor for all the hard work Dr. Dilley has accomplished. Hope that makes sense -- and thanks again!
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