This is the 20th anniversary of a call to action by the World Health Organization to raise awareness that, despite strides in fighting it, AIDS still claims the lives of many women, men and children around the globe. (And it's created a generation of orphans.)

"Lead, Empower & Deliver" is this year's theme for worldwide cultural events and other initiatives to foster education -- and to convince political leaders that more needs to be done.

Launching today is the new online digital magazine (RED)WIRE,  featuring a series of special performances by artists such as U2, Jay-Z, Coldplay, John Legend, Dixie Chicks, The Killers, Elton John, The Police, Elvis Costello, Death Cab For Cutie and Sheryl Crow. Benefit listening parties are set for locations around the globe.

(RED)wire is part of the RED campaign founded by U2's Bono to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa, where it's expecially devastating (more than 4,000 people die every day there of the disease) -- and beyond. 

Starbucks is partnering with RED, and will give 5 cents for every beverage bought between now and Jan. 2 to the campaign. It's an easy way to turn your daily habit into a channel for giving -- and should raise millions. 

Of course, you also could skip Starbucks -- and just donate whatever you can to a local (or global) charity. Better yet: Do both.

It's also a good time to see the movie "Milk," starring Sean Penn in an Oscar-worthy performance as slain San Francisco gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

A lot of hearts and minds still need to be changed in order to truly view HIV/AIDS as a critical issue affecting us all. Invite someone you think might need some encouragement in adopting that perspective to go with you to the film.

And then, how about discussing it over a cup of coffee?

www.joinred.com

www.theglobalfund.org