ACT UP is an advocacy group founded in 1987 in response to the AIDS crisis. Its name stands for "AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power." The organization aims to raise awareness about the disease, promote research, and fight for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. The group is known for its direct action tactics, including protests and public demonstrations. ACT UP has played a significant role in changing public policy and increasing funding for AIDS research, making it a pivotal force in the fight against the epidemic.