When I decided to start a ONE group in Orange County, California, I had my doubts. Orange County (OC), an extremely affluent and aesthetically beautiful community, is for the most part devoid of any sign of poverty or hunger. I wondered if residents here cared enough, beyond their expensive tract homes and their top rated schools, to want to get involved with issues that seem a million miles away. Boy, was I surprised.

I began with a meeting at my home to introduce my family and friends to the Campaign and the issues. Only 14 of the over 50 friends I invited came, but the energy was encouraging. Next, I posted the group on the ONE website and immediately began hearing from my fellow OC citizens. People here are aware and interested after all. We held our first official meeting this month. High school and college students and people in their 20s, 30s and 40s all showed up to get involved and to get this group underway.

The OC ONE group is excited, energetic, full of great ideas and steadily growing. We are holding meetings in October and November and new members are always welcome. You can join our group by going to ONE.org homepage.