A relevant excerpt about food aid, AIDS, malaria and education below:
Feeding the hungry has long been a special calling for my nation. Today, more than half the world’s food assistance comes from America. We send emergency food stocks to starving people from camps in Sudan to slums in — around the world. I’ve proposed an innovative initiative to alleviate hunger under which America would purchase the crops of local farmers in Africa and elsewhere, rather than shipping in food from the developed world. This would help build up local agriculture and break the cycle of famine in the developing world — and I urge our United States Congress to support this initiative.
Many in this hall are bringing the spirit of generosity to fighting HIV/AIDS and malaria. Five years ago, in Sub-Saharan Africa, an AIDS diagnosis was widely considered a death sentence, and fewer than 50,000 people infected with the virus were receiving treatment. The world responded by creating the Global Fund, which is working with governments and the private sector to fight the disease around the world. The United States decided to take these steps a little further by launching the $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Since 2003, this effort has helped bring cutting-edge medicines to more than a million people in sub-Sahara Africa. It’s a good start. So earlier this year, I proposed to double our initial commitment to $30 billion. By coming together, the world can turn the tide against HIV/AIDS — once and for all.
Malaria is another common killer. In some countries, malaria takes as many lives as HIV/AIDS — the vast majority of them children under the age of five years old. Every one of these deaths is unnecessary, because the disease is preventable and treatable. The world knows what it takes to stop malaria — bed nets and indoor spraying and medicine to treat the disease. Two years ago, America launched a $1.2 billion malaria initiative. Other nations and the private sector are making vital contributions, as well. I call on every member state to maintain its focus, find new ways to join this cause, and bring us closer to the day when malaria deaths are no more.
Third, the mission of the United Nations requires liberating people from the chains of illiteracy and ignorance. Article 26 of the Universal Declaration states: “Everyone has the right to education.” And when nations make the investments needed to educate their people, the whole world benefits. Better education unleashes the talent and potential of its citizens, and adds to the prosperity of all of us. Better education promotes better health and greater independence. Better education increases the strength of democracy, and weakens the appeal of violent ideologies. So the United States is joining with nations around the world to help them provide a better education for their people.
A good education starts with good teachers. In partnership with other nations, America has helped train more than 600,000 teachers and administrators. A good education requires good textbooks. So in partnership with other nations, America has distributed tens of millions of textbooks. A good education requires access to good schools. So in partnership with other nations, America is helping nations raise standards in their schools at home, and providing scholarships to help students come to schools in the United States. In all our education efforts, our nation is working to expand access for women and girls, so that the opportunity to get a decent education is open to all.”
Brian Sweeney has a full-time job and a busy home life. Yet, the 33-year-old Jonestown man still finds time to volunteer about 20 hours a week for the ONE campaign.
When he’s not working as a warehouse technician for Sherwin-Williams or spending time with his wife, Michelle, an English teacher at Northern Lebanon High School, and 3-year-old daughter, Grace, he’s trying to further the cause of the ONE campaign….
“I’m doing this because of an Irish rock star and a little girl named Grace,” Sweeney said, referring to Bono, the lead singer of U2 and a ONE advocate, and his daughter.
“What took off after that was being a dad, being a parent,” Sweeney said, “and starting to realize some of the unfair things that face kids and children every day. It makes me angry. Where you live should not decide whether you live.”
“I think of her (Grace), and that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning,” he said. “That’s what keeps me up until 3 in the morning reading online about whatever legislation is on the Senate floor.”
Last Friday College of Charleston held its first event as an official ONE Campus. Despite less than perfect weather and a bomb threat that essentially closed down half the campus, we talked to and signed up more than 200 students who expressed serious interest in our campaign to end poverty and AIDS.
From the very first mention of bringing the ONE Campaign to the campus, I, a student ONE Vote ’08 staff member, have been constantly surprised by the interest fellow students have shown. Hopefully, we as Cougars can set an example for other colleges around the state and continue to make good things happen!
“Several years back, I went to the White House to visit South Carolinian Mike McCurry when he was Bill Clinton’s press secretary. He had a tough job at a tough time. It was at the height — or should I say, the depth — of the Monica Lewinsky madness. Here’s my column from back then.
Friday, he came to see me at my office, so now we’re even. He was in town on behalf of the ONE campaign. He was brought in by Adam Temple — formerly of the John McCain campaign — and Dave Wilson, the group’s Faith Community Director.
On the video, he gives an overview of what the ONE campaign is about.”
The East Polk Interagency Association put on a forum about poverty and education with keynote speaker Senator John Edwards. ONE set up a booth at the event and when Senator Edwards arrived we gave the presidential candidate a ONE band right before he posed for a quick picture and delivered his speech.
Afterwards the ONE Campaign signed up new members, passed out literature, water bottles, and bands. Many people were excited about the cause and eager to learn more. As we signed people up we talked with them about ONE and the importance of raising their concern to the presidential candidates. ONE received a great response from Senator Edwards and the patrons of the event. Another success!
Right now, some of the world's biggest oil companies are fighting to keep some of their deals with foreign governments secret. Let's tell big oil we won't be bullied.
Cuts to poverty-fighting programs won't balance the budget, but they will set back progress on Canada's development priorities and risk jeopardizing existing investments.
2011 marks 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were documented. Take a closer look at the specific, achievable goals we must hit by 2015 to make this year the beginning of the end of AIDS.
Last Friday College of Charleston held its first event as an official ONE Campus. Despite less than perfect weather and a bomb threat that essentially closed down half the campus, we talked to and signed up more than 200 students who expressed serious interest in our campaign to end poverty and AIDS.
The East Polk Interagency Association put on a forum about poverty and education with keynote speaker Senator John Edwards. ONE set up a booth at the event and when Senator Edwards arrived we gave the presidential candidate a ONE band right before he posed for a quick picture and delivered his speech. 
Afterwards the ONE Campaign signed up new members, passed out literature, water bottles, and bands. Many people were excited about the cause and eager to learn more. As we signed people up we talked with them about ONE and the importance of raising their concern to the presidential candidates. ONE received a great response from Senator Edwards and the patrons of the event. Another success!
