On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend an Ecumenical Poverty Summit hosted by the Iowa United Methodist Conference. This was a day-long event focused on ending poverty among children in Iowa, and teaching activists to engage the presidential candidates on the issues. In the morning, we heard from Rev. Rudy Rasmus, who shared about the need to take care of oneself, in order to care for others. It was quite inspiring. Sen. Harkin was also in attendance, and made a point to stop and say hi on his way out the door.

The afternoon was taken by up lessons on how to advocate for the issues (most of the stuff ONE is already doing!!) and representatives from several candidates shared thoughts and plans from Barack Obama, John McCain, and John Edwards. Republican candidate John Cox personally attended. The Obama and McCain surrogates both wore ONE bands while they were speaking!

The afternoon closed in worship and prayer. It was a great event for ONE to host a table at. We met lots of great contacts, and renewed relationships with others. We only signed up 5 new members, but that’s because most everyone there is already a ONE member!! -

- Katie Jerabek