IMF Acknowledges Emails’ Role in Liberia Debt Relief!
November 15th, 2007 at 1:42 pm | posted by Virginia SimmonsAs Steve Radelet reported here on the ONE Blog on Monday, after a 18 month delay, the IMF is finally moving ahead with debt relief for Liberia!
Yesterday, the director of the IMF’s External Relations Department issued a statement::
“We have received a large volume of emails on this topic, so this letter is being posted because it is impossible to respond to each message individually….Their strong support to the cause of debt relief contributed to the broad donor support that made this financing possible.”
Jubilee, DATA, the Center for Global Development, Foreign Policy In Focus, and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops did incredible work keeping up the pressure, and ONE members sent tens of thousands of emails pushing the IMF for this action.
It’s not a bad day - when we get proof that our voices are being heard, and that our actions are truly making a difference for the poorest people in this world.
Read the full statement on the IMF site.
-Virginia Simmons
November 16th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Very cool…ONE is working…
November 16th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Thanks for show us that we can and are making a difference, getting to the heart of where they must listen and acknowledge us and our one voice. Much love to All. ~Nasya
November 16th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
this is great news!! Go ONE!!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
ONE does work. It’s awesome to be heard in a political world where our voices usually seem so small
but ONE has proven time and time again that there is power in numbers. Let’s keep it up!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
It is touching and gratifying to help make a difference.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
This is awesome. The people can make a difference.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Thanks to all the ONE members that wrote to the IMF calling for Liberia’s debt cancellation! We at Jubilee USA are grateful for all of your actions, which helped us to win progress that had been on hold for 18 months. Know that your work makes a difference. All the best, Neil Watkins, National Coordinator, Jubilee USA Network.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I am happy that as individuals we can still make a difference in this wold.
Congratulations One Members!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Fantastic! I am glad to know that my opinions count and are heard by the people who make the decisions. Let’s all keep up the good work.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
What a great feeling! Thank you ONE and Jubilee USA for all your hard work and for providing the information and access we need to get involved. Let’s keep going!
ONE ONE ONE!!!!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
It puts tears in my eyes knowing that collectively we were heard loud and clear. I know that one person cannot do it alone, but thanks to you at ONE we have all those singles which equals a whole nation. Now Liberia will grow and need less help.
To Liberia…….
Congratulations everyone JOB WELL DONE
November 16th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
How cool is that — send an email & make a difference. Very encouraging.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Wonderful news! Now how about debt relief for other 3rd world countries?
November 16th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
May Liberia get a running start now - our thoughts will be with them.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
ROCK AND ROLL!!!!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
It’s wonderful to feel that we can make a difference. I appreciate the opportunity to become part of the larger humanity that ONE brings together to make needed changes in our world. Thank you ONE and ALL.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
How great is it that together as ONE voice we can make a difference in the world and together we can truly change people’s lives for the better. That’s awesome!!!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Great job everyone!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Projects like ONE and countless others are pushing reality in the faces of those who vote. We can make a difference with one vote, one project, one coin, one person at a time. This news is awesome!!!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
That is great news, but do we also send messages and put pressure on the elected officials of Liberia to not waste this critical opportunity? How does ONE handle this? It is just as important as the debt relief if real change is going to occur in that country for the poor.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
We clicked a few times on the keyboard, and now many lives on a distant continent will be bettered. That’s WAY beyond awesome!
November 16th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I feel privileged to be among this group of activists. If any group shows the promise of truly changing the world, it is the One Campaign. There can be no equality without economic equality, no stable economy without democratic decision making. We need to stop extending credit to tyrants who don’t have the best interests of their people and thier nation at heart. We need to stop lending money for projects that afford no economic advantage to the poorest of the poor. I hope that we will be able to turn the world upside down and at last begin using money to advance rather than enslave the third world, particularly in Africa.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
This is terrific news! Every year when I’m in Liberia I see first hand the struggles they face and this was an overwhelming obstacle in their recovery from so many years of war. They still face a hard road but at least now they have a decent chance at succeeding.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
ONE down….
November 16th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
The work of ONE has obviously been effective. What I appreciate is the ability to help in some small way.The communications from Josh Peck and One facilitate the process of contacting the appropriate people to ask for the help on these important issues. There truly is strength in numbers…and ONE puts those numbers together to work! Thanksfor all you do, I ‘m glad to be a part of ONE.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
How de body? Today de body very well!
November 16th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
I am so glad this has been passed. These are our brothers and sisters in Liberia, and we should do as we would want to be done to us if we were in this predicament. I think ONE did a great thing through reaching out to these people. It is causes like this that make me proud to be associated with the ONE campaign.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I am proud of ONE and its members and leaders. I have been involved with other email/Internet initatives to make change. And to read this really is gratifying that we can make a difference. I am hopeful that our voices are heard in our own democratic system on many fronts through this medium.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Hooray for our side; and in the long run hooray for all sides.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
i’glad it works
November 16th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
*I’m STUNNED! I was very pleasantly surprised to hear that “we did it”. It’s amazing and awe inspiring to know that the little people, standing together, can make a difference. Thanks One Members
November 16th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Way to go… proof we can do it ONE at a time…
November 16th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Hopefully a day will come when injustices and poverty no longer exist, and compassion is the backbone of humanity.
Love & Peace
November 16th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
I knew we could do it. There is enough of us. And such a nice result! ^-^
November 16th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
together we will elevate human consciousness. a kind thanks to everyone!
peace
November 16th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Finally all of the hard work of the ONE members done some good. Keep on truckin and one day the world will be a better place. Peace and Love
November 16th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
GREAT NEWS! Go ONE!
November 16th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
November 16th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
One is the way to go. Together we are going to change the world One time
November 16th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Yeah!!!!! It’s one step in the right direction!
November 16th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
This is a great start. There are innumerable countries around the world, equally if not more destitute, and equally if not more in need of debt relief from the IMF and other agencies (including the US gov’t). Keep the faith. And, keep up the fight.
November 16th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Way to go to all of the ONE particapants. I am so honored to be part of this awesome work. Let,s keep going all the way. Great to know that just one person can make a difference.
November 16th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
WE DID IT!! NOW CAN WE HELP STOP THE STARVATION AND MURDER IN ZIMBABWE?
November 16th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO, NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO, NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO
November 16th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Thanks so much ONE for empowering us all and providing a vehicle with which
we can clearly make a difference. This is gratifying work, and I am proud to
be a part of its evolution! Give Thanks!
November 16th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
“We The People” can make a difference. Helping our fellow man is what life should be all about.
November 16th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
With tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, I realize that we are not alone, together as ONE, we are able to help right the wrongs. When I think back to those hot days in July in Philadelphia, sturuggling in the heat to help put on a show, when we hoped against the “convential wisdom” that said the kids would forget about ONE and abolishing poverty as soon as the gig was over, I am overwhelmed. Thank you, all of you, for caring, making the effort, for not losing hope or focus. I believe with every inch of my being that the ONE agenda, and the diplomacy of a candidate like Bill Richardson is the only path to world peace.
I wish my old boss, Joe Strummer could be around to see these results. I know it would have choked him up too.
Thanks again ONE, Jubilee, Data, and all of you. Together we will continue to make a difference.
November 16th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
this is AWESOME!
it’s incredible that as a high school student sending ONE email, i was able to be apart of such a huge step in Liberia’s ability to move forward.
i am truly amazed.
November 16th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
When you work together anything can be achived
November 16th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
hey everyone thanks for making all of this happen!
whooo! go ONE!!!!!!
November 16th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
You see we can all make a difference, with something as simple as in email, we all together can change so much…Keep up the Great work fellow ONE members, and make sure you always have your white band on….Peace, Rudy
November 16th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Incredible.
November 16th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
WOOOWHOOOOO SCORE FOR TEAM ONE TEAM ONE 1 TEAM OTHER idk
November 16th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
ITs a start a BIG start its great to be part of this,to be part of not a party or “group” that human beings can love and care for all human kind thanks
November 16th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
It is amazing what one voice can do. I have hope that we can change the world. The one world that we all live in. Peace and Love to all.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
As they said in the 70’s “Power to the people.”
November 16th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
All it takes is one x one to help….Peace and Tranquility.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
FANTASTIC!!! ONE gets it done! All it takes is a common purpose and greatness can be acheived. Many Blessings to the peaceful people of Liberia and the world.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
once again, the power of ONE is illustrated. the Talmud says that he who kills one person, it is as if he killed the whole world, but he who saves one life, it is as if he saved the whole world - because the world is enhanced or diminished by every single soul. let us not ever forget the power of people.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Thank you ONE and Jubilee USA members and staff for all your hard work! It’s amazing the impact a group of committed and caring people have when they work together. Great job everyone and keep up the effort!
November 17th, 2007 at 3:22 am
I’m very happy about this (amazed!); but I went to see the papers at the IMF website and I found that the Gov of Liberia will now be able to increase the salary of govt employees from US$ 30/mo to US$50/mo. WOW! I guess govt employees must have three jobs there to keep a family..This was a big step, but jit’s ust the start-there is much more to do. We need to do more, folks.
November 17th, 2007 at 9:01 am
THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! GO ONE! GO ONE!
November 17th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
im just so excited that we all worked as one too let our country know that we can help make a difference. One.org is becoming a national standard too our country. We all need too know that there are people out there to help keep our country and other countries in need of help become stronger and grow as one. i may be young and i may not know as much but i do know that we did such a great job and i hope many more people understand that they can help make a difference in their state and or country.
great job ONE members,
cassie
November 17th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
As a new member of the Board of Selectmen for my small town I feel encouraged to see the results of common caring people for the ONE campaign. So many times I hear people in my town complaining about issues that they see in our community. I always challenge them to get involved and try to become the change. This is what the ONE campaign is doing. Not even little-by-little any more, but large steps are being taken to change the world around us because we are being moved to action. Each and every person who submits and e-mail, signs a petition, or calls a representative has been instrumental in changing the lives of those around the world that they don’t even know. I won my campaign by just a few votes. Those few votes, I know will be key in my being a force of change in my community. I would encourage everyone who participates actively in ONE lobbying to share the ONE vision with their friends, neighbors, co-workers, family, etc, because the more people we get on board for Debt Relief and other social issues the louder the unified voice will be around the world for change.
November 17th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
It is so great that we can do something like this.Great job guys, we made a difference!
November 17th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Thanks for showing us the POWER OF ONE!! Keep up the great work!
November 18th, 2007 at 10:08 am
One Works!! Don’t let anyone tell you that your voice doesn’t count. By spreading the word one person at a time and then by banding together for the common good look what WE can do. Remember this as we move into an election year.
November 18th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Let’s keep working on this matter convincing ourselves that defeating poverty we are going to relief the world. Moreover, shorting distances between us, what finally will end up on better and greater opportunities for everyone………………………………….
November 19th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
I don’t think it’s a victory but, progress.
applying pressure to get someone to do what they’d said they’d do.
the right thing ….
November 19th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
It used to be that 6 degrees of separation was the key to understanding an individual’s effective power. Now, it’s One degree with One! Steady as we go! Thank you!
November 19th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
It is so rewarding to know your voice can make a difference… I wish the whole world could see the power of involvement it is a beautiful thing… Now if we could work on the peace process and getting the world to see no matter what your beliefs, color, or way of life, under the skin we are all humans, we bleed the same and feel pain the same, if only we could all love the same.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I am so pleased and excited to read that every voice counts. Thank God for ONE ORG for caring and starting your organization, and for inviting me to be a part. . I am so honored to be part of your organization. It’s nice to hear that there are so many people out there who care,
All involved in helping the world are the “GREATEST” ones on earth.
GIVE LOVE/PEACE A CHANCE and see what happens……………………!
November 19th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Keep on keepin’ on!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I am so happy that it worked, ONE is the best, keep up the good work ONE!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
We did it! I’m so pleased!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
This is great! hopefully the future of Democracy and make our votes count.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Space is only as deep as one makes it. ONE makes it better! As ever be well. Stephen
November 19th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
How do you spell Hallelujah? GO ONE! There’s more work to be done!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Whoooooo! Hooooooo!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
It’s gratifying to see that we that have so much can collectively make a small impact to those less fortunate. I challenge every ONE member who reads this to share this experience with at least one non member. Fight the good fight.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Good Job ONE!
Hopefully ONE day we will no longer here of suffering through injustice, poverty, or sickness in any country!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Together we can all have a say in diplomatic activity. We can no longer ignore what happens outside our national borders. Popular diplomacy is the way forward thanks to organizations such as ONE and thanks also to the media and technology.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Nice ONE !!!!!!
Thanx to everyone who gives a damn ….
One Love..
November 19th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I hope there are guarantees that Liberia will actually invest in its people and not waste money on weaponry.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
That’s great !!! but we are just scratching the surface !! we have a long way to go !! Tks all !!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
It is interesting how it takes so long for people to accept that the injustices made few centuries ago have to be replaced somehow! Thanks to ONE, Liberian people will get their “social security”rights.This way they will be able to pay over their “debts” .
November 19th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
this is awesome….now i’m very happy cause i believe this progress is going to continue…..i’m proud of everyone who support ONE…..
November 19th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
These are great news:) I am so happy to hear that we have made it!! It was a good ONE.. Now let’s do some more:)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I am glad that I was able to help.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
That’s amazing! They have finally listened to our voice! Together we can make a difference. And it’s only the beginning! Thanks All!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Together we make ONE!! Yeeeyyyyy!!!!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
sincere thanks to everyone who helped!!!
i am surprised the IMF acknowledged the mailing and hope we can keep the momentum going.
we have alot of work left to do and this victory is definitely encouraging
November 19th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Good Job ONE ! ONE is the best !
November 19th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Please send a copy to each member of Congress, all the Presidential candidates, etc., and mention all the other emergencies that need addressing right now. Not the housing market or gas prices, but Darfur and Bangladesh and the civilians living in mess the U.S. has made of the Middle East.
west/Bend
November 19th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
I’M SO HAPPY I LOVE ONE . HAPPY THAT I WAS ABLE TOO HELP LOVE STEFANIE
November 19th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Awesome news! Way to go ONE members! We have been heard!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Not a day goes by that I don’t recognize my own good fortune; education, family, food and resources. I know that my daughter will have that too and I want that for our whole global community. I appreciate being able to see such a small and easy-to-do action that I can take in the course of my day can actually work and make a difference. Thanks ONE!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!!!! let follow this one all the way through..!!!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
I am so overwhelmed! This is awesome!! Im so glad for the new possibilities for Liberia
So glad that we did it!!!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Wow it feels great to think that you’ve made a difference in the world! And One is really working! this makes me want to do more pettitions and charity work, to see that it is working!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I’m glad to hear the good news, VIVA ONE
November 19th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
The Power of ONE speakes for millions. Thank you.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Good Job! I think the next step is the follow up to make sure the leaders of Liberia use resources towards poverty reduction, so the cycle does not repeat again. I am very glad that the ONE team was able to pull this goal and you can count on us for the next one.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Great news — and this is only the beginning. Good people can band together to change the world. Keep the faith!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
It is great to know what One joined with many can do! However, lets not break our arms patting ourself on the back, there is much more to be done.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
i never thought we could make a difference. Together we are a force!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
hello all.
I am a liberian living in liberia and is pleased to be a part of ONE.ORG
The debt cancellation on liberia is a salient issue at this time to invest in the human resources and the rebuilding of the socio-economic of liberia.
Let all be put into place for better coordination
November 19th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Now we should work on Brazil’s Debt! It is huge, and not only keeps the people in poverty, but also helps deforest the rain forest because it is one of the easiest natural resources to utilize.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Great news. It made me have a great smile when i read it on the mail!.
Let’s keep up the good work!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
How little it takes from those of us more furtunate to help out those in dire need…..a few notes here and there and united we stand!! A force to be reckoned with!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
GOOD news !!!
Alone we can do nothing but sure ALTOGETHER we can do MORE! and make a difference !
“Que ceux qui ont faim aient du pain ! Que ceux qui ontdu pain aient fim de justice et d’amour”
“To those who are hungry have bread ! To those who have bread be hungry of justice and love !”
(Abbé Pierre)
November 19th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Has anyone addressed the issue of what is given in exchange for the debt relief?
When the United States and other countries agreed to “forgive” those countries indebted to them they earned the right to sole foreign proprietorship within those countries. This means that any country which the U.S. has forgiven must allow U.S. and ONLY U.S. companies access to proprietorship within that country for a specific time period.
The debt relief has turned out to be just another way for the maligned people of these countries to become further oppressed by their governments who are willing to sale out their country’s resources to the western culture and also represents a failure on the part of western culture to acknowledge the ethics of care within these sensitive situations.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Its really great news, we did a difference together. Great day for all of us and we keep doing the good work because its do help
Have a nice smiling day all
November 19th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
thanks for the continous updates… it’s great to know that changes really do happen and start with ONE person…
November 19th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
its great job and great news.We did it!!
November 19th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
It is Great to see that so many people can care for others in this world. It gives hope for the future. It will be a long up hill battle to help get these people a better life, but it is worth the struggle.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
One step closer
November 19th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Great!!!!!
One for All. All for One.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Wonderful job everyone!!! We are ONE…
November 19th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
wooohooooooooo
November 19th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Super! I’m very happy!
November 19th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
i am so glad that we can acctualy make a diference! i hope for that every day! little things like these can change the world we live in! and this just makes me smile inside and out!
thank you!
November 19th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
To all ONE members, great stuff, what a victory. Let’s start working even harder to eradicate poverty and disease that our brothers and sisters are suffering in other struggling countries also. And work towards a world where there is no poverty,where there is love and peace and no disease. May Liberia be blessed by God, may we now work to end world poverty in other poverty stricken countries also.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
ONE Love…
+ PEACE + Prayers +
*JESBCUZ7
November 19th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
ONE Love…
+ PEACE + Prayers +
*JESBCUZ7
November 19th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
It’s great to see many standing as one to help others, but it’s only a drop in the well…much work ahead.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
If we’re all united, We ONE prove, that we can change the world in to a better place !!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic job , way to go !
November 19th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
This is so great. Gives me faith that maybe someone out there is listening. Blessings to all who responded in anyway.
Gogi Oregon
November 19th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Great!!!!!
ONE WORLD, ,ONE LIGHT,ONE HEART,ONE LOVE, ONE VOICE!!!!!
One for All. All for One.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
that is amazing. i’m so glad. this is one big step
November 19th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
sometimes its hard to keep pushing for change because it seems like we never get anywhere or if something does change theres always one more issue. but when i see that normal every day people like you and me can push a major institution like the IMF to make the necessary actions, it gives me hope.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
as one!
November 19th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
let´s do it
November 19th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Congratulations ONE! We did it again. Believe in the Lord for he makes all things possible.
Keep going, I’m right behind you and you have my fullest support. Poverty MUST end. Thanks once again for all those at ONE for all the hard work and tireless effort not forgetting all those who joined in to rally our support. Thanks also to IMF.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
It works I know. With voting, with money, whatever you want. The only thing is spread the word. I do as much as I can. Convince everybody. ONE this is the way to go-on!
It gives me hope, joy and love for a better world
November 19th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
It it great to see that people not only can make a difference,
but DO make a difference!
Thanks to ONE for conecting us with this opportunity
November 19th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I am glad, that I was able to make a difference along with so many others. One Can make a difference, I cant wait to do it again!
November 19th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
It’s working. We all can make a difference by juniting our voices.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
This is great! ONE is working well, and I am proud to be a member of such a devoted and sublime organization.