I can’t believe we’re in the middle of January already! After months of hard work and dedication ONE members across the state of Iowa showed the nation that we not only stand up for Democracy but we stand up to fight extreme poverty as well.

ONE’s Iowa caucus project proved extremely successful with almost 700 registered participants around the state. ONE members and supporters wore T-shirts, bands and stickers for visibility. They also submitted and passed planks about extreme poverty to their county platform committee in hopes of eventually getting a plank put in on the state party platform.

At my location alone there were 3 people in ONE T-shirts! At the location across the street a ONE member was nominated to be the precinct caucus secretary, which was the location CSPAN was showing live across the country! Other members reported their whole families showing up in ONE shirts!

There were thousands of media people here from all over the world, and many of them were asking about ONE and what we are doing. We had a table set up at the convention center in Des Moines where most of the media outlets called home base. Our CEO David Lane came to speak with the press during a ONE reception along with State Co-Chair Former Governor Terri Branstad.

I would like to thank everyone who was instrumental along the path to this day. For every staff member, volunteer, campaign staffer, candidate, or just ONE member- thank you for everything you have done to help. To everyone who has volunteered time, tabled at events, blogged, written Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor, asked the candidates tough questions, and supported ONE at your caucus; Thank You! When it came time for Iowa’s turn in the spotlight, we sure know how to shine!

Always remember: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a singe step.”

This is just the beginning!

-Libby Pederson