Seven days ago, a group of 100 student activists and I met in our nation’s capital for the ONE Campus Challenge Power 100 Summit to focus on the challenge of eliminating extreme poverty within their generation’s time. In attendance were some highly influential and key Washington figures that delivered some motivational speeches that gave the student activists some incite on how truly influential the student movement is.

The group met in Washington DC on January 2nd and enjoyed an array of speakers which included public health specialists, senior fellows, CEO’s, government officials and White House aids. The list of speakers in attendance is much too long to share in its entirety but some in attendance included; former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich; former Senate Majority Leader, William Frist M.D.; Author and First Daughter, Jenna Bush.

The summit built enthusiasm for many. The purpose of ONE is not to raise money to feed poor people but to change the way the US and others do business and set policies in the world. ONE is a movement to build awareness of what it means to exist in extreme poverty and what it takes to break out of the cycle. It became clear that ONE is an advocacy not a charity. Many of the speakers made mention that the honor was more theirs not ours to attend. As many historical events have shown in the past – what government will not do – college student will take upon themselves to do.

The summit attendees took pride in sharing efforts which have already been achieved in the recent past, for example, the successful debt relief effort in Liberia. In addition, attendees look forward to upcoming efforts to push for legislative action of the Jubilee Bill and further work toward the Millennium Development Goals.

The attendees of the Power 100 Summit are participants in the ONE Campus Challenge – a student movement to eradicate extreme poverty and address global health issues.

-Rebecca Hoffer – UNLV student rep.