What A Day
March 14th, 2008 at 4:04 pm | posted by Josh Chernila, ONE Online Communities Coordinator
My name is Sammi Fredenburg. I’m from Seattle, but yesterday I was in Washington, D.C., to represent ONE and talk about the Global Child Survival Act.
The day started with a House of Representatives’ committee hearing where Senator Frist spoke on the incredible need for this legislation. He presented the committee with thousands of letters from ONE members, some of whom were in the audience with me.
He also brought vitamin A drops and the simple oral rehydration therapy that can save children’s lives in developing areas, and pointed out just how difficult it is to get these resources into people’s hands there.
Also at the hearing, Congressman Chris Shays of Connecticut talked about the work of groups like ONE, Save the Children, and the U.S. Coalition for Child Survival. He pointed out that the work of organizations like these has been more effective than the work of lawmakers in bringing change to people’s lives on these issues.
After the hearing, we met with reporters. CNN was there. So were a number of newspaper and online reporters. Senator Frist spoke, and then introduced me. I shared my personal story with the reporters as I have shared on this blog before. For me, the bottom line is simple: Every year, nearly 10 million children under the age of 5 die from largely preventable and treatable causes. That’s someone’s son or someone’s daughter dying every three seconds, nearly 27,000 children in the developing world today. We should do everything we can to save these children’s lives. And the Global Child Survival Act is an important step toward that goal.
I was thrilled to be at the Capitol, representing ONE and urging Congress to pass this legislation. I look forward to coming back to Washington when the bill is being signed into law. Yesterday was a great day, but that day will be incredible.
[Photos care of Paul Morigi - more photos here.]
-Sammi Fredenburg
March 14th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
WOW! Ya Sammi! Ya Sen. Frist and Rep. Shays! Go ONE!
March 14th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
SUPER work sammi!!! way to go team!!!
March 14th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I’d cheer for Shays caring about child health and welfare if he hadn’t just voted against a budget that funded children’s health care.
Shays tries to pretend to be liberal on issues like poverty, but he votes for Bush’s tax cuts for the richest while voting against funding for children’s health.
March 14th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Amazing work Sammi!
March 14th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Congratulations to everyone. This is incredibly important work.
March 14th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Go Sammi Go!!!!!!!!!
March 14th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Way to go Sammi!!!!!!
Kepp up the good work
March 15th, 2008 at 5:20 am
Way to go Sammi. You make the ONE Campaign proud!
March 15th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
You ROCK SAMMI!
Keep up your AWESOME work!
We are so proud of you!!!!
March 15th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Sammi, back here in Snohomish County Washington (the other Washington!) we are incredibly proud of you! Thank you for continuing to speak for the children. All the best,
Teresa–Snohomish County RESULTS
March 15th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
It is amazing that no one answered Both Way Shays’ remark - I guess reality is not always something that certain people want to deal with.
The simple fact is this - even with all the visibility that ONE has achieved in the last four years of its existence, we are still an advocacy group that are offered photo ops with politicos (especially if Bono is involved) and promised increases in the programs that we support to end AIDS and extreme poverty but then have to risk losing billions of dollars of funding in each budget year when these same politicos go back into the halls of Congress!
Does everybody here have such short term memory that they can’t remember when Mr. Frist was the Majority Leader of the Senate and WE HAD TO LOBBY HIM to fulfill the promises that the Senate under his leadership had made to our movement?
If we have such great friends in Congress, why do we have to fight so hard for funding for programs that these politicians KNOW are a good investment for U.S. security and public perception?
This is not to negate Mr. Frist’s current concerns and/or participation in our movement - it is much welcomed.
It is only to SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT and to warn those of us in this thread (and elsewhere) who want to throw the confetti at every slight possible movement forward to slow down and to be MORE STRATEGIC in your thinking and in your actions.
What is needed by ONE members is simply this - more GRASSROOTS efforts to mobilize YOUR community and less focus on smiling standing next to a whitebanded politician who just might prove to be dodgy down the road.
WE CAN’T COUNT ON THEM but we can count on us.
EVERY MONTH in my community, I am at some public event at a church or a school or a community festival (this month it was the SXSW music conference) bringing over to ONE at least fifty new members each month to ONE.
I have done this for the last FOUR YEARS without a whole lot of support from elsewhere.
But I don’t need for my face to show up constantly in the ONE blog to do what I know needs to be done. I do what I do for ONE for the People of Africa - for the friends that I have there now, for the friends there that I have lost along the way from AIDS and other illnesses and for their orphaned children that I help to support without any kudos from anyONE else because most of what I do for Africa is kept private.
I have been a ONE supporter and volunteer from its beginning and I will be WITH ONE until AIDS & extreme poverty is no more.
But I just think that before we bring out the balloons and party hats, we have to always keep things in perspective - which is sorely missing in this thread.
Let’s hope that this bill does become legislation - not for another photo op but for the children of the world.
AS ONE, debbie
March 15th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
You know Debbie K, you just can’t help yourself from replying, can you?
“It is only to SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT and to warn those of us in this thread (and elsewhere) who want to throw the confetti at every slight possible movement forward to slow down and to be MORE STRATEGIC in your thinking and in your actions.”
And yet you grab at the confetti whenever YOU can get it, don’t you? Isn’t that why you are always self promoting yourself, in EVERY single post wherever you go?
“What is needed by ONE members is simply this - more GRASSROOTS efforts to mobilize YOUR community and less focus on smiling standing next to a whitebanded politician who just might prove to be dodgy down the road.”
Jealous, jealous, jealous.
Oh, and here’s more of the self promo, looking for your own *confetti*:
“EVERY MONTH in my community, I am at some public event at a church or a school or a community festival (this month it was the SXSW music conference) bringing over to ONE at least fifty new members each month to ONE.
I have done this for the last FOUR YEARS without a whole lot of support from elsewhere.”
“But I don’t need for my face to show up constantly in the ONE blog to do what I know needs to be done. I do what I do for ONE for the People of Africa - for the friends that I have there now, for the friends there that I have lost along the way from AIDS and other illnesses and for their orphaned children that I help to support without any kudos from anyONE else because most of what I do for Africa is kept private.”
It is??? You mention it in EVERY single post you make, whatever the topic.
“But I just think that before we bring out the balloons and party hats, we have to always keep things in perspective - which is sorely missing in this thread.”
Jealous, jealous, jealous.
March 15th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
(((Sammi))) keep up the good work!
March 15th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Dear Sammi,
I know you have a lot going on this week, but I want to thank you for being there to testify. You have clearly demonstrated the difference one individual can make, and I am honored to be part of the movement with you.
Your passion and committment are extraordinary - you are truly a leader.
Peace,
Charles
March 16th, 2008 at 10:25 am
GEM, I don’t know who you are but my background in this movement is well-established. I have worked BEHIND THE SCENES in this movement for years.
Those that need to know in DC are aware of the signed petitions that I send in regularly to them with new ONE members.
Getting out in your community, creating new awareness where you live for ONE was the basis on which Bono started the ONE Campaign. I am only fulfilling that original agenda.
Many of us around the country are doing this very hard yet ESSENTIAL work for ONE.
And whether or not we receive public acknowledgement for what we do, we continue to do it because it is the RIGHT THING TO DO for the People of Africa.
The interesting thing about your post, GEM (it would have been nice for you to use your birth name so that we would know who you are) is that I never brought up Mrs. Fredenburg’s name - you did.
Are you a personal friend of hers trying to defend her? Why would you even feel the need to attack me about her if you weren’t personally invested someway with her?
My comments were surrounding politicians like Shays and Frist. I used them as examples of how distrustful that we have to be in our movement to end extreme poverty of politicians (who are quitechangeable in their affiliations) and who may be our friends in one photo op one year and then be at the forefront of cutting our program funding the next year.
How come you never addressed the whole contention of my post but tried to extend it into an area of conversation that I NEVER BOUGHT UP?
Honestly, I think that you and all the other posters that I never see posting in this forum except when Mrs. Fredenburg’s name is mentioned may be the disingenuous ones posting here.
You have the right to post about issues, GEM and others, but YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO ATTACK OTHERS HERE.
This is not a U2 fansite and unfortunately many do not understand that fact.
How about some discussion about the issues that I raised about politicians and the grassroots-building work of ONE?
That is the discussion that I bet Bono would really wnat us to have.
ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE - debbie
March 16th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
??? No, the interesting thing is that I never brought up Sammi’s name in this post at all. And why would you mention this is not a U2 fansite??
I just think its funny, that every time Sammi’s name gets mentioned here, you post negative comments about it. Doesn’t appear to happen when other people submit blog posts or are featured in a *photo* op.
I think you have a point about Shays and Frist, UNTIL you said the following:
“It is only to SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT and to warn those of us in this thread (and elsewhere) who want to throw the confetti at every slight possible movement forward to slow down and to be MORE STRATEGIC in your thinking and in your actions.”
That about sums up the real motivation of your post.
“How come you never addressed the whole contention of my post but tried to extend it into an area of conversation that I NEVER BOUGHT UP?” ~ Oh, but you do bring it up, every time you mentioned how much work you do, in the BACKGROUND, wanting no ACKNOWLEDGEMENT whatsoever. I’m simply just sick and tired of you doing this, is all.
Good day.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
It’s great to know there are people in the world like Sammi Fredenburg that even when all the Debbies in the world are full of envy and negativity, they are still doing the good work …
go, Sammi, go!!! =)
Saludos
Max
March 16th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Debbie K, politicians are human beings just like you and I. They make mistakes, they take positions that they regret, their jobs sometimes require them to do things that they would rather not do. I am not defending Congressman Shays or Senator Frist. But I think that whatever has happened in the past, should be just that- in the past. Let’s give them and particularly Sammi all the credit and praise that we can. We are all working for the same thing here. Let’s not lose sight of that. Peace and love.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Dear Sammi, I’m so very proud of you.
whether you’re campaigning in the street or lobbying at the Capital, ONE is where your heart is. Thanks for always being such an inspiration.
Walk on!
March 17th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I think (no, really I do) that we would all be served by not letting personal feelings get involved in this. Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand. We have a common goal and attacking each other not only takes energy away from that goal, but destroys our house. If you don’t like self promotion, fine. Read the blog, shake your head and go on. If you feel you have to give yourself kudos, fine. But don’t be surprised when rocks are thrown at your glass house.
We need to work with politicians to accomplish our own ends, but politics is a game with incredible stakes and if we can’t accept that the only thing sure on both sides of the aisle is glad handing and making empty promises then we are in the wrong area of helping. Our house cannot be divided or we will fail and there are too many lives depending on us to fail.
Good job Sammi!!
Kenny Harvey
March 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
To put everything into perspective- we all are here for one common cause- and that is the peopl e of Africa and other poverty stricken countries. Certain people do tend to promote their own activities for the group. While their fight for ONE is great and maybe they are or are not well rooted in the movement, sometimes that self promotion is not necessary. Highlighting how you consistantly devote yourself to ONE and how much time and money you give sometimes is a turn off to people who are looking for an outlet to channel their own support with. By seeing people who consistantly flaunt how much money and time they give makes some who are searching for something a little bit put off because they cannot contribute as much. I know this to be fact as people have commented to me in my area before about such responses and self-promotion. Instead of showing blatant support and commenting on I have done this or that, I think Sammi’s lead and show her devotion by action not by words on how much have or have not been done. It does not matter how long you have been active in ONE or how much you contribute! It matters that you are here- whether it is five minutes of support or five years of support! Remember it is about global poverty in Africa and other countries- not look at me I have done so much for ONE, Ive met Bono, and everything inclusive to such. If it is not about receiving public acknowledgement for your own actions, don’t boast your resume of contributions! Let’s look to people like Sammi who are working quietly to make things happen!!
It doesn’t matter if we are speaking for Africa or with Africa- awareness is being created! That is key! ONE by ONE we can make a difference, but we must do it selflessly and whole heartedly. Sometimes a “Good work” is all that is necessary when one is accomplishing something- not a personal pat on the back in the very next post. Let’s tone it down and remember who we are here for- not ourselves- we are here for ONE!
March 17th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
This was a strong representation by ONE and hard work, I’m sure, congratulations. We just found out the day after the hearing that Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) confirmed verbally he will co-sign HR2266.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I have done some reflecting on the manner in which I posted, and can only apologize for my lack of discretion. While I still believe what I believe, I am disappointed that I let my irritation get the better of me. Not only is my post inappropriate for this forum, it tarnishes a blog entry about a stunning accomplishment and the hard work of many individuals, and leaves a bad taste in my mouth - and for that, I am truly sorry.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Gem i,
Speaking for myself, there is no need for you to apologize. All of us feel very passionate about what ONE is accomplishing and working to accomplish. All of us are very proud of Sammi and everything that she has done. Having said that, I think that we can honestly disagree with each other, and not have it reflect negatively on our unity of purpose. I appreciate your feelings and your passion, and respect your right to express yourself. Peace and love.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Good Job Sammi!
Congratulations!
(((Sammi)))
March 21st, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Sorry I’m so late in responding to this.
Sammi, I’m so very proud of you.
You deserve this moment. This is a victory for all because this is a victory for ONE. We are ONE. And I thank you for being an inspiration and the voice for millions.
((((((SAMMI))))))
March 22nd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
((((Sammi)))))
Awesome work sister. Really amazing work.
Love you
March 22nd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
((((((Sammi)))))
Great job, we’re all so very proud of you!