Minnesota is ONE State Against Global Poverty and Disease
August 20th, 2008 at 3:32 pm | posted by Chris.Scott
Minnesota ONE members gathered in their State Capitol today to celebrate Minnesota officially becoming a “ONE State” united against global poverty and preventable disease.
Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the ONE State proclamation at an event held in the Governor’s Reception Room at the Capitol, which was also attended by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), local faith leaders and other officials from both political parties. Gov. Pawlenty and Sen. Klobuchar showcased the ways Minnesotans can get involved in efforts to save lives from extreme poverty and preventable disease in Africa and poor regions around the world. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak (D-MN) and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman (D-MN) also signed declarations earlier in the week making their respective cities official “ONE Cities.”
Check out Fox 9 Morning News’s fantastic clip about the morning’s celebration!
ONE Field Organizer Libby Crimmings will post soon about her experience on the ground in Minnesota!
-Chris Scott
August 20th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Congratulations to the real heroes of this effort - the thousands of ONE members and volunteers around the state of Minnesota.
Please continue to STAND UP against AIDS and extreme poverty in our world.
AS ONE, debbie
www.mpwn-uganda.org
August 20th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I wasn’t certain what Governor Pawlenty, Senator Klobuchar, and Bishop Rogness would say during this mornings Press Event at The State Capital however I am happy to report that in addition to recognizing the efforts of the ONE Campaign and the volunteers across Minnesota who work diligently to raise awareness of extreme poverty and preventable, treatable diseases, that each one of these leaders spoke with heartfelt knowledge about the issues addressed by The ONE Campaign.
With all politics aside, I felt each one of these leaders connected with the invited audience members and the press on the plight that faces millions of people in developing countries, and the compelling reasons why we must act here in America. As a result of their leadership and action by declaring Minnesota a State of ONE, I believe more recognition of these issues will take hold in Minnesota and prompt citizens in this state to uphold America’s commitment to help the poorest around the world.
Closing with an excellent reminder from Secretary of State Mark Ritchie on Minnesota’s legacy toward good acts and the resources we have here in pressing for an end of hunger and disease, and acknowledging our leaders renewal of this commitment, I know that this can be done if we work together as one.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:52 am
Congratulations to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this a reality. Special kudos to you, Rochelle. As a former Minnesotan, I am proud of what all of you have accomplished in making Minnesota a leader, pointing the way for other states to follow.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Cool event! And I will be even more happy when candidates for office make a firm commitment for the policies and money we need to succeed in this fight. Al Franken! Norm Coleman! Sign the AIDS Action Council & Global AIDS Alliance Fund’s pledge for leadership on AIDS at home and abroad!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:03 pm
An excellent and important post from David Bryden.
We must always remember that ultimately it is NOT the photo opportunities for the politicans that should be important to us in our movement to end AIDS and extreme poverty but what those politicians do for the world’s poor when the limelight is not on them.
ALWAYS ONE in the Spirit, debbie
www.mpwn-uganda.org