A Look Back
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ONE members accomplished so much in 2008. While we map out the next year, let’s take a minute to look back at our accomplishments:
- ONE Vote ’08: This election, ONE members met the candidates on the trail, wrote thousands of letters to other voters through our ONE-to-ONE program, got the candidates to go On The Record on global poverty – making ONE Vote ’08 a grassroots powerhouse. The candidates, media and voters across America took notice, bringing unprecedented attention to our issues and historic commitments to fight global poverty from both Barack Obama and John McCain. ONE Vote ’08 was also the winner of the prestigious Center for Global Development Commitment to Development Award for 2008.
- Fighting HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria: The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a historic commitment to fighting global AIDS, TB and malaria. After five successful years, it came up in Congress for reauthorization and expansion in 2008. Passing this next phase of PEPFAR was literally the difference between life and death for millions of people and ONE members worked for months to help make this landmark reauthorization happen. More than 100,000 ONE members wrote letters, made phone calls, and signed petitions to get PEPFAR through the House and past the block placed on it by a handful of opponents in the Senate. In the end, your efforts helped PEPFAR to pass the Senate with 80 votes. More importantly, your efforts mean the U.S. will provide care for 12 million AIDS patients, including five million orphans and treat at least 3 million people. It contains strong increases in investments in fighting TB and malaria, two diseases that are at their most devastating in the world’s poorest countries. And, in places desperate for doctors and nurses, PEPFAR will provide training for 140,000 new health care professionals.
- Global Hunger Crisis: Rising food prices and long overdue investments in agriculture in the developing world led to a global hunger crisis this year that shocked the world. The response from ONE members was overwhelming, with more than 150,000 signatures on our petition to President Bush asking for emergency relief and for the crisis to be added to the 2008 G8 summit agenda. While there is still much to do, our voices were heard and several nations committed to provide critical supplementary funds to deal with immediate shortages and commitments – which we will be following up on.
- EU Billion: In October and November, ONE launched a full-force effort to support a proposal in the European Commission to give €1 billion of unspent money from the European budget to struggling farmers in the developing world. We delivered our petition with more than 13,000 signatures to President Sarkozy’s advisors in Brussels and Alain Joyandet, the French Minister for development. ONE members through Europe then directly e-mailed their finance ministers, sending over 5,000 emails in a few short weeks. In the end, the Commission, Parliament, and Council agreed for give a full €1 billion for agriculture.
- Biden-Lugar Amendment to the 2009 Budget: The 2009 federal budget process that began early last year was a wild ride. At one point, the Senate proposed $4.1 billion dollars less than the President requested to the international affairs budget, which funds almost all anti-poverty programs. But ONE members didn’t back down, making thousands of phone calls and flooding Congress with petitions, culminating in the passage of the Biden-Lugar Amendment by an overwhelming 73 to 23 bipartisan vote to restore the full $4.1 billion in funding.
- Visit Africa: Back in February, more than 100,000 ONE members signed our petition asking the presidential candidates to pledge to visit Africa in their first term and the candidates heard you loud and clear. All four major party candidates in the race at that point – Senator Clinton, Governor Huckabee, Senator McCain, and Senator Obama – promised that, if elected, they would visit Africa in their first term – a huge victory in our ongoing efforts to focus on the next president’s attention on global poverty.
- Just ONE Question: Sometimes, even the most impressive actions you take don’t get the desired response. More than 125,000 ONE members signed our petition to Jim Lehrer and then Tom Brokaw, urging them to ask Just ONE Question on global poverty at the Presidential debates. Unfortunately, in the wake of the financial market collapse, the economy dominated the debates and our question did not get asked, making your successful efforts to talk to the candidates directly on the campaign trail all the more important.
- Bundestag Thank You: The German federal budget for 2009 featured an historic €800 million increase in development funds. To thank the German Parliament (Bundestag) for its efforts and remind their leaders to follow through on these promises, German ONE members – including celebrities such as actress Katja Riemann, film director Wolfgang Petersen, and entrepreneur Dirk Rossmann – signed a thank you card that was hand-delivered to the heads of the governing parties in the Bundestag, Volker Kauder (CDU/CSU) and Peter Struck (SPD). A postcard version was sent to all members of the CDU/CSU and SPD parties.
-Aaron Banks
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About the Blog
The ONE Blog is a daily log of the anti-poverty movement. The site is operated by ONE staff, with frequent contributions from volunteers, members and partner organizations.
The ONE Blog updates readers daily with the latest in global development news and analysis and what ONE members and our partners are doing around the world to influence world leaders in the fight against global poverty.
The content of each post and each comment represents the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ONE or ONE Action. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any post expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
January 6, 2009 at 11:07 am
Keep on keeping on.
Some day peace-loving people will reach critical mass and peace and justice will bloom on our tiny globe.
Aggression and war seem so unbalanced to me that each ought to be declared obsolete, perhaps even illegal. Someday soon perhaps . . .
January 6, 2009 at 11:08 am
Why hasn’t anyone from ONE org. contacted me re: my desire to volunteer to this group???? I just get emails from time to time. I’ve filled out the forms 2-3 times to volunteer. I am not in such a remote rural area but near major cities. I live in Orange County, NY.
Thank you for A REPLY.
January 6, 2009 at 11:29 am
we have a long road ahead… with the world economic disaster hitting everyone….
can we reduce the budgets, by reducing our number of politican’s? do we need countless congress people, do they need countless staff, maybe we can cancel there security staff… they want to cut the spending, we should cut them out! when they cut the funding for health care, for schools, for mass transportation, can we cut out there drivers? the govenor if new york, can we cut his salary, can e cut his benefits in half or out, let him pay his own way or contribute like the working class poor of America?
January 6, 2009 at 11:31 am
I’m happy ONE has achieved so much, especially with the economic crisis at hand in full swing! It’s something to be proud of indeed!!! I hope someday the problems in Africa are minimal. In our world of plenty it’s hard to believe so many still struggle just to have enough to eat each day. We must continue until Africa is also a world of plenty. It can be done!!!
January 6, 2009 at 11:33 am
Happy New Year to ONE and it’s countless members..
I see a lot of hope and potential in 2009,with a fresh new mind in office and so many people looking at life and peace in a new light because of organizations like this one.I say we keep pushing and going foward with all the goals we have as ONE people…and we can create a whole new country/world,slowly but surely.
Never give up the fight…
Until next time,
M. Longoria
January 6, 2009 at 11:59 am
While we have a long way to go, the progress is encouraging! We are facing an economic crisis here at home, but that doesn’t relieve us of the responsibilty to affect change (extreme poverty) around the globe. And for Christians, this is what is called true religion. I am very proud to a part of this group. People can and do make a difference in the lives of others! Keep it up! – David
January 6, 2009 at 12:00 pm
“When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.”
The words are not mind, but the strength behind them give meaning to the constant struggle to create a WHOLE world, A of Peace, Justice, and Encourgement for us all.
January 6, 2009 at 12:04 pm
We should all be proud of the many acomplishments achieved this past year however, one blatant issue that lurks menacingly is the acceptance and lack of outrage the occured when the voters of California narrowingly passed Proposition 8. This was a vote by the “majority” ( passing only by 4% ) to take away civil rights from another class of people,….. a minority.
Where is the outcry from all of the fair minded people and other minorities,…..african americans, latinos, asians and anyone else who knows what it means to have people direct their prejudice at you. It appears that Gays are the last group of people that the public seems to think that it is OK to outwardly diminish.
I am ashamed that this could have occured.and hope that the Callifornia Supreme Court will uphold their original decision that no one group can vote away the civil rights for another specifically if it is motivated by archaic religious beliefs.
To all that is fair and right,
Robert Mayer
January 6, 2009 at 12:09 pm
The economic crisis points up the fact that the only war worth fighting is the war on poverty. If all the people in the US living below the poverty level were gathered into one state, it would be the largest state in the union. Just think of the contribution those folks could be making to our economy, what hidden leadership skills lie wasted there, for lack of opportunity! The same is true in the third world: so much wasted human potential. Our economic woes should be making us more concerned about poverty, at home and abroad, not less concerned.
January 6, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I have read that 10 billion dollars could resolve the clean water issue world wide. If that is true, why don’t the rich — including Bono — just provide the needed funds. That appears to be pocket change to the really wealthy. Do I see a double standard at work here?
January 6, 2009 at 12:29 pm
There is no question that this is a pressing issue..There should be some innovative
ways to tackle the problem of poverty…world-wide. I think tha all the old molds have been
exausted….I know that there are enough intelligent …..financially intelligent people in this world
that could suggested some untried alternatives to fight this crisis….We need to listen to them now!
January 6, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Thank you for publishing this reflection e-mail. It was very encouraging to see what we all can do when we group together and have one voice. It can be very discouraging to see and hear all the bad news around the world and it’s so refreshing to hear some good news.
Thanks!
January 6, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Thank God for one.org and those willing to stand up for those that can not. God willing, one day all humans will have an equal opportunity to be self-sufficient.
January 6, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Peace, Love, Purpose of Heart, and Gratitude!
Joining One wasn’t done without deep convictions. Going beyond concepts and finding within a “Truth” that is not manmade, and can help humanity (all Beings) relieve suffering is a State of Being (Hope) that doesn’t cling to illusions. In my own lifetime so far, I have been disillusioned by many ideals, believing in a false hope that either a person or idea would provide. Yet, the understanding of real human beings, without labels, (American, Israeli, Russian, African, etc., or gender bias, or age) connected through One Channel (the human spiritual heart) and feeling the joys and sorrows globally that all beings share, is a miracle that isn’t manmade.
The day an e-mail arrived “My name is Lt. Shane Kimbrough, and I am on the International Space Station orbiting 200 miles above the earth,” shattered any previous concept held limiting the potential of the human spirit to effectively do good and make positive changes in the world. The perspective he shared, was a sober reality, yet it carried the Hope to transcend manmade boundaries that prevent us from sharing equally the resources for all inhabitants to live in harmony and meeting basic needs.
Thank you so much for the many comments already posted. Much cause to reflect on the conditions created by humanity; yet much celebration to reflect on the changes humanity can make.
Thank you David Lane for initiating One for the opportunity to channel the human spirit
with the intention of doing good in the World and Being A Part Of Change, Making A Difference!
May Blessings manifest for all Beings in 2009!
January 6, 2009 at 1:07 pm
No, thank you, David and ONE for making this all possible. You’re using technology and knowledge to powerful and constructive ends. In the world today, we desperately need more of ONE type of action. Results and constant action are necessary for any true and meaningful progress to be made, given any endeavor. It’s an honor and pleasure to be on your team.
January 6, 2009 at 2:23 pm
This has been a year of growing for me. Being involved in ONE has made me appreciate everything I have and enjoy momments others do not get the joy of having. Thank you for bringing me into the fold of your campaign to help those who cannot help themselves! I believe we can all make a difference even if we have no money to contribute to the cause, we can give of our time. Happy New Years to everyone involved in ONE!
January 6, 2009 at 2:28 pm
If every one of us takes just one step, a tidal wave will result. My one step is in a little town in Rwanda where I have adopted a school and a family with the help of Rwandan expats who fled the country in the genocide of 1994. Your step doesn’t have to be in Africa .. it can be in your own back yard.
January 6, 2009 at 3:47 pm
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/3244096/37975816
January 6, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Check out this new report from researchers at Harvard on the impact of school breakfast on children’s health and learning http://www.sodexofoundation.org/hunger_us/Images/Impact%20of%20School%20Breakfast%20Study_tcm150-212606.pdf
January 6, 2009 at 5:10 pm
My New Years resolution is to stick to what I put my mind to. Accomplish all endeavors and keep a sound mind, body, and soul. Go outside the box and explore other possibilities. Only change the things that I can change and leave the rest up to God and Obama.
January 6, 2009 at 6:44 pm
i love what individuals can accomplish and it only gets better when you group us all together. we got this if only we just keep trying.
January 6, 2009 at 10:21 pm
As others have said here too, I want to sincerely thank you, ONE, for leading us and helping us make a difference. It is a wonderful feeling to recognize that I am part of a whole that is all good!
January 7, 2009 at 12:39 am
Thank you David for giving us a voice and taking on the issues that affect us all! Continue the great work as we head forward knowing we can all make a difference when we think as ONE.
January 7, 2009 at 1:40 am
what can ONE person do?
i can choose to continue my life as it is
or i can take action, with many, as ONE
and help others to obtain the elemental privilege of life
that most of us live, without incident
with all of the violence and killing on this planet
and our mundane diffrences…
there are those who wish to simply live
we all have a story to tell
do not let
hunger, poverty, or disease
deprive this world from ONE story of
hope, kindness, and humanity
as we look ahead
there is still so much to do
everyone of you, i will follow…
the radiant and the contagious
with hope
January 7, 2009 at 9:28 am
This was my first year with ONE and I am so glad that I got involved! We all did a great job this year and I cant wait til we get back in action!!!!
January 8, 2009 at 8:46 am
It is such a joy to see what our collective voices have done together. I hope that we can lockstep with President Obama as he embarks on putting the “human” back in humanity. He understands that you start from the bottom up; not the top down. I’m ready, let’s roll.
January 8, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I’m glad to see all the positive comments for ONE in this thread. I pray that we can continue to work together as a national & international social activist group for Africa’s Future and for the elimination of AIDS & extreme poverty around the world.
I have ONE additional comment regarding Misty’s and others’ comments – ONE is ALWAYS in action. ONE should never be perceived as only in action when the DC office asks us to participate in an action alert.
ONE is YOU taking our message and our goals into YOUR community 365 days a year!
The more that we can see ourselves as ONE grassroots organizers instead of ONE volunteers (a la the Barack Obama organizing strategy), the quicker we will be able to accomplish our goals for the People of Africa and the rest of the world.
All the Best for 2009.
ALWAYS FOREVER, ONE – debbie
http://www.mpwn-uganda.org
January 8, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Thank you to One.org for giving us the oportunity to enable you to do great things. I was encouraged to be reminded of the successes we have had through out 2008. I wonder when giving these encouraging updates, might it be appropriate to include or mention other key players in making the successes happen. For example One.org may be involved in many projects that AVAAZ.org may have also worked to bring change to… (Note I am not in any way shape or form involed in AVAAZ.org, other than I think they too do great things.)
Here’s to a better 2009! Rosaleen Crotty
January 8, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Such a GREAT Idea, Becoming ONE may just be the Natural ORDER of ALL LIFE
January 8, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Mr. Phong H. Nguyen My Brother, I think you have said it all. Becoming ONE is what it is all about.
Bless you, Mr. Nguyen!
January 9, 2009 at 12:08 am
Ms. Rosaleen Crotty says: “I wonder when giving these encouraging updates, might it be appropriate to include or mention other key players in making the successes happen. For example One.org may be involved in many projects that AVAAZ.org may have also worked to bring change to…” I am just starting my membership with AVAAZ.org, but I would also like to name another group they are associated with
http://globalvoicesonline.org
They have translators, so people who normally couldn’t communicate with others now can have a voice. It is an initiative of Harvard’s. During the Olympics in China, I got to read what was happening behind the scenes due to this site. People who China wanted silenced weren’t. And although main stream media didn’t mention the aggression in Georgia they had up to the minute reports. There are topics from all over the world. Thank God censorship is not as easy as it used to be.
January 9, 2009 at 10:15 am
poverty is a deadly dieases that is claiming the life of somany in africa, everyday seing people dying in my continent(africa) of poverty has left me in tears and fear,some rich people attitud toward the lessprivillage has even made the matter worst, infact without people like ONE MEMBER i would have indeed thought its over for africa but ur effort towards erradication of poverty in africa has realy given me hope, i now believe that together we can resue africa from this deadly dieases, yes we can.
January 10, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Nothing changes if nothing changes.