We’ve all been reading the headlines, and watching the news about the financial crisis. These are truly hard times for people all around the world.

President Obama and his new economic team, including Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, have a huge job ahead of them. They have been facing down a growing economic crisis and recession in the United States from day one.

But while we must work for economic justice at home, we must also not forget our brothers and sisters across the globe in this time of need. That’s why Jubilee USA has launched the What’s On Your Heart? Campaign. Over 6,000 people across the country have already sent handmade hearts and postcards to remind Timothy Geithner that as Americans we care about issues at home and also about our sisters and brothers around the world. The hearts will be delivered to Geithner personally by a delegation of religious leaders, including Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners and Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

There are two really simple ways to get your message to the new Treasury Secretary

1. DO IT YOURSELF: Make a heart telling the Treasury Secretary “what’s on your heart,” with your own message or click here for suggestions. Sign it with your name, address, phone number, and email address. Mail your heart to: Jubilee USA Network / 212 E. Capitol St. NE / Washington, DC 20003.
2. Sign the online postcard.

The deadline to take action is February 20th, 2009.

Amanda Beckham, a senior at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and recent attendee of the Power 100 summit had this to say about why she is involved:

The reason I decided to fill out a postcard, and to empower others to do the same, is because not only is it one of ONE’s issues, but it resonates with my personal humanitarian beliefs. I believe that in conjunction with clean water and substantial food, as well as proper education, there is no way these countries are going to develop and thrive economically and sustainably, if they have debt looming over their heads…These are the reasons I want to be a part of this movement, and I can’t just sit back and think that someone else will take care of it… writing a postcard is the absolute least I can do, but every little bit counts… I also hope others will feel this same altruistic obligation to help our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

We encourage you, your friends, and community members to join Amanda and thousands of other people in sending messages to Timothy Geithner, reminding him that he should do everything he can to address global and domestic poverty. Thanks you for all you do!

-Mercedes Mack, Jubilee USA