As the ONE congressional district leader for South Carolina’s 5th District, I’m happy to report that our grassroots efforts are picking up steam here in Rock Hill.

Local ONE members Alice Burmeister, Rev. Mary Catherine Young and I had the opportunity to sit down with Sen. Lindsey Graham’s, (R-S.C.), Piedmont Regional Outreach Director, Wes Hickman.

We had an excellent hour-long discussion with Wes about what brings each of us to the table as ONE advocates and why so many South Carolinians care about the fight against global poverty.

As a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, ONE member Alice witnessed the devastation of famine that continues today in a country where severe food insecurity caused by drought has been compounded by recent floods.

She pressed the need for sustainable agriculture as part of US development strategy and asked for Graham’s support of the Casey-Lugar Global Food Security Act. Investments in new technologies and basic infrastructure can eliminate the need for aid giving countries like Niger a “hand up” rather than a handout.

Rev. Young described the Episcopal Church’s commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and eradicating extreme poverty. So many people of diverse traditions in South Carolina and across the country are compelled by their faith to end suffering and advocate for smart development policy.

Wes also said that Graham, who was in Afghanistan at the time of our meeting, understands the important role that development plays in our own national security. We agreed that development should be elevated as part of a balanced foreign policy strategy.

With the support of more than 1,700 ONE members in the district, we’ve met with our members of Congress, delivered petitions, and hosted workshops and screenings to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of the world’s poorest people.

And we’re growing — we just recruited over 100 new members at Winthrop University this week.

Please join us on Facebook if you’re interested in getting involved with ONE South Carolina members.

- Phillip Reynolds, ONE congressional district leader, South Carolina

TAGS: From ONE Members, ONE, South Carolina