January 3rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm | posted by Aaron.Banks
It’s Caucus Day in Iowa and a great time for Iowa ONE members and all of us to take a look at the what the candidates said in response to our demands that they go on the record on extreme poverty and global disease.
A note and video for Iowans from Jason Walsmith, Mike Butterworth of the Iowa-based, ONE supporting band the Nadas:
We’ve always been big supporters of the ONE Campaign. When we were given the opportunity to work closely with the campaigns newest initiative, ONE Vote 08, we were really excited to get involved. Since this summer, we’ve participated in many events with ONE including the launch of the campaign here in Iowa and the RAGBRAI concert with Blue’s Traveler in Cedar Falls. We have also showed our support by wearing ONE t-shirts, and letting people sign up to become members at our concerts.
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to get involved with ONE! As January 3rd rapidly approaches it is critical that we all get out and make our voices heard during the Iowa caucuses. Its fun, it’s easy, and as first in the nation it’s an experience unique to Iowa. It doesn’t matter who you’re supporting or what party you are affiliated with, what matters is that you can made a difference.
While you’re caucusing, why not support a great cause like ONE at the same time? Wear a ONE T-shirt, give bands and stickers to your friends and submit a plank to your party’s platform. It’s super easy and you can sign up online at:
After you’ve signed up, ONE will send you a free T-shirt, bands, stickers and a packet of information about caucusing for ONE. You can make a difference in Iowa and around the world, start by caucusing for ONE.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:41 am | posted by Virginia Simmons
ONE member Brianna Shepard from Santa Monica, CA, wrote this letter to a likely Iowa caucus-goer. We liked the letter so much that we’re amplifying her voice by mailing it to 8,000 more Iowans.
I am writing you from Santa Monica California, a long way from Iowa. You may have guessed in this political season that this is a political note — it is, but with a different message which I am hopeful you will read.
In this letter I am not asking you to vote for a particular candidate, or even a party. I am asking you, a fellow citizen, to take a few minutes to consider extreme poverty and global disease and how our presidential candidates plan to put the leadership of our great country to work, to help millions of people around the world lift themselves out of poverty.
As a concerned ONE member, an organization with 2.4 million members including thousands in Iowa, I am asking you to find out where the candidates stand on issues of extreme poverty and global disease by visiting ONE Action’s On The Record campaign at www.onevote08.org/otr which has video from the presidential candidates and a tool that lets you compare their plans to achieve the following goals:
• Reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis;
• Eradicating malaria;
• Improving child and maternal health;
• Achieving universal primary education;
• Cutting in half the number of people without clean water or enough food.
Helping people help themselves, by ending extreme poverty and global disease, is the right thing to do, no matter which candidate you vote for. So, when you go into your caucus, I ask you to please think about which candidate has the best plan to tackle these important issues and to help change our entire world for the better.
Thank you for your concern.
Sincerely,
Brianna Shepard, ONE member
Santa Monica, CA
December 20th, 2007 at 11:39 am | posted by Virginia Simmons
ONE member Jillian Slater of Minneapolis’s letter to Iowa caucus-goers.
I’m not going to be caucusing on January 3rd. In fact, I don’t live in Iowa and I’ve never met you. I’m not a member of the U.S. government, or being paid to send out a mass letter to a number of people on a list. I’m a hair stylist from Minnesota, a typical 9-5er, so to speak, and I’m taking the time to write to you today because there is an issue that I care deeply about.
I’m not asking you to vote for a particular candidate, or even a party. I’m just hoping you’ll take a few minutes to learn about extreme poverty and global disease and how the presidential candidates plan to put American leadership to work to help millions of people around the world lift themselves out of poverty.
I know it’s hard to involve yourself in such an issue when it doesn’t hit close to home, but it shouldn’t have to! Imagine yourself in their position…no way out. If we find it necessary to get involved with issues in Iraq and the Middle East as a whole, why should we not take concern with the masses of people around the world hurting as a result of poverty and disease? I’m not a saint, or anything close to it, I just have a heart that beats with a passion for those less fortunate. I know you do to. You have an amazing chance to do something about it.
ONE has put together a pretty interesting website called On The Record www.onevote08.org/otrwith video from the presidential candidates and a tool that lets you compare their plans to achieve the following goals:
• Reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis;
• Eradicating malaria;
• Improving child and maternal health;
• Achieving universal primary education;
• Cutting in half the number of people without clean water or enough food.
Ending extreme poverty and global disease is the right thing to do, will make the world a safer place and is within our power. When you go into your caucus, think about which candidate has the best plan to tackle these issues and to help change our world for the better. Remember, it’s not as far from home as you may think. Please reach inside your heart and take action… It’s up to you!
Sincerely,
Jillian Slater, ONE Member
Minneapolis, IN
December 20th, 2007 at 11:38 am | posted by Virginia Simmons
ONE member Pamela Kombe of Kissimmee, FL, wrote this letter to a likely Iowa caucus-goer as part of our “ONE to one” campaign. We thought it was great and decided to maximize her voice by mailing to 8,000 more Iowans.
My name is Pamela Kombe. I’m writing today to talk about extreme poverty and global disease - issues I care deeply about.
First let me tell you I grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh, slightly upper middle class. In the beginning I saw my parents struggle and I thought we were poor. But as I grew up, I understood more about poverty. In 2004 I married a man from Kenya, Africa, a wonderful man, with strong family values and an unbelievable work ethic. This man knew first hand of poverty in its ugliest meaning. All of my husband’s family still lives in Kenya, the challenges they face everyday are unlike anything you and I could ever imagine.
To imagine your own mother missing meals for days, to be sick with malaria, and not be able to get the medication because it’s so expensive. To not have clean drinking water. To watch her 25 yr old son die of AIDS, in an agonizing way that is preventable with affordable medical care. These are things we deal with, and we do everything we can to make their life easier in any way possible.
You may have seen ONE members at campaign events or our ads in newspapers or on TV. We're committed to making sure the next president of the United States is a strong leader in the struggle to end global poverty, and I hope you will join us and caucus for the candidate that you think has the best plan.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:35 am | posted by Virginia Simmons
ONE member Ray O’Boyle of Rheems, PA, wrote this note to a likely Iowa voter.
My name is Ray O’Boyle and I’m from Pennsylvania. I know it’s pretty far from Iowa, but I have been watching both political parties’ debates recently especially the one in your state the other day. I am writing because you folks will contribute to the direction the campaigns focus on from your caucuses. I am concerned about the direction the next administration takes in regards to the poorest of us throughout the world. The issues of extreme poverty, global disease, and intervening in regional genocide are very important to me and many Americans who are members of ONE. I am requesting you to find out where the candidates stand on these issues before you decide who you’re backing. Please visit www.onevote08.org/otr to see what position the candidates support.
The United States probably contributes more resources to help other people throughout the world than any other country. I think we truly need to continue to aid people in extreme poverty. It is a great humanitarian legacy to be proud of.
We are all part of global humanity. I believe we can make a difference. It is a privilege to continue to take the lead throughout the world in these efforts as a country.
Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate your efforts in continuing the traditions of government by the people and for the people. I intend to vote my conscience when my opportunity comes here in Pennsylvania too.
December 20th, 2007 at 11:31 am | posted by Virginia Simmons
Last week, ONE members wrote letters to Iowa caucus-goers to urge them to choose the presidential candidate with the best plan to fight extreme poverty.
When all was said and done, five were so excellent that we’ve decided to increase the power of those authors by sending their letters to 40,000 Iowans.
Below, is the first of the five, from ONE member Alex in Concord, Mass:
I hope this letter finds you well! Before I say anything else, I want you to know that this isn’t an “automated” letter. It’s been written personally by me, just for you.
You see, I’m part of an organization called ONE, and our leaders asked us all to write a personal letter to be sent to someone in Iowa about making a difference in the world. So you are the only one receiving this specific letter, though many people in Iowa will be getting a similar one.
I know, I know. You don’t have time to read this. You’re busy. You’ve got a spouse or a boyfriend or girlfriend. Maybe you have kids. A dog. A cat. I know I’m busy. But please take the time to hear me out:
Global poverty and disease are enormous issues. They affect millions. But you, friend, can make a difference!
As an Iowa voter, you have the privilege of representing your political party, your state and your country when Iowa holds the first in the nation presidential nominating contest. I don’t care if you vote Republican, Democrat, Green, Libertarian, or anything else. I just want you to make a choice that will be beneficial to the millions waiting for you to make it.
As a concerned ONE member, an organization with 2.4 million members including thousands in Iowa, I am asking you to find out where the candidates stand on issues of extreme poverty and global disease by visiting ONE Action’s On The Record campaign at www.onevote08.org/otr. We have asked the candidates to tell us their thoughts, and many have personally responded to ONE!
So check it out. Make a good choice. I really hope you want to make a difference!
Oh, and by the way–if this interests you, join ONE! It’s amazing what this campaign has done. You can always shoot me an email or a letter too if you want.
I attended an event with Senator Biden was at Jamison’s Irish restaurant in downtown Waterloo, IA, this week. The room was filled with supporters as they sat around tables eating lunch. The senator walked around greeting people before taking the podium. He talked about how America has the potential to change the world, and his foreign policy experience. “We do not have to make up crisis, because they are already there,” the senator said.
When it was time to ask questions, I raised my hand and he handed me the microphone. It was my first encounter since he went on “On The Record” . First, I thanked him for his commitment to fighting poverty, malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. I also shared with him the fact that after the Rwandan genocide that took the lives of almost 1 million people including my parents, another genocide is currently taking place in Darfur, then I asked him what he would do to stop it.
He told me that he has traveled abroad more than any other candidate has, including Chad and Sudan, and that he has seen the suffering first hand. He told the story how he was able to get women together in Chad to hear their stories. “When I asked if they knew anyone who had been raped, the answer was shocking, they all raised hands,” the senator said. He told the audience that he wrote the International Violence Against Women Act to protect abused women who cannot defend themselves.
Before leaving for an interview, he posed for a picture and said that he is always happy to see ONE members in the audience because “you represent the reality.”
ONE Campaign Los Angeles Team Members joined others in the California desert on Tuesday, December 4th for the filming of a television ad as part of an initiative to make extreme poverty and global disease central issues in the 2008 primary election. “The ad will be broadcast to millions of people in early primary and caucus states like Iowa and New Hampshire and on cable channels across the country. Millions of Americans and the 15 presidential candidates will see it and be reminded of the power we have to end extreme poverty and global disease.”
Responding to an invitation to all ONE Members, we hoped we would be joining hundreds of LA ONE Supporters for this amazing opportunity to reach millions of people. Surprisingly, less than a dozen members of our team made the trek but the ones who did come were passionate & energetic and I feel like they felt like they were really participating in something special for ONE.
The premise of the ad is that ONE voice crying out is difficult to hear but if millions of voices cry out — those voices cannot be ignored. The images were so powerful that I was moved just watching it being filmed.
Any opportunity to raise our voices for the world’s most vulnerable, especially for the children, is an opportunity we must try to seize if we can. I do hope that in the future more of our team will realize how very important their own voice is. We were all standing around in the desert looking at each other, saying – “If only these were all members of ONE out here – imagine how different it would feel – how much more powerful it would be if all of the people here knew why they were here – what The ONE Campaign stands for – how much harder would they be crying out?” I myself was screaming to be heard. I am so thankful for the many opportunities the ONE Campaign has provided me with to raise my voice.
December 5th, 2007 at 6:38 pm | posted by Aaron.Banks
We are now less than a month away to our Iowa Caucuses, Jan 3, 2008!
Iowa ONE members have had a strong presence in the presidential race and we are sure going to have a strong presence at the 2008 Iowa Caucuses! We have met the candidates, asked them many tough questions and added extreme poverty to the top of the priority list.
Now is the chance to put all that hard work into action! This is the beginning of the process of choosing who will lead the country and the fight against extreme poverty around the world! We are busy collecting the names of thousands of ONE members around Iowa who are “Committing to Caucus for ONE” by submitting the ONE plank to get added to their party’s platform.
We are currently sending out packets of information,T-shirts, bands, literature and stickers to any ONE member who “Commits to Caucus for ONE.”
If you are ready to commit please sign up online at:
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The content of each post and each comment represent the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the ONE Campaign or ONE Action. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any posts expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
