Janessa has fought for international development since her days at Northwestern University. She’s worked with such groups as Genocide Intervention Network, Save Darfur Coalition, New Leaders Council, and in four months will begin Officer Candidate School with the United States Marine Corps.

For the next three months, Janessa will embark on a 4,200 mile bicycle ride across the southern portion of the country making several stops to hold events with community supporters, students, and policymakers to discuss how international development is vital to America’s security and prosperity.

Keep an eye on your email as we will invite you to join other ONE members in support of Janessa’s events in a town near you. Now it’s with great pleasure we’d like to introduce you to Janessa. She has a special message for our ONE members, which you can watch in the player above.

Gina said, “Most of the people who came were unaware of the famine in the Horn of Africa and had no idea what ‘FY12’ was, but today we learned about the US budget and how it affects the world’s poorest people, among other issues.”

ONE members like Gina are recruiting voices to urge their senators to oppose any more cuts. Agriculture investments alone are proven to increase productivity and preparedness and provide better access to resources and economic opportunities. Health programs have proven to save millions of lives, allowing people to return to work and contribute to their family and community’s well-being.

Gina is not alone. Military leaders, including former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, retired Admiral Mullen and General Petraeus, have told us that cuts to development programs are detrimental to our national security. Fifty leading US business leaders and the US Chamber of Commerce have also written Congress to support a strong International Affairs Budget. Now we need your voice. Join our military leaders, join business leaders, join Gina Kim, and use your voice to call your senator today and urge him or her to oppose cuts and protect these critical programs.

We were there to support our fellow Americans living with this disease and also share the global impact of HIV/AIDS. It affects more than 33 million people around the world and 22 million in Africa alone. We know HIV/AIDS not only infects individuals, but it also has a devastating effect affects families, friends and all those involved in those people’s lives. Many at the walk had lost a family member, friend or partner to AIDS and were left with a hole in their lives in more ways than one.

We’ve come a long way from the days when AIDS was a death sentence. Today, we have the ability to keep HIV at bay and with treatment give those affected many more years of life. In developing countries, the US has been a part of the solution in helping deliver treatment to over 6.6 million patients with smart, cost-effective investments. Antiretroviral treatment protects children at a young age and allows parents to return to work and provide for their families.

Today, with a very cheap drug administered during an HIV-positive mother’s labor, we can protect her baby for getting HIV during the birthing process. With enough political will and resources, we can ensure that no child in the world is born with HIV by 2015. In essence, we can make an HIV-free generation happen. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment are key to ending this debilitating virus. With the amount of support I saw on the sunny streets (really more overcast) of San Diego, I believe Americans understand the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on family lives and the beginning of the end of AIDS is near. HIV is a conquerable disease, and San Diego is certainly ONE place where people are standing up fighting!

-Craig McIntosh, ONE member, San Diego

Right before Labor Day Holiday weekend, ONE member Michelle Droz and I had the opportunity to meet with Rep. Jackie Speier. Elected as the Representative of the 12th US Congressional District in California in 2008, Rep. Speier has been a vocal leader on several domestic issues and voted to expand our global HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria programs, and we asked her to also support childhood vaccines, agriculture development and other poverty-fighting programs.

While discussing the enormous drive of California ONE members and our steadfast dedication to prevent budget cuts to these important programs, Rep. Speier quickly expressed her support for issues ONE members care so much about, and seemed especially pleased with our bipartisan position. Rep. Speier encouraged us to continue educating and informing our neighbors of why these programs matter.

The House has proposed a devastating budget cut to international development assistance programs including, global health, debt relief and other poverty-focused programs. Each day becomes increasingly urgent for ONE members to continue our steps offline: inform our communities, grow our voice, and work with our elected leaders to restore funding for cost-effective, proven programs that assist communities in pulling themselves out of poverty.

Thank you Rep. Speier for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. We certainly look forward to future conversations with you and hope you will join the 2.5 million ONE members and use your voice and resources to help protect life-saving programs, which make up less that 1 percent of the budget.

For regional updates, like ONE: Southwest Region page on Facebook or follow @roscoe_at_one on Twitter.

During the August Recess, ONE members from the Fresno and Clovis, Calif. got together to meet with staff from Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif.

We were thankful to meet with Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff Damon Nelson and Field Representative Anthony Ratekin.

During the meeting we had a great discussion about the United States’ role in foreign affairs, specifically the strategic value of our aid dollars in countries with emerging democracies. We were able to emphasize how smart programs that save lives are the right thing to do from a perspective of faith and morality.

Furthermore, we agreed that as a global leader, the United States can help the world’s poorest people lift themselves out of poverty through vital smart, effective and results-based programs that save lives and encourage development. It’s the best of American exceptionalism and a proud American legacy that we must continue.

For regional updates, like the ONE’s Southwest Region page on Facebook or follow Roscoe Mapps, ONE’s southwest regional field director, at @roscoe_at_one on Twitter.

-Pastor Ryan Townsend, ONE member, California

ONE members in Southern California held a social meet and greet at the House of Blues in Anaheim to celebrate the United States commitment of $450 million over the next three years to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations. Many of the members were meeting for the first time and shared their stories about how they became involved with ONE.

We discussed ways to stay involved and brainstormed ideas to engage our communities to join the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease and engage our congressional representatives as we begin to campaign for smart programs to be funded for FY12. If you couldn’t tell from the excitement at the Anaheim U2 shows we have an incredible group of members, passionate about being involved, spreading some love and making a difference in Southern California.

-Danielle Kolons, ONE member, California

One of the best parts of working the U2 concerts is getting to see the passion shared by ONE’s volunteers. After the show, I talked to a number of them about their experience. Everyone was equally exhausted yet thrilled to be part of such a great evening. I wanted to pass on what a few shared.

Kjerstin Johnson, who just wrapped up her junior year at Notre Dame University, was able to spend the evening back home with her father Todd Johnson, a professor at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena.

“Volunteering for ONE at the U2 concert in Anaheim was an incredible opportunity. Although I’ve been a member of ONE for almost six years, this was a way that I could truly represent what ONE stands for — using my voice to be an advocate and campaign about current issues regarding the fight against preventable disease and poverty. I hope that through using my voice yesterday, I encouraged others to make a difference in even the smallest way, and intensify our one voice calling to improve our one world.”

Philippa Firestone was our leading volunteer on Saturday night, signing up nearly 210 people to take action on our vaccines petition. Because of her efforts, Philippa was one of the lucky few to participate on stage during “Walk On.” She shared her thoughts here:

“First off, it was a pleasure meeting the ONE team and all the other volunteers on Saturday. I felt lucky and proud to be able to participate as a ONE volunteer, and enjoyed working with such a fun and enthusiastic group of people. I really enjoyed approaching potential new ONE members and having the opportunity to reach people about the importance of fighting extreme poverty and treatable disease. I love being able to contribute to a cause I feel very passionate about!! The rest of the night was unbelievable!! The show was amazing and to be able to go up on stage was thrilling!! Thanks so much for the opportunity to participate, it was a lot of fun!!”

Patrick Carmitchel, who runs a software start-up just north of San Diego, was happy to pound the pavement, too:

“It would have been enough to run around and meet over 200 other strangers who were willing to support ONE and share a mutual passion for helping those in extreme poverty and enjoying great music. Being able to support a real cause that produces real results for people in real need was very fulfilling. I’m not too upset about having to go up on stage and let the light shine with our friends at Amnesty International. And, of course, U2 — true artists who continue to use their talent, passion and influence to breathe hope and life into a world that needs it. Yeah, it was pretty epic.”

Look for other fellow ONErs out on the tour and be sure to join us!

ONE volunteer Brian says “we are just going crazy out here.”

And Micah says ONE members should come out and volunteer…

So amazing, so meaningful, so sensational
“Day in and day out, we walk ourselves to and from what many would call the mundane, tedious pathways of our lives. Occasionally we stir out of our restlessness, seeking to be a part of something that feels like it matters — something that truly makes a difference in this world.

This aching need has become more persistent in my life. Living in San Francisco has only intensified the need I feel to be presently active in the social causes smothering every single one of us — yet somehow, so many people maintain the blinders of denial. I can’t ignore it — any of it. And the intensity to give back compels me.

Last week, I was given an amazing opportunity. My responsibility for the afternoon was to talk to people and encourage them to join ONE. I wasn’t seeking donations, simply awareness and participation. ONE is an advocacy group fighting extreme poverty. ONE strives to activate as many voices as possible on behalf of all of those suffering without a voice.

Democracy gives us so many privileges, one of which is the power to speak openly about the plights of this world — such as children dying needlessly from pneumonia and diarrhea — because they can’t obtain vaccinations. Five hours of pavement-pounding left me feeling really good about the time spent dialoging with people about suffering and the roles that we can play to strive towards overcoming it. For the most part, I found people extremely receptive. I was riveted by the sense of purpose from that afternoon as more than 2,800 new folks became ONE members.

I realize that I have been profoundly impacted by this experience. It is clear that the human spirit really is alive in moments like these. What an unbelievable privilege to be a part of something so amazing and so meaningful, so sensational.”

-Shannon Carroll, ONE member

Eye-opening and extraordinary
“This experience was nothing short of eye-opening and extraordinary! My friend and fellow ONE member Maritza Shafer shared time and experiences with great people from ONE as well as other organizations. The shocking thing to really understand is that people — real people — in countries that otherwise have been cut off from basic rights are now receiving them through the smart US investments that ONE members champion every day.

Millions are receiving much-needed antiretroviral medication, vaccines and immunizations. Thousands of children are going to school –- often for the first time. Parents, rather than spending weeks in a hospital with a sick child, are returning to work and generating revenue for their communities. Any person can think that these issues are too big to make a significant difference, however, we’re proving everyday that smart solutions are within our reach. It’s invigorating to be a part of an organization that advocates in this way. ONE members, simply put, are the voice of millions!”

-Brian Castellani, ONE member

Contagious
“Okay, I’ll admit it, I’ve been a U2 fan for years. Bono’s passion for making a difference in the world through advocacy and through empowerment is contagious. My experience recruiting new ONE members alongside my fellow volunteers was enlightening. Some responses were “Sorry, I have no money.” Yet it was wonderful to be able to respond, “I don’t either, but your voice costs nothing and is as powerful.”

Another gentleman asked, “Why should I care about children dying in Africa, when kids are dying right here?” He obviously cares about the well-being of children, and I responded “Whether or not they live here or in another country, we have the ability to make an impact in the poorest parts of the world for less than 1 percent of our budget, and the national security and economic opportunities for us all surpasses the small investment we make.”

As a health insurance broker, I know the overall health care costs in America. But the overall economic costs and benefits of an immunization shot are fractions of a dollar and lasts a lifetime. With smart investments into programs like GAVI, collectively we maximize our dollars, they bargain for lower prices, incentivize companies, and we get families healthy and working towards pulling themselves out of extreme poverty. For being an initial nay-sayer, he signed up right afterward. Concert-goers’ reactions varied (of course). Approaching them with information and asking them to add their voice and help us take action was empowering. Each day we all strive to be influential and strive to unveil our gifts and talents. ONE gives us the springboard to share them and make a difference.”

–Michelle Droz, ONE member

Compassionate, progressive, courageous
“During the concert I was moved by the passion of not only the band, but the people in the crowd. The energy was infectious. Bono’s words were resonating in my thoughts when he said that “the Bay Area invented the 21st Century.” I wholeheartedly agree with this statement, but with great blessings come great responsibility. We have the responsibility to be courageous in the fight of poverty and disease and be a beacon for progressive and compassionate action to the rest of the world. I felt empowered to embrace this responsibility.

ONE is an incredible organization with an effective mission statement -– I was proud to represent the organization for the day. In fact, I just downloaded the ONE app on my iPhone!”

-Mike Wood, ONE member

Just after announcing ONE’s collaboration with Rotary International and connecting Rotary with ONE at the international conference in New Orleans, I joined thousands of Rotary supporters in Southern California over Memorial Day weekend for their 22nd Annual Cajun Blues and Music Festival at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.

Three stages of non-stop award-winning entertainment of all ages and backgrounds came together to serve their local and global communities. Two dozen ONE members were there to serve Rotary and help raise awareness around the nearly eradicated polio disease and share future opportunities to provide pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines to children around the world. But I couldn’t possibly describe the environment better than Beth, a ONE member in Simi Valley:

“What a weekend! As the single mother of three kids 12 and under, surviving the Cajun Festival in Simi Valley is always questionable! This year was no exception, but much more exciting since we had a ONE presence all weekend. And yet how gratifying it was to talk to other parents about ONE and get such amazing feedback! While my boy scout picked up trash throughout the festival (and scored free fried alligator on a stick every once in a while), and my two youngest supervised the little kids on the gigantic bouncies and ate cheeseburgers (they don’t “do” alligator as I was so vehemently informed), I was free to talk to parents about GAVI, immunizations, progress, opportunities in Africa and our American Legacy with helping others pull themselves out of poverty.

We were inundated with questions about what ONE does and why. So many people signed up, lending their own voices to ONE, just because they were shocked that so many global deaths are preventable! As they held their own babies, held the hand of their small child, or watched their teenager sneaking a peak at some cute girl or boy walking by, those parents knew that we in America are so blessed, fortunate and lucky.

There were a few tears as the realization set in that in Simi Valley, Calif., and America, we don’t have to worry about death by diarrhea, or pneumonia attacking and killing our children while we sit helplessly by. With all the bumps and bruises that come with being a single mother, I am the luckiest person on the earth. My children are healthy and didn’t have to dodge death by diarrhea or pneumonia. Just being born in this country gave them a leg-up. They are alive to pick up trash, supervise bouncies, enjoy fun food while listening to great music on a beautiful sunny California weekend. It’s hard not to take that for granted sometimes.

And yet what a great reminder it was to see so many people in Simi Valley commit to giving that same leg-up to all the African mothers. Moms just like us, who should never suffer the loss of a child through preventable illnesses. One shot for a lifetime and their children too can be a little bit safer. As the euphoria of the weekend wears off and the exhaustion sets in I can say that this was, hands down, the best time I have spent in a long time with some of the most wonderful ONE volunteers on the face of the earth. How humbling to realize yet again that where you live should not decide whether you live or whether you die. And ONE member’s voices are being heard; resounding through small cities and towns across America, so that no more children die needless deaths. What a privilege it is to serve in this way.

-Beth Kolarik, Congressional District leader for California’s 24th District

After two 12-hour days of volunteering, ONE members woke up early the next morning to help Rotarians clean up Rancho Santa Susana Community Park. ONE members are always finding ways to reach more people through extraordinary events; and spreading the message of America’s work of in helping others lift themselves out of poverty. Advocating with Simi Sunrise Rotary added an extra-special dimension to the campaign -– I’m really looking forward to this collaboration!

Follow Roscoe on Twitter: @Roscoe_at_ONE