South Carolina

ONE member recaps Gov. Romney event — in a text message!

Oct 28th, 2010 5:06 PM UTC
By Lauren Conn

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I just got this text from ONE congressional district leader Phillip Reynolds who caught up with former Governor Mitt Romney last night when he passed through Phillip’s hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina. The former governor noticed Phillip in his ONE shirt before taking the stage and then came back around to shake hands.

The text reads:

“Met up w/ Gov Romney tonight here in SC. He told ONE to “keep up the great work” as I thanked him for his work!”

Phillip gave Gov. Romney a ONE band to add to his collection. ONE members have been reaching out to him on the campaign trail this year to ask for continued bold US leadership in the fight against global poverty. And ONE members even caught up with Gov. Romney in Florida earlier this month, where he told the crowd that “no nation has done more to lift people out of poverty than this nation.”

By using your voice (and shirt) with ONE, you can help make sure that our leaders know that saving lives in the poorest nations on earth is not only possible, it is a priority!

ONE goal can change the game forever. Imagine what 8 could do.

On game day, Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, becomes the fourth largest city in South Carolina. Thousands of people line the streets hours before the game for one of the largest tailgate scenes in the South. Some might say that football is not just a part of Gamecock culture but that it is Gamecock culture.

It was at such a game, that ONE decided to take a stand against poverty. On September 18th, before the USC vs. Furman game, ONE members gathered together to cheer on the Millennium Development Goals, as well as our Gamecocks.

Periodically, throughout the game, ONE members held up signs in the student section of the stadium describing the MDGs. And during the last 5 minutes of the game, they held up a ONE banner.

Dozens of new members were recruited, over 150 people were banded and many took literature about our cause. What is happening at USC is only a small part of what is happening all over South Carolina, the United States, and the world. By getting the word out, gathering new members and going to those in power united as ONE, we can reach our goals, including No Child Born With HIV by 2015. I urge you to rise up and take a stand for those in need. We are not asking for your money. We are asking for your voice. One goal can change the game forever. Be a part of that difference.

-Brandon Green, CDL South Carolina’s 2nd district, senior at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

My congressman ate my homework!

Brandon with Rep. Joe Wilson and others

Instead of attending my lecture and turning in a paper last Monday — I was in a meeting with Rep. Joe Wilson, (R-S.C.).

Although I was prepared to debate the issues and reasons for fighting extreme poverty and the spread of preventable diseases, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Wilson was completely on board.

He shared stories of his travels to Africa and India. He showed us pictures of his sons and explained the humanitarian work that they were involved with overseas.

He feels very strongly about the need for potable water and stable energy sources in developing countries. He truly believes that foreign aid is a necessary part of the United States’ national security strategy and is willing to do what he can to help us in our fight.

Wilson was a ONE Vote Ambassador in 2008 and is very excited about working with ONE again in 2010 and beyond.

His support is proof that the needs of the poorest in the world extend beyond political divisions. Whether Democrat or Republican, united as ONE, we can bring about the end of poverty in our lifetime.

- Brandon Green, ONE congressional district leader for South Carolina’s 2nd District

South Carolina ONE members meet Sen. Graham’s staff