Last year at this time, I was a very unhappy worker bee in Columbus, OH, in a job that I was growing to hate – but, I was volunteering on the side with ONE which kept me motivated and inspired that change was possible – around the world and in my life.

In the New Year, I started searching for my dream job and continuing my duties as volunteer lead with the ONE Columbus group. Never did I imagine that I would be hired for ONE in August. Now I have the opportunity to thank all the hard-working volunteers in my region (Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia) for a job well done in 2006!

Here are some highlights from the region:

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  ONE groups formed: ONE Cincinnati (Thanks, Bonnie), ONE Ann Arbor (University of Michigan-Thanks, Mike, Zina and Rocky), ONE WVU (West Virginia University–Thanks Stephanie), ONE OSU (Thanks, Beth)!

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  ONE Coshocton joins as a “City of ONE”

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  Jeffrey Sachs mentions the Columbus STAND UP Against Poverty event

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  Mayor Coleman announces Columbus as a “City of ONE” at the STAND UP Against Poverty event

Although 2006 was great, 2007 will be even better. My New Year’s dream for ONE in my region would be the following…How happy I would be.

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  5,000 Sign-Ups on the ONE Declaration from ONE group activities

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  7 new “Cities of ONE” – I’m rooting for the following: Detroit, MI, Livonia, MI, Ann Arbor, OH, Cincinnati, OH, Hamilton, OH, Morgantown, WV, Charleston, WV

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  2 “College/Universities of ONE”: Come on WVU & University of Michigan!

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  5 additional ONE groups: check out the yahoo groups listing to see if there’s a group in your area…if not, start a group today!

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  ONE members in Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia meeting with their representatives (calling and writing is good, too!)

But most importantly, let me know what ONE activities you are doing in Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia by creating a yahoo group. Keep bringing ONE to your schools, churches, synagogues, social groups and communities as a whole. I look forward to working with you in 2007.

The crew at ONE put together a photo week in review for last week.

Thank you to everyone for sending in shots from your events!

Some highlights:

On Sunday 23.5 million people around the world “Stood-Up” against poverty – officially setting the Guinness World record for “the largest single coordinated movement of people in history.”

In America, ONE members gathered at 689 house parties and events across the country to call their candidates and elected officials to ask them what they have done, and will do, for global poverty.

After ONE partner campaigns and members in Germany sent in hundreds of letters to Chancellor Merkel, she agreed to put Africa and the fight against poverty at the top of next year’s G-8 Summit agenda – marking a huge victory for the movement.

Check out more photos from our week in review.

New Hampshire may be known for its beautiful fall Sundays with bright colored leaves and cool thin air. But yesterday in Manchester, we all felt a little warmer as over 60 people from all over Southern New Hampshire University came together to Stand-Up against poverty. From rural New Hampshire, to far off Africa and beyond, yesterday was a special day and everyone should be proud of their actions.

The Manchester Stand-Up was a great event to show how everyday people in New Hampshire are actively working hard to fight AIDS and end poverty here and on the ground. People know what is happening, people understand what can be done, and yesterday in Manchester, we proved that people are demanding action from our leaders to finish the job.

After many brief introductions as people gathered and arrived, everyone finally settled into the auditorium. People from all over New Hampshire: Belmont, Concord, Manchester, Londonderry, Hanover, and Nashua gathered to be part of something bigger. Bigger than Manchester, bigger than New Hampshire, we all gathered to be part of the bigger movement of people that are changing the world. People were taking time out of their busy Sunday to make a difference, and to connect, for those few moments in time, with the poorest of the poor and to help give voice to the voiceless. An amazing idea, and an amazing thing to watch happen in New Hampshire.

Our first speaker was Stephanie Demmons, of Oxfam America. Being a founding member of the ONE Campaign and working hard on international trade issues, Stephanie explained how Oxfam works hard to ensure that trade is made fair, and that poor nations have a chance to trade their way out of poverty. Stephanie told the crowd how Oxfam has worked hard on putting pressure on the farm bill that has a resounding impact in the developing world. People understood how important this sometimes tricky aspect of development is and realized that we can all do something to improve trade conditions.

Julie Heinz of CARE USA took the stage next. Yet another founding member of the ONE Campaign, CARE works hard on the ground to ensure that aid is able to reach people and communities in a safe and effective way in poor countries. Julie spoke directly about the sometimes dire conditions that people live in and challenged the audience to ask “Why?” Julie stressed the importance of CARE’s “I am powerful” campaign that places an emphasis empowering women all over the world. I think that people understood just how important of a role that women play in development and it is great to know that CARE, and Julie, are working hard on these issues.

So how does quiet New Hampshire play a part in such international development issues? Well we were all able to find out! Some of my favorite people in the world then took center stage. Carol Foster along with her beautiful daughter Meron came up to speak about the amazing work that they undertake in Ethiopia. Their Selamta House Project create safe, clean, and loving homes in Ethiopia for children that are orphaned by the devastating AIDS pandemic. You would think that their stories are sad, but to hear about all of the love and hope that these children now have, it was inspirational and moving to hear how people in our own community are helping to shape a new generation (I think I saw a few tears in the front row). I always love to hear from Carol and Meron, their support is critical on the ground and their work illustrates what can be done to fight poverty and end AIDS. They have added their support to the ONE Campaign and made sure that our leaders here in New Hampshire know that our common ideas and goals are possible!

FORGE was the next group to tell how local people are making a global difference. Steve Bottari read a letter from the organization that brings western university students to partner with refugees in development projects. The letter shared the personal story of Paul, a refugee from the Sudan that escaped the death and destruction of his family, only to find opportunity in a refugee camp in Zambia. While you may think that Paul would be angry or even pessimistic about life coming from such tragedy, the letter reflected Paul’s own pride and appreciation in his life. Paul is now attending university in Zambia and FORGE helped give Paul that opportunity. Both Paul and FORGE made it clear that their work is not a “hand-out”, but rather a “hand-up”. FORGE has a Milford, NH office and some of the participants come directly from New Hampshire. FORGE spoke of the importance of letting people know about all of the good news coming out of Africa, ask that people let our leaders know that we can make a difference both in refugee camps in Africa and sitting at home with a cell phone. Joining the ONE Campaign is such an important way to give people everywhere the respect, rights, and opportunity they deserve.

We then heard from the “University of New Hampshire for ONE ” group. Although they have only been around for about a month, they are already making their mark on campus in Durham and preparing for election season. They spoke about how they started, organized, and hit the streets! They have already set up action tables for ONE and have challenged different departments on campus such as the business school, art department, and religious community to work hard to educate and mobilize the students on campus. Alex, Maria, and Sara have it goin’ on and are very excited about the future.

ONE Boston was able to make the drive up to New Hampshire and let their neighbors know about how they have organized for the past year. Volunteer leaders Erin and Amy hold meetings once a month and develop development themes to focus their meetings around. They have already made Boston a “City of ONE” from the Mayor’s Office and have an active base of support from the many colleges and universities in the Boston area. They are doing a great job and really connected with people about how they can do similar activities.

But without question, the highlight of the event was our very special guest of honor, Dr. Simon Mphuka who joined us all the way from Zambia where he works with the Churches Health Association and oversees programs funded from the Global Fund. In the most moving moment, Dr. Mphuka took the stage and extended a “thank you” to the Americans in the audience. He thanked us for helping to keep people alive. It was directly from our money though the Global Fund, that he can attest to the lives that have been saved. He explained that the Global Fund is a proven and effective way to dispense care, treatment, and prevention for AIDS. He asked that whatever party you choose to vote for this election season, make sure they know that the Global Fund is working. Make sure they support the Global Fund. That is not politics, that is just sound American policy! Dr. Mphuka is a hero, a hero of Zambia, of Africa, and of the world. We were lucky to have him at our event and add an African touch to the day. He closed by extending an invitation to everyone in the room to come to Zambia. He was serious and I am being serious that I think a few people in the room may one day take him up on that.

And in the end, we all took to our feet. Everyone stood up against poverty! We stood for CARE and for Oxfam, for the work of Selamta House and FORGE, we stood for Dr. Mphuka and the lives he saves. We stood with many people from across the country and around the world. New Hampshire took part in a historic day and we are all proud to be part of a generation that WILL end poverty.

I just got back from the Stand-Up in downtown Orlando. I’m having a hard time even knowing where to begin. I’m feeling a little emotional about the great response from attendees, the new people I met, and just the general feel of the entire event.

If there’s anything I’ve forgotten below, it was surely captured by the film crew from a local production company, as well as professional photographer, Nicole, who was in, under, and around, every moment of the event.

We started at 5 PM. Everyone was welcomed by ONE volunteers and heard the music of “The North,” an awesome rock band who promotes ONE wherever they go. People signed the ONE Voter Pledge, signed the ONE Declaration, and to volunteer locally – and then received a ONE wristband, as a thank you for attending the event.

Everyone was very excited about taking part in the footprint art station – where everyone’s footprints were traced and designed. The prints symbolized the Stand-Up, and the activity gave everyone something to do while they enjoyed the music and listened to speakers. Big feet, tiny baby feet, bare feet, shoes, sandals, all took part in the over 150 feet of stand-up art!

Before we announced each speaker, we let everyone know how much time was left before the Stand-Up: “45 min left until Stand-Up”… “30 min left until Stand-Up” etc.

We were joined by:

Natasha McIntosh with North-South Marketplace and Fair Trade for a Greater Orlando Coalition.

Joe Perry, from RESULTS, who provided fantastic information about the “political will to end hunger” and told us ways to take action through the RESULTS website.

I then followed up with information about the ONE Voter Pledge and reminded people, “that with just weeks to go until the election, it’s time to contact Congress.” (We made it easy for them by providing phone numbers and questions to ask their candidates.)

We really had a lot of fun with our next eight guests…the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Volunteers from local aid groups in the community each wore a T-shirt representing a goal of the MDGs (that I hand-made the night before!) Information was read explaining the Millennium Development Goals by ONE Orlando volunteer Jody Miller, followed by each volunteer introducing their goal to the crowd.

Next up was Derreck Kayongo of CARE International. Now you’re really missing out if you haven’t had the opportunity to hear Derreck speak…or should I say sing! Derreck led an African song entitled “Mwoyoni Mwoyni” – which means “In my soul” – we were surprised that the audience started dancing, and repeating Derrecks words – joined in by the impromptu accompaniment of the conga drummer from the band “The Fore Fathers…. a local Orlando band who donated hours of their time to support ONE… .www.myspace.com/theforefathers.”

Derreck and I then engaged the audience with a little bit of trivia – asking questions of the audience. People answering correctly received a ONE T-shirt, wristband and pin. One of the questions was “What is Millennium Goal No. Four?” Many adults yelled out the answer: reduce child mortality. When asked why this goal is so important, the most moving answer came from a little girl, maybe 8 years old. She came up to the stage and said “because we are precious little creatures.”

The next significant moment of our event was inviting all the ONE volunteers up to the stage to take part in receiving a proclamation from Commissioner Phil Diamond, on behalf of Mayor Buddy Dyer, proclaiming Orlando a “City of ONE.” After this proclamation, I reminded all of the volunteers that this is being received – because of all of the hard work the volunteers have put into making this campaign a success in Central Florida for the past year and a half.

The microphone was then handed over to Mr. Charlie Stuart, a candidate for the House, who made a great statement about “holding the government accountable” for the promises they’ve made regarding extreme poverty. He then asked for a ONE Voter Pledge and a pen, signed the ONE voter pledge and encouraged everyone to do the same. (We had invited all of our local representatives, from the left and right, but he was the only one who was able to make it.)

Then, the time we were all waiting for: We asked all of our guests to gather together as close as they can to the stage. ONE Orlando volunteer Edgard Robelo asked everyone to sit or kneel, and he read a statement about making poverty history.

I then asked everyone to “Stand-Up.” While everyone stood, I read the ONE Voter Pledge, and after each sentence, everyone cheered.

We then asked everyone to hold up their white band, and join hands for a moment of silence. I was moved to be part of such a great experience: over 260 people all connecting for a common cause. Some people were in tears. I thanked everyone for joining us (again) and encouraged them to continue working with ONE.

Then we asked them to turn around and enjoy the first viewing of the ONE Voter Ad. Following the ad, people talked to their neighbors, enjoyed the rest of the evening’s music, and took a last look at the Stand-Up art.

And then we packed it all up.

We felt good knowing we have spread the word a little further today. There was a true sense of family among the community at our event. I am so proud to represent ONE, and am honored to be surrounded by such committed partner organizations.

And to the ONE Orlando Volunteers: You were the ones that really made this happen. You guys rock! Love ya, Joan.

Well I just wrapped up the Louisville Stand-Up Against Poverty event and I am excited to be able to tell you that 120 people decided to Stand-Up and be counted during this Day of Action!

One highlight from the event was 12 middle school students from St. Francis Catholic School who took the stage with a 20-foot banner that read “May Peace Prevail On Earth” and talked about how middle school students here in America can be invaluable in the fight against global AIDS and extreme poverty around the world.

Our Interfaith Service portion of the Stand-Up was awesome too! We had Kentuckians from all walks of life coming together to show that fighting global AIDS and extreme poverty is something all Americans can do together.

We ended the night with a challenge for our attendees. We asked them to not only sign the ONE Voter Pledge, but also to talk to their friends and family members about ONE and about how they can use their voices to help make poverty history!

I just stood up against poverty with George W. Bush’s niece.

That is to day, I just got back from the Georgetown University Day of Action Stand-Up event. As an alum of the University and staff member of the ONE Campaign, I couldn’t have been happier to attend.

When I arrived, roughly 75 people were already gathered around the microphone for the outdoor event. All of us were handed ONE fact sheets and wristbands and a “Stand-Up Against Poverty” banner covered the brick wall beside us.

The speakers included Father Gonzales, a Georgetown Jesuit and professor, and, as already mentioned, Lauren Bush, niece of George W. Bush and model for Tommy Hilfiger and Abercrombie & Fitch. Lauren Bush spoke of the emergencies abroad and urged us to stand together against extreme poverty.

I’m glad I was officially counted as ’standing up’ against poverty today – and I’m looking forward to posting blog posts tonight, and over the next few days, about the ONE events and house parties that are taking place all around the country today.

On October 15, ONE members will gather in homes across the country to call their local candidates and to educate each other on extreme poverty, global AIDS and the coming November election.

Click here to open up your home to ONE members and host a house party on October 15.

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  October 15 is three weeks before the November election. At the parties, ONE members will call their local election candidate’s offices and ask them what actions they have taken and plan to take on extreme poverty and global AIDS.

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  October 15 is also the Global Day of Action on poverty, and millions of people from over 30 countries will be coming together to literally ’stand up’ against poverty. If enough people register for these events, we’ll be a part of new entry in the Guinness Book of World Record and bring publicity to the fight against extreme poverty.

Please take your support to the next level by deciding to host a party in your home on Sunday, October 15th.