Visit Africa

Before President George W. Bush went to Africa twice in 8 years, only three other U.S. presidents had visited Africa while in office. Even more importantly, President Bush joined President Bill Clinton as the only two U.S. presidents to make development the focus of their visits.

Presidential trips bring important attention to Africa and development policy, raising awareness and creating an urgency that shapes policy for the better. ONE members recognized this opportunity and stepped up in huge numbers, sending a petition with more than 103,000 signatures to the presidential candidates and delivering those petitions to the campaigns.

By securing commitments from all of the presidential candidates in the race at the time, ONE members ensured that the next president would continue this important legacy no matter who won in November 2008.