Big shoes to fill
Working with Weldon for over two years now, I wasn’t surprised to learn that he would be leading ONE’s membership efforts during the U2 360° Tour 2010 in Europe. This would be an absolute positive for any and every person that he’d come in contact with while on the whirlwind road. The only loss would be for his colleagues that he’d be temporarily leaving behind in the ONE office in London.
Always buzzing around somewhere, Weldon has more energy than any person can (or should) handle and it’s absolutely contagious! During my week of around-the-clock “tour training” in Brussels, Weldon kept me going better than an espresso! Let’s just say that in order for me to keep up with his walking pace, I had to pick mine up to a light jog. No time to waste…there’s always something to do, somewhere to go, and someone to help. Day or night, he welcomes you with a smile and is more than willing to assist with any task.
Weldon (right) signing up new ONE members in Brussels
As any ONE member, volunteer, or fellow crew member who has worked with him while on tour over the past year can tell you, Weldon’s passion and commitment to ONE and our issues is truly inspiring. When it comes to the fight against extreme poverty, he is at the forefront of getting folks educated and onboard with the mission. And thanks to him tens of thousands of new people have joined ONE, making our movement stronger and our voice louder.
Seeing Weldon in action “in the field,” reignites your enthusiasm in spreading the word about ONE and getting folks to sign-up in helping the world’s poorest. For example, his “orientation speech” for new volunteers at shows is better than any stand-up act… his quirky jokes, unique ice breakers, contagious smile and overwhelming gusto will all be impossible to replicate.
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to follow in Weldon’s (very large) footsteps as the tour moves onwards from Europe. I can only hope that the folks I meet along the way think as highly of me and speak with such gratitude as they do for Weldon. Mr. Kennedy, you’re a tough act to follow but I will take the torch and run forth, hoping to make you proud!
New Zealand and Australia, we’ll see you soon!
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About the Blog
The International ONE Blog is a daily log of the anti-poverty movement. The site is operated by ONE staff, with guest contributions from ONE volunteers, members and allies.
The content of each post and each comment represents the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ONE. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any post expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
28/10/2010 at 6:20 pm
Weldon’s passion inspires everyone!!!
just 2 words: “THANK YOU”
it was a pleasure working with you =)
09/11/2010 at 10:30 pm
Thank you Maura! It was nice working with you too:-)
Good luck!
17/11/2010 at 1:17 am
Reading about all of this is just so inspiring, I can’t wait to get to work with you as a volunteer! I’m so excited! All the best for you, the work you’re doing is truly wonderful. ♥
27/11/2010 at 2:36 am
Has anyone in Sydney received confirmation about whether or not they’ll be volunteering ?
29/11/2010 at 10:53 pm
Hi Linda,
Yes, I’m going to be volunteering on both days. I’m coming from the Central Coast north of Sydney – are you going as well?
I’m also wondering who else is going, where they’re from etc etc. I’ll be staying overnight both nights somewhere in Sydney – public transport situation means I wouldn’t be home until 6am! (getting hard to find affordable/available accomodation now) but I won’t stay in a backpacker type situation – I may be having a romantic (LOL – won’t be much time though) 2 day stayover!
Be good to hear from the other volunteers who are doing the Dec 13th and/or 14th shows!
30/11/2010 at 8:37 am
That’s such good news! Unfortunately I think I’ve missed out, because I haven’t received any confirmation or such, which is a pity because I was really looking forward to it.
I hope you have a lovely time though, and you’ll be doing something amazing, which is twice as awesome! Good luck! x
01/12/2010 at 12:20 am
Hi Linda,
Don’t worry yet, as I’ve only just found out in the last 2 days and it doesn’t look like anyone else has heard yet but me, because the comfirmation reply email is directed to the blog here … and no one else has posted anything!
I noticed your post straight away and thought you’d received confirmation and was glad I’d at least “know” someone etc before I arrive!
Maybe you can email Maura and find out? I feel guilty going to both days … not volunteering of course … but seeing U2 twice (which I don’t need to do and wish I do do something for you!)
Let me know what’s happening anyway…I get an alert in my mailbox if there’s a post here now…Cheers xxx
01/12/2010 at 3:21 am
Oh really? Well, in that case, fingers still crossed! That’s a good idea, but I couldn’t find her email address anywhere.
I’ve just been wondeirng, because I was lucky enough to check my email right as the email from ONE came through & signed up, so I thought I had quite a high chance with the whole ‘first come first serve’ situation, but it’s been a couple of weeks now.
HAHA, it’s quite alright! At least you get an amazing experience out of coming all the way down here, I’m actually so much more in love with U2 knowing that they’re supporting such a good cause.
xx
01/12/2010 at 3:54 am
Linda, look at the email she sent you originally and just click reply and send a message. If you’ve lost it in your inbox, do a search on her name or ONE.org..I use Outlook Express for Email, but all email browsers should have a similar function.
01/12/2010 at 7:22 am
Thank you! Tried that just then. Will be sure to tell you how it goes, & hopefully will see you there!
14/12/2010 at 6:33 pm
i want one
please come to asia.