What a great weekend! I had the privilege of spending two days in sunny Anaheim, California working in and outside Angel Stadium mobilizing new ONE members to take action on our latest vaccine petition at the U2 360 Tour. While the band was doing their sound check, we were hitting the pavement hard. I probably got a little too much sun and I’m definitely beat –- but it was well worth it because we brought in more 7,500 new ONE members who raised their voice to ensure that four million kids get access to the vaccines they will need in the next five years.
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!
