It’s that time of year again: We’re headed to The Farm! ONE has had a presence at Tennessee’s Bonnaroo music festival for more than a decade, braving heat and inclement weather to take action and bring new voices to our fight against poverty and preventable disease!
We couldn’t do the work we do without our amazing volunteers. Meet Sophia, one of our Alabama activists – and a repeat Bonnaroo volunteer!
Sophia, why did you join ONE?
I was introduced to ONE by a friend during my freshman year of college at the University of Alabama. Being an International Studies major with a background living abroad, and a father who moved to the United States from Pakistan, I was moved by the causes ONE champions. With two parents who worked in healthcare, access to medicine, vaccines, and care were always a given. My passion for ONE is best summed up by the organization’s cofounder in a phrase we ONE activists borrow frequently: “Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you live.” Equity inspires me, simple as that.
What’s a favorite Bonnaroo memory? What are you excited for this year?
I love meeting all the different kinds of people at Roo! There is such a positive energy surrounding this festival – you can tell everyone is there to have a good time. And there’s something wonderful about advocating for equity in a place where so many are bursting with love and acceptance — values Bonnaroo has intentionally built into their events.
Any advice for someone getting ready to start their activism journey?
Your voice is an incredibly powerful tool, much more powerful than you might think! In today’s world, advocacy sometimes feels like shouting into a void but, trust me, it makes a difference. In the absence of action, or when advocates are ignored, funding is cut and people across the world feel the impact. When you take action, – calling, writing, or meeting with your elected officials – people across the world will again feel the impact but, this time, for the better. Small actions taken by us can change lives across the world, so why not take them?
Join Sophia and the Bonnaroo crew by taking action right now!
