ONE campaign seeks help to fight AIDS, poverty
By Joanie Carpenter
IV Leader Staff, May 5, 2005
Although Miss America has devoted her hypothetical wish to end world poverty for as long as I can remember, a list of high power celebrities may cause the beauty queen to revamp her answer.
Famous faces from all aspects of the entertainment business have joined in the ONE Campaign to put an end to the world’s fight against global AIDS and extreme poverty.
Earlier this month, the ONE Campaign aired its first minute-long commercial on MTV, ABC and Christian Broadcasting Network. The informative cast, including Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Fox and George Clooney, spoke of the need for Americans to join together as one to help end the fight against global AIDS and extreme poverty.
IVCC student Tami Pfau said, “I liked the commercial. It was definitely a good way of getting people’s attention. It was very simple, yet effective.”
The organization does not ask for money just support. As stated on the official web page, ONE.org, it is believed that, “… allocating an additional 1 percent of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food, would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation of the poorest countries.”
All that is asked from those willing to support ONE is a signature on a declaration for the government stating the desire to raise the amount of money spent for humanitarian assistance next year by 1 percent. There are no hidden costs or obligations.
IVCC freshman Greta Lieske is pleased with the way the campaign works. “I like the ONE Campaign because I don’t have a lot of money to offer to help others but that isn’t a problem because they just want support.”
According to ONE.org, over 200,000 Americans have joined the ONE Campaign including Claudia Schiffer, Bono and Michael W. Smith, Jimmy Eat World, Dave Matthews, Danny Glover, Isaac Hayes and scores of other celebrities.
A white wrist band with the word ONE may be purchased from the site to show support. There is also an option to receive follow up e-mails on the campaign’s progress.
“Every three seconds, a child dies because of treatable, preventable illness brought on by extreme poverty,” said Paul Dioguardi, field and campaigns director for ONE, on the organization’s site. “At their meeting in February, G7 countries promised that debt cancellation proposals would be agreed at the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings. Empty promises cost lives. Now, is the time to stop the clock on global poverty.”
Any interested person can visit ONE.org to learn more on the events taking place that are sponsored by the ONE Campaign to spread awareness and seek support.