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Akon is helping 600 million people in Africa get electricity.

A year ago, Sengalese-American singer launched Akon Lighting Africa, an initiative designed to bring electricity to millions of Africans using solar energy. Thus far, they’ve installed solar street lamps and domestic solar panels in over a million households in 14 African countries. Now they’re setting up a new initiative to make Africa’s future even brighter.

micdotcom

Akon is helping 600 million people in Africa get electricity.

Wendy Cho Campus Leader, VCU

I work four separate jobs and am a double major/triple minor. I’m studying History and International Studies, with a concentration in social justice. As you might imagine, I am deeply interested in the issues that ONE is working on. I was walking around when I ran into a table that Jen Fraser was managing when I first learned of ONE. That hadn’t been my first exposure to the plights of the world, though.

I’ve had a passion for politics and, specifically, for the wellbeing of children internationally ever since 8th grade, when I first heard about child trafficking and child soldiers. Knowing that there were children my age and younger suffering such traumas really impacted me. I would lie online about my age not to go on blocked websites, but to sign petitions around Darfur and Amnesty International, petitions meant to save the world. I’ve rallied a group of friends on my campus and we’re making that impact I want to see. Though I’ve continued growing up, I will always have those children who were my age in my mind as I fight for their rights, and the generations to follow.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #humans of the power summit #ONE Power Summit #Humans of New York #hony #hard life #inspirational #inspired

Spencer Lukas Campus Leader, The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina

I go to a military college in South Carolina. It’s a unique environment for the existence of a nonprofit organization like ONE. Though there’s not necessarily a large crowd to rally, the voices that care want to be heard and work to be heard. It’s been really awe-inspiring, though— the amount of ink I used up at the summit just writing down ideas and note-taking. It’s a really inspirational place to be. Coming from a small-town with a feeling of isolation, seeing this larger community that I’m a part of…it’s a breath of fresh air; it keeps you motivated.

For me, I realize that there’s something beyond the craziness of everyday life. Many people are so busy looking at the A to B of their daily lives, but neglect the A to Z, that bigger picture. What I try to keep in mind is that people are people everywhere, and I want to help.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #ONE Power Summit #humans of the power summit #Humans of New York #hony #military #advocacy #global development #activism #inspirational

Sophia Worth Campus Leader, University of Texas at San Antonio

I am a 26 year old biracial female (half Korean and half white). I am getting my Masters in Social Work to become a psychotherapist and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor to work with individuals addicted to cocaine and heroin. I was raised by a single father when my mother left us at an early point in my life. We struggled through life; however, I was blessed enough to make it this far in my education. I have spent my spare time making positive change in the world.

I wrote a grant for 10,000 and 100 laptops and was part of a group that deployed to a group in Kenya called the North Pokot Tribe for the entire summer of 2009. We were able to install solar panels to charge these laptops and made sure the program was sustainable by partnering with an NGO. This is what sparked my interest in joining ONE.

I have seen poverty first hand. I have seen a woman give birth with nothing but a razor to cut the umbilical cord. I have seen women and girls treated less because of their gender in Africa. I have eaten the relief food that the U.S. sends (it's terrible, by the way) for this tribe to survive and live. When I heard that ONE's mission was to eradicate global poverty I was all in. Ending global poverty has become my passion. I truly believe in the message of this organization.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #ONE Power Summit #humans of the power summit #Humans of New York #hony #change #activism #volunteering #grant writing #kenya #addiction #substance abuse #photo #photography #portrait

Ryan McElhose Campus Leader, University of Kentucky

I was in Cape Town on internship when I was told about the mission of ONE. The reason why I decided to join is because its an organization that doesn't ask for money but a voice to help our brothers and sisters. I don't have to question if money is allocated appropriately and get to form relationship with activists around the country and even those in Congress.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #advocacy #change #activism #college #college student #ONE Power Summit #humans of the power summit #Humans of New York #hony #internship #global family

Patrick Gartside CDL, Hawaii

I work as a marketing director for a jewelry company in Honolulu, but enjoy spending my time volunteering with the ONE Campaign as the congressional district leader for HI-1. I've always felt the need to give back. I am an active blood donor and have donated both bone marrow and a kidney. It's a great feeling to know you've helped someone, but even more amazing to know that you can make a positive change in the lives of millions using only our voice.

This having been my third summit, I had a good idea of what to expect. I feel like the best part about it is the coming together of passionate volunteers from the world. We raise our voices and tell our unique stories, urging our respective leaders to make the choices that affect millions.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #ONE Power Summit #humans of the power summit #Humans of New York #hony #advocacy #social change #hawaii #donor #kidney donor #marrow donor #positivity #happiness #wellbeing

Pat Whitfield CDL, Washington

Throughout my career, I've been involved with those from other cultures and my volunteer commitments have always been dedicated to those in need. I've known about ONE for years but never had the time to commit to it until I moved to Wenatchee WA and had the pleasure of attending a ONE leadership workshop last fall. The experience was inspirational. There was a need for a CDL in my district, and I was persuaded that I had the background and skills to fill it.

I firmly believe that if we can reduce poverty in the world, we can keep our precious young people around the globe from being seduced into violent groups whose goal is to destroy rather than build. Full tummies, the ability to study and go to school, healthy bodies and spirits -all these contribute to peace in the world and to people guiding their own destinies in constructive ways. And I believe ONE can be the answer. So, here I am.

#one campus #one campaign #one campus challenge #activism #teacher #professor #wisdom #change #advocacy #humans of the power summit #ONE Power Summit #Humans of New York #hony #culture #cultural appreciation #knowledge

Kristin Amstrup CDL, Alaska

I have a B.S. in Biology from Seattle University and planned on going to medical school but, after some difficulties getting my career on track, have done some reevaluating and am currently pursuing a nursing degree, looking to go on to become a nurse practitioner.

I've known about ONE since the beginning (DATA!). I tried once at the beginning to do some "real" volunteer work but there was really nothing to do at that point, at least not here in Alaska. The way I remember it, I think I just went and tabled with a sign-up sheet (gathering email addresses) and handing out wristbands that I bought online myself. It was all because I'm a huge U2 fan and, if Bono was involved in this, then I better have something to do with it too! I've been doing the "clicktivism" for years but didn't really think there was a way to make a hands-on difference. I got an email at the end of this past summer that there was a training event happening locally and I decided to go.

The training was great, especially for someone like me who has really been lazy and never done any real volunteer work and didn't know where to get started. In addition, I learned "the ONE way" and more about the organization. While we still don't have a "critical mass" of people here in Alaska yet, it was a great opportunity to go to the Summit, get energized, network and see what other people are doing, as well as what kind of potential is out there. I know it might still be tough going for a while since we really are still in the beginning stages, but I’m feeling incredibly motivated and ready to grow our Alaskan ONE community.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #change #advocacy #activism #alaska #humans of the power summit #ONE Power Summit #Humans of New York #hony

Jemma Xiao Qin Riedel Campus leader (Wenatchee Valley College)

My story begins on September 23, 1997 on the other side of the globe. After being discovered alone, I was brought to the local police station, taken into custody, and estimated to be two months old. I lived in the Kunming orphanage for around 16 months before I was adopted. When I first came home, I was small for my age due to malnutrition–– an 18 month old wearing 12 month clothing. Thankfully, my parents saw that I received proper nutrition. I lived with my parents and older brother in Wasilla, Alaska for 10 years before moving down to Wenatchee, Washington. That fall I was introduced to ONE.

In May 2013, I was invited to help with a video project based off ONE’s “Man on the Street.” My brother and I were raised in a socially, environmentally, and politically aware household. So when I learned about ONE I wasn’t terribly shocked about the darker statistics. Rather, I was astonished to learn that I could be a part of the movement to end extreme poverty in my lifetime. It was an empowering realization and really perfect timing.

I believe in ONE’s mission with every ounce of my being. I know I am fortunate. Not only was I adopted, but I was brought into an aware and proactive environment. I receive proper nutrition, vaccines, and quality education. I have never been more thankful for these luxuries. This fall, I plan to start a ONE chapter at Eastern Washington University, while pursuing a bachelor’s in Public Relations with a minor in English. With my past recounted and my future plotted, all I have left to say is farewell. I will not say that this is the end of my story, rather a sliver of the middle. My beginning may not have started hopeful, but it has allowed me to have this amazing life and I am excited for the future.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #ONE Power Summit #humans of the power summit #Humans of New York #hony #adopted #inspiring #inspirational #humanity #struggle #hardship #change #washington #advocacy #activism

Charity Alinda, VoLT, Virginia

I am a graduate student at Westchester University, working towards a Masters in Public Administration. I moved to the U.S. to work with a group called UrbanPromise in Camden, NJ. I moved to Wilmington afterward, where I became involved with ONE. However, I felt a strong pull to work with ONE on the Electrify Africa Act. I grew up in Uganda before moving to the U.S. My first house didn’t have electricity. No less than 60-70% of our food either spoiled or went to waste. I knew that power was…is central to living. The knowledge that the bill we advocated for would bring power to 50 million individuals for the first time was incredibly appealing.

As a teen in high school, I volunteered with the Interact club, who partnered with programs that would bring vaccines to children on the ground—GAVI funded programs. Being the distributor, seeing how much of an impact these programs made, and knowing that ONE was a voice for these programs really made an impression on me. I saw the child death that was avoided, the faces behind the statistics. Coming to America, learning that such a relatively small percentage of our budget is dedicated to foreign aid, it is very energizing. I see that these programs are working. I think being a part of this movement is beautiful.

#one campaign #one campus #ONE Power Summit #humans of the power summit #Humans of New York #hony #hops #one campus challenge #africa #vaccines #volunteer #change #social change #GAVI #health #public health #advocacy #activism

Some of the world’s most prominent and credible female voices - including Beyonce, Meryl Streep, Lady Gaga, Sheryl Sandberg, Charlize Theron, and Angelique Kidjo - have a VERY important message about the girls and women of the world.

#one campaign #one campus #one campus challenge #poverty is sexist #sexism #females #feminism #demand better #meryl streep #beyonce #sarah silverman #lady gaga #change #social change #empowerment

thesociologicalcinema

"The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘we’ve always done it this way.’" ~ Grace Hopper

Barb Barrar, CDL of New Jersey

My name is Barbra Barrar. I'm a born and raised Jersey girl. To be quite frank, growing up and even into my early adult years, I never much cared about people in other countries. I was ignorant to our global connections.

One day a friend introduced me to this little Irish band called U2. I'd listen to Bono speak about Africa, global poverty, and HIV/AIDS. I'd listen, but it still wasn't fully getting through to me. It wasn't until I heard him speaking from the stage about 9 million AIDS orphans that my brain finally kicked in. I couldn't wrap my mind around that number. I was blown away and I needed to find out more.

I immediately joined the Jubilee2000 Campaign to help drop the debts of the world's poorest countries. In 2004 I received an email from Bono's new organization, the ONE Campaign, asking if I'd like to volunteer in Philadelphia for the organization's launch. I continued to learn more and more about global issues such as HIV/AIDS, global health, education, and how they were all interconnected in extreme poverty

Since becoming a CDL, I've done everything from organizing ONE tables at local farmer's markets, concerts, parades, scheduling and attending meetings at the local offices of our members of Congress, speaking with U.S. Senators and Representatives about ONE's issues, writing letters, making calls, signing petitions, attending ONE leadership training events, and of course ONE's annual Power Summit.

Another thing that I have incorporated into my leadership and vision is my faith. I was raised in the United Methodist Church. I was away from the church for many years. I was searching for something, but didn't know what. I always held onto my faith. I truly believe that we have an obligation as God's children to help our brothers and sisters around the world. Anytime I feel overwhelmed or maybe questioning why I do all that I do for ONE, I simply listen to Bono's 2006 Washington DC Prayer Breakfast speech. It inspires me, rejuvenates me, and reminds me why I do what I do. For the least of these...my brothers and sisters.

Andrew Blake, Campaigns Intern

As a student at the University of Idaho, I became increasingly involved with social and international justice issues through my academic and extracurricular involvement. I majored in International Studies and Political Science with an emphasis in issues of diversity and stratification; these studies provided a base for understanding pressing global issues. It was experiences with an Alternative Service Break program (which matches students on their winter or spring break with service opportunities around the world) that provided me with the alarming on-the-ground experiences abroad that made global poverty a passion. Having been fortunate enough to travel to communities in Peru and Romania, I was able to serve communities that put a human experience to the injustices created by extreme poverty.

While I had known that I wanted to work in some sort of advocacy position professionally, these experiences helped solidify a desire to be involved in work which will both make a difference and be incredibly gratifying. After a friend had a great internship experience with ONE, I applied to the spring 2015 program and was accepted. It has been a phenomenal experience and I am glad to be working with such passionate professionals within an organization advocating for such important causes.