November 18, 2009 at 6:50 pm

Can you tell me if the design is imprinted with that plastic stuff or is it imprinted on the cotten?
I will order one if it is imprinted cotten on cotten.

November 18, 2009 at 6:51 pm

Who designed the winning shirt? At the very least, you should give credit to the designer -

November 18, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Great catch, Mari. We have more on Valerie and the other finalists here: http://one.org/blog/2009/11/18/we-have-a-winner/ and I’m working on a post now that’ll take a closer look at Valerie and her work.

November 18, 2009 at 7:02 pm

Well done, I like this way better than the other shirts.

November 18, 2009 at 7:05 pm

I am very please with the choice of t-shirt designs. I have one question to ask though – Doesn’t ONE stand for poor and hungry children all over the world or is it just in Africa? I have been a member since it’s inception but after looking at this design today, it occured to me that there is hunger and extreme poverty in other places like India. Hope you respond!! I’m not trying to be argumentative, it was just a thought I had today.

November 18, 2009 at 7:11 pm

Why is only the “Mens” version showing for purchase? Where is the Women’s version?

November 18, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Can you tell us who the runners up were?

November 18, 2009 at 7:15 pm

This is a great design, but is it possible to print all three final designs? Or, perhaps something that lifts up the poor and hungry in all parts of the world and not just Africa?

November 18, 2009 at 7:17 pm

I definitely liked the 3 shirts designed and this one is very cool and to the point. Only reason I voted for the globe shirt was because it focused on the whole world instead of one country. Nonetheless, cool shirt!!

November 18, 2009 at 7:18 pm

I agree with Mollie. It’s a cool shirt but we always act like the only ones in pain are from Africa. Third world countries are on every continent. I would have liked one that was more unifying. And I’m not a player hater. I am gladly of African descent (African- American). I lived in New Orleans so I know where Slidell is. And I know I can’tt design anything. BTW Congrats to Valerie =)

November 18, 2009 at 7:25 pm

Its a great design but I think it gives the impression that we are only concerned with the poverty in Africa. Yes we need to be concerned with the living conditons in Africa but we also need to keep our eyes open to the those same conditions in other parts of the world.

November 18, 2009 at 7:26 pm

YEAHHHH!!! thats the one i voted on, so people could see the word poverty and maybe start a conversation, which could lead to information about our cause.

November 18, 2009 at 7:26 pm

Congrats to this designer though I wish that the globe one had been picked. To see ONE in different languages was really cool and showed that we are unified. I too wonder if the shirt designs that did not win will also be printed.

November 18, 2009 at 7:26 pm

I agree that we should be showing our support of all countries not just emphasizing Africa, that’s why I did not vote for this design, but I will proudly wear it!

November 18, 2009 at 7:27 pm

Agree with Hoang-Anh Tran. Why not print and sell all 3 finalist t-shirts? I’d like to buy the one I voted on which didn’t win.

November 18, 2009 at 7:28 pm

You can look at “ONE’s History” link to see information on ONE and Africa, and “why Africa”:
http://www.one.org/c/us/about/754/

Of course much of the advocacy increases awareness of global poverty issues outside of Africa as the world is tied together, however, the primary goal is advocacy for hunger/disease/poverty issues in Africa.

November 18, 2009 at 7:30 pm

A nice “looking” shirt, but doesn’t it send the wrong message about hunger and poverty? If we really want to stop hunger and poverty we have to stop making Africa the poster-child for these issues. As one post above notes, hunger and poverty and a lack of justice are found all around the world – even in Western Industrialized countries. Many of the causes are the same, however. Continuing to use Africa as a symbol for all that needs fixin’ in the world also degrades and demeans the great strides made in some African countries. It would be nice to see additional shirts developed with other continents in any case.

November 18, 2009 at 7:35 pm

fun contest..awesome shirt..great job ONE!
why ask why? but if you must ask why africa? perhaps this will answer that question:
East Asia has already met the poverty goal in which an end is in sight and Southeast Asia, South Asia, and North Africa are by and large on track, but most of Sub-Saharan Africa is lagging far behind. On the hunger front, at the current rate of progress, all major developing regions with the exception of Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to cut the proportion of hungry people by half by 2015. Projections suggest that the incidence of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to persist at around 40 percent in the next decade while the number of poor people will increase.

November 18, 2009 at 7:36 pm

I did vote, but I don’t wish to ‘buy’ because my I’m not entirely pleased w/ the designs. I would like to see more positive reflection toward the aid we need to give to so many countries! I am not a designer, but would like to have been more impressed w/ the designs.

November 18, 2009 at 7:36 pm

fast update – nice! I have another idea – how about you post ALL the t-shirt designs – and have people vote on them by pre-ordering – then when you get enough orders – print and ship them…!

November 18, 2009 at 7:37 pm

One concentrates on Africa because it is the only country experiencing EXTREME poverty through out the continent.

November 18, 2009 at 7:40 pm

I agree with Dan. I feel that it is very degrading to Africa to continue using it as a symbol for poverty and suffering, and disrespectful to the people in the rest of the world who are also suffering. This is why I voted for the shirt with the circle design. When I voted, the circle design was very much in the lead. What happened? I know ONE started as an African relief organization and this is still its primary focus; still, poverty is a global problem.

Please consider printing all three designs. Thanks — JP

November 18, 2009 at 7:45 pm

I agree that it would be cool to have a line of similarly-styled t-shirts (perhaps from the same person) featuring different continents. However, I think the people disgruntled with the focus on Africa need to a) read about the ONE organization’s background and b) realize that there are other ONE shirts out there if you don’t want to focus on Africa – there are designs with states and with the circular logo.

I don’t believe that this shirt “sends the wrong message about hunger” so to speak. The fact is that yes, hunger and poverty exist everywhere in the world, but there can be no question that it exists MOST on the African continent. Is it wrong to make Africa the “poster child”? I believe it’s wrong to think of a cause as picking a “poster child” in the first place.

All causes have focuses and limitations. You might as well ask whether ONE sends the wrong message by focusing on hunger and poverty rather than, say, human rights, or domestic violence, or child soldiers. Are these not also all worthy causes? Is it wrong to make hunger and poverty the “poster child” of global problems? I think you see where I’m going with this.

November 18, 2009 at 7:52 pm

i agree with many of the other comments… Though the winning design is nice, I think the design of the word “one” in all the different languages better represents the global perspective of poverty that is quintessential to the ONE campaign. I would be thrilled to buy several shirts if that design were also made available.

November 18, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Congratulations to Valerie! She did a beautiful job. I’d like to have all three finalists shirts — they were all good, and portrayed different aspects of poverty, i.e., globally and in Africa.
Again, congratulations Valerie! ^5!

November 18, 2009 at 7:57 pm

mmmm,
the comments i have read are very negative. the winning t-shirt is very informative, it gives 3 serious messages and looks cool in male and female design.
i feel it should be realised by members that it is a snapshot in time, it doesnt have all the answers to poverty, it is a tool to get a particular mesage across that can be added too and developed as we move on.
please be more positive…..

November 18, 2009 at 7:58 pm

Well said Rebecca. People always say “why not this or that instead”? We have to start somewhere with focus on something or nothing will get done. I like this design, and the others too. I suppose if they don’t print all three finalists there are still the regular ONE shirts if we want to support, make a statement, and not be so specific about a country or problem. I’m glad comments on here are aren’t rude and we can be civil! And Congrats Valerie!

November 18, 2009 at 7:58 pm

Windy, thank you for providing a link to the history of ONE’s primary goal of advocacy for issues on theAfrican continent. I would like to remind people that the problem of poverty and hunger affects the entire continent, not just a few countries. You’re right, Dan, poverty is everywhere, including the U.S.of A. But, we are able to build expressways which enables us to ride over the pockets of poor areas and build and build and build new communities to get away from the poverty in our cities. I’m not sure what you mean by “great strides made in some African countries.” Most people refer to the end of apartheid in South Africa. Just remembrer, laws can’t change people’s hearts. Only people can do that. I applaud ONE’s stand on eradicating poverty on a continent that should not be in want considering its vastly rich resources. But, until outsiders use those resources for the good of the people and the continen, we will continue to have to lend support to organizations like ONE.

November 18, 2009 at 8:00 pm

why all the complaining? if you don’t want to support ONE with the tshirt, don’t! if you want to represent the globe, start your own organization and stop whining!

November 18, 2009 at 8:07 pm

I am proud to be a member of ONE. Wouldn’t it be cool if we all order the new t-shirt and wear it on Thanksgiving day!?! For those of us who will be with family members who need to hear our message, it will be a great way to start the conversation.

November 18, 2009 at 8:12 pm

Come on, folks. More than one of you has referred to “Africa” as a “country.” Most third graders know it’s a continent, made up of many countries! Please, Americans, stop proving your ignorance! No wonder we’re such a laughing stock around the world. Proof-read before you print, send, or submit. If you don’t know something, look it up. How hard is that, really?

November 18, 2009 at 8:20 pm

It’s a little ironic that the only shirt size offered for tall people is XX-Large – i.e. one that will only fit someone who probably consumes enough to feed 10 hungry people. What about tall thin ONE members ? If you can make it in my size – LXT (Large Extra-Tall), I’ll definitely buy one.

November 18, 2009 at 8:24 pm

I too feel that the emphasis would better serve if there was a global consciousness to end poverty, which happens to be my personal vision and my initial reason for supporting ONE (to each their own vision, eh). It would be nice to have a choice of one of the three finalists rather the just the one as many have suggested, however I’ll continue to be an advocate for ONE in any event and purchase and wear the T-shirt chosen. We are so much more powerful when we pool our energy in a positive light.

November 18, 2009 at 8:38 pm

I don’t have a problem with the focus on Africa, but I don’t like the fact that the winning shirt stamps Africa with these labels like “Extreme Poverty” and “HIV/AIDS.” Of course poverty exists there, and that is what the campaign is for, but I thought the other Africa design and the globe design sent the message of caring without labeling Africa negatively. In our effort to care we need to remember to respect the people we are helping. I lived in Africa, and my time there really helped me see Africa as much more than the causes and struggles that dominate what we see in our media. That doesn’t keep me from continuing to help people there, but it makes me aware of how we do it.

November 18, 2009 at 9:25 pm

I am with lots of these posts. I got involved in this organization under the impression that we were about the hungry in this country (United States) as well as other countries, not just Africa. I work with other non-profit organizations and have personal experiences with the pain in India. As well as the Hungry in my very own city here in the U.S.

November 18, 2009 at 9:31 pm

I agree with Hoang-Anh Tran et al.

November 18, 2009 at 9:33 pm

I think this design sais it all. I can’t wait to get mine!

November 18, 2009 at 9:34 pm

wow!!!a great design!!!!!!!!

November 18, 2009 at 9:39 pm

I voted on another design because i felt this, and one other one, focused too much on Africa…there is poverty all over the world, including America and I feel like ONE should have a shirt that focuses on that. Just my two cents. It is a nice shirt tho.

November 18, 2009 at 10:03 pm

Really think it should have been a World Design and not just Africa, unless it’s just for Africa, there are Poverty Stricken people all over the Globe not just in Africa, we even have a huge problem in the US, especially Washington DC, Atlanta, Detroit, etc…I think it’s time we take care of our own backyard!

November 18, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Beautiful and creative design. Although, non ONE members should get the idea that Africa itself and not the poor people around the world are the primary concern. Anyway we must all order one soon.

November 18, 2009 at 10:06 pm

Glad the one I picked won. Its a great looking shirt and design.

November 18, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Congrats Valerie! I so love the design. And thanks ONE for such a great t-shirt! Can’t wait til it’s in the mail! I’ve ordered mine already!

November 18, 2009 at 10:51 pm

Great dialogue and is IS wonderful that it’s a polite and civil one…(maybe that should be ONE (: ). I remember when the (RED) campaign was beginning and Bono was guest-editing Vanity Fair magazine with all the different covers, there was an article titled “We Are All African”. It traced the gentetic beginnings of homo sapiens all over the globe back to Africa. Just something to keep in mind. Genetically/historically we ARE all ONE. Love all the shirts! Would buy all three if they were available and have my husband and daughter wear them for Thanksgiving dinner along with me.

November 18, 2009 at 10:53 pm

I have nothing negative to say. Anything that brings awareness to the issue of poverty, hunger, neglect, etc….. is something I want to wear. I am 50 years old and I just want to say how impressed I am by the way this generation has stopped bickering about differences in political, religious, etc. issues and has just flat out decided to start doing things about these issues rather that just talk about them. You should all be proud of what you stand for!

November 18, 2009 at 11:00 pm

I’m so, so happy about the whole concept of letting ”us” submit our designs and letting us vote on them. I think it’s such a great way to become personally invested in this organization in a real and relateable way. This is the shirt I voted for, because it was the one design that spoke with strength about the grave issue of poverty and hunger. I am personally invested in the lives of Ethiopians, namely, and know many cannot rely on anything being safe and secure from one day to the next, including their own lives and the lives of their family members. (Of course this is true, even in the lives of some Americans, let alone everywhere else). Because of this reality, though, I cannot understand the complaint ”Why Africa!?”. My response is ”Why not Africa?”. Any awareness translated into kindness towards them, is so desperately needed. The whole world needs help, we all know that right? But Africa is on this shirt for a reason, and I’m grateful for it! – typed from my mobile, excuse any type-o’s please:)

November 18, 2009 at 11:13 pm

Just another ONE writing in to say that I much prefer the global scene than the single continent. Worldwide, baby!!

November 18, 2009 at 11:17 pm

I am extremely proud that the winning design came from one of our own town members. For those of you who are not familiar with Slidell, LA, we are approximately 30 miles north of New Orleans, LA separated by Lake Ponchartrain, Slidell was one of the many hardest hit areas from Hurricane Katrina so we here have all seen poverty and devastation even still after 4 years of this horrific storm. I read with regret how many people have complained about why other areas weren’t considered in the shirt design. This group is called the One group that uses whatever talents that volunteer to assist in whatever areas of concentration where at this moment they can do the most help. I hope that it is always human nature to question and debate whats the most important endeavor at a particular moment in time. I think in the spirit of Thanksgiving we should remember the world before the One group and it took just one thought of kindness to make the global world in which we all live a better place for each one of us. I think that one of their strongest attributes is the power and importance of One, whether it be one group, one people or one continent, its imparative to remember the good that has come from members of this organization thus far, I have not seen any signs of self-promotion. Its still the One.group, which does not discriminate and allows each one of us to speak our own mind. So again Congrats to Valerie Strecker of Slidell, LA !!!! You make us proud.

November 18, 2009 at 11:28 pm

For the other Liz…hun….womens sizes are right under the mens enjoy!

November 18, 2009 at 11:31 pm

I, too, like all three winning shirts. However, the globe seems more representative of One World. Kudos to all. I’ll now place an order for my shirt………

November 18, 2009 at 11:39 pm

i wanted to enter, but thought a more global design was better, but choices were limited. Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, india, Russia…are still experiencing extreme poverty…i see it.

there should be enough T-shirt designs to print-to-order – if you dont do that, you will lose your following.

although there is ONE cause, there are MANY beneficiaries.

November 18, 2009 at 11:39 pm

And now, we have a winner in ONE’s Next Top T-shirt challenge. Valerie Strecker of Slidell, Louisiana designed the winning T-shirt and it’s available for pre-order in black and white, in both men’s and women’s styles, from the ONE Store.

Credit was given to the designer in an e-mail from “ONE”, I voted for this design! Bravo, Ms. Strecker!

November 18, 2009 at 11:44 pm

Hello. ONE’s Next Top T-shirt 11/18/09

How are you all doing online here? Good to see you all will nice T-Short.
I am thinking about getting one here soon. May I ask how much are they.
And how do you order them and may I say God Bless you all here he loves you
Take care Jerry

November 18, 2009 at 11:48 pm

Hello. ONE’s Next Top T-shirt 11/18/09

How are you all doing online here? Good to see you all will nice T-Short.
I am thinking about getting one here soon. May I ask how much are they.
And how do you order them and may I say God Bless you all here he loves you
Take care Jerry

November 18, 2009 at 11:55 pm

Dan M. (November 18, 2009 at 8:38 pm) said exactly what I came here to say.

The moment I saw the designs I knew this one would win as it was the strongest from a design standpoint, but ultimately I think the message is not particularly helpful. The labeling of Africa with ‘Poverty’ and ‘HIV/AIDS’ reinforces what Chimamande Adichie terms the “single story”. There is much more to Africa than the single story of war, poverty, and disease we see on the nightly news.

Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of a single story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

November 19, 2009 at 12:05 am

I love this contest and the people who submitted. Bravo for taking the time and sharing your talents and passion for the cause. Wouldn’t it be nice to see a shirt with all continents suffering from poverty on a ONE shirt? Better yet wouldn’t it be nice if we never had to wear a ONE shirt to END poverty. Let’s keep the focus where it needs to be on the work to get it done. END POVERTY.

November 19, 2009 at 12:10 am

i say it is a dandy; work appears oh so handy, bono likah the beach so sandy…
poem as art you see my world is your world Ohhh yeah!

November 19, 2009 at 12:14 am

Love this shirt! Also, AFRICA IS NOT A COUNTRY, ITS A CONTINENT….the people of each country are just as different as with any other continent! Keep up the great work Also, if you’re asking “why Africa?”…how about you learn more about the organization in which you have joined!

November 19, 2009 at 12:22 am

oh and also, if you didn’t like the shirt designs, why didn’t you design your own? Just a thought…

November 19, 2009 at 12:55 am

I’m glad that this design was picked and I’ve read pretty much all of the comments on here and want to clarify some things. Using Africa as a symbol of poverty and suffering is not degrading at all. As someone who has gone over to Africa, there is a HUGE amount of poverty and suffering so it’s not degrading when it’s the truth. I know it’s difficult for people who have not experienced it first hand, I know how you feel because I was just like you. But it’s a huge deal and people really need to understand it. Also words like Extreme Poverty and HIV/AIDS being printed largely on the shirt symbolizes that both of those are HUGE issues over there. I mean they give kids newspaper type things that talk about AIDS/HIV and what they should do to prevent it because most of them don’t know what’s right and wrong. Their culture is vastly different from ours. The shirt is not to put out a negative thing about Africa but to be recognized that those are two big issues there and we all need to work to reduce those issues. And FYI it doesn’t just say “Extreme Poverty” it clearly states “Join the Fight Against Extreme Poverty”. I don’t want people to think that I think Africa is the only place suffering because I don’t. It’s just that being over there and making relationships with the people there I just have a strong passion for Africa. And I agree with Emily Grace, Why not Africa? Africa is dealing with the largest amount of poverty in the whole world. I’m just saying. But I’m going to stop there because the more I go back and read the some of the comments the more I start to get frustrated and I don’t want to be rude to anyone. So again I’m glad this design was picked.

November 19, 2009 at 2:14 am

Hello. One. 11/19/09 1:50 AM

Hello. All of you here online? I was listing to the video on Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of a single story wow a very nice story. I just want to say to all africans god Bless you it wasn’t our folt what we went
Throw with slavery was not right and god saw it but we are a better people then they are.
We are Smarter then they are we don’t go around killing our safe’s and killing a lot of people at one time
They may call us the N word but I don’t care people are dieing every day going to meet god.
And they have to answer to everything they have don evern thiis god said he his the law not us.
They will get whats coming to them the ones who have already died have already gon to hell.
You see saten will be thrown in to hell and he will burn for ever and all of his people as will so I don’t care
What peopl say about me or if they hate me. You see I am going to haven not to hell so hate us call us the N word don’t matter any more god loves us thats what matters Jerry

November 19, 2009 at 2:20 am

There is no need for rudeness. What is so frustrating? If a t-shirt provokes this kind of dialogue (and emotion), then it’s doing what it is supposed to do. Imagine we shut out all the voices working on this issue because we decided there was only one way (my way – or your way) to fight it. A complex problem like hunger and poverty can not be succinctly discussed in an email or by a t-shirt. Each continent faces different social, political, economic and environmental circumstances. We can’t expect, nor should we expect that any of the comments here go as far as dealing with all the issues involved. “Go and design your own shirt” isn’t a very good answer and simply reflects a person’s unwillingness to listen to other voices that might be different. Being critical of an idea is NOT the same thing as being negative. Being positive does not preclude the idea of having serious discussions and differences of opinion. Being critical is the only we we don’t succumb to a pie-in-the-sky, Pollyanna attitude. What does putting a happy face on hunger do to help? None of us can afford that. But that’s quibbling…

A quick reflection that illustrates why I made the point I did since a few commented on it. I teach social studies at an international school in Saigon, though all the students are Vietnamese. I just finished a whole 12-week unit on hunger for World Food Day. I started out the unit by showing pictures of hunger in Africa because i wanted to confront and expand their previous understanding of the issue. I asked them what was wrong with presenting the issue of hunger in this way since that’s what most of us see. Of course they couldn’t answer. We spent the next several weeks talking about hunger all over the world and how the causes of hunger in each country, while similar in structure, weren’t the same in each country. By the end of the class, as the students reflected on this question in their final essays, the common theme that came up was the example of Africa as a country suffering from hunger – despite seven other case studies we looked at! My point had not been made. And yet my greater point had been made. We need to present more than this one picture.

Yes, the situation in Vietnam is improving, but the rural population here is 80% and still suffers from hunger and malnutrition. 80% of the calories Cambodians get come only from rice. Hunger in Africa is so abstract to them while the hunger and poverty in their own backyard is hidden from them. Hunger and poverty in Africa are bad. Who doesn’t agree with that??? (O.K., fine, “really bad”), but discussing hunger by using (and fighting over) words like “huge” or “small” or “extreme” seems rather pointless if not ridiculous. That seems to focus on something rather peripheral to that very real person suffering who (pardon me) doesn’t give a damn what you call it. Hunger is hunger. Are you going to tell me a Sudanese life is worth more than a Peruvian life? Is hunger in Africa “huge” while hunger in Peru or anywhere else is not? Anybody vote for North Korea?! This type of argument simply misconstrues and simplifies the issue. The countries are different, the cultures are different, but the problem leads to the same unfortunate end no matter where you are from and that event can’t be summed up in any shirt or by any adjective.

Anyway enough said. One thing I think we can all share is giving a word of congratulations to ONE, the winner and participants of the contest and to each of you for doing something and speaking out! Peace.

November 19, 2009 at 3:07 am

A very nice Tshirt! I will be very happy to wear it in order to show my involvement in this Drama… But will wait for the woment shirt… Bravo to the “designers” who must have worked hard to create it…

November 19, 2009 at 3:14 am

I, too, voted for the Valeria from LA t-shirt that “won”…and good job to her for up-front graphics. I was reminded that poverty and hunger are not solely an African Continent problem, thanks to you all for that. I now have requisite guilt for not voting relief for the whole world. I am not highly educated nor globally responsible as I should be. But I do have an opinion – as I see so much of these days, we spend much time talking about these problems more than really trying to solve them. Thank you to ONE for the frequent stick in the ribs. Everyone else, Nice job trying, but really, look at most of the comments, and Shame on us. Maybe I’m judgemental, but Lets put our time and effort into more than idle bickersome chit chat and cut back on some email-eBay-Twitter-Facebook-Craigs List-Google-Bing Time and cook a turkey this week and-or trimmings and take it to someone in your ‘hood who won’t have it otherwise. While serving, talk about One! (and yes, I’ll be doing just that, I’m glad not to work that day!) “To the future and beyond….”

November 19, 2009 at 4:15 am

I would just like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the designers, ONE and all the compassionate members of this worthwhile and life changing group endeavor towards ending poverty. Even though I chose a different design, it matters not, as it is a symbol of ONE’s concentrated efforts.
There are many possible ways to share this message – If they don’t make a shirt large enough, purchase one for someone you love and give as a gift – If you can’t get one small enough, get the larger one and wear it to sleep with your intentions held close to your heart. If you’re not happy with the design, purchase one and send it to someone in need of clothing in a poverty stricken community right where you live. I’m not purchasing the shirt to only get satisfaction from wearing it, but because I know the donation is serving the very cause ONE stands for and the proceeds will assist in its efforts. If we are looking at this vote being a problem, then we can never be part of the solution. If we want to make a change in the world, it begins with us and it can start right here in how we choose to see things. Perhaps we could all go inside ourselves and see where we are in poverty with our own spirit, be aware of it and heal it. Only then, can we truly make a contribution to lessen all suffering. How fortunate we all are to have what ONE has given us – a choice – something very few in poverty ever get to realize. I want to thank ONE for considering its members in the decision making process and bless everyone who contributes on whatever level they’re able to. I’m truly blessed to be a part of something bigger than me and still make a difference. <3

November 19, 2009 at 4:26 am

Just a thought based on others feedback. If you want to make some more money for ONE why not print the other designs based on popoularity i.e what votes came in for various designs. You ‘ll get a good indicator of what will sell from that. Just supplying a single designs will lose you income.

November 19, 2009 at 7:49 am

Hi All,
I submitted two ‘more globally focused’ designs, but when I saw the 3 top designs, I was THRILLED!
I felt they were eye-catching and I agree with the winner that was picked. It shows a strong message in a simple, yet strong design that encompasses us. ONE. Let’s not fall apart over our new t-shirt design.
This is a beautiful design and there were others before and there will be more in the future.
Great Job Valerie!!!!
Love and Peace to All,
Stephani

November 19, 2009 at 10:19 am

Support whichever design you wish, people. But please, Africa is not a country. It is a continent made up of a great number of countries with differing circumstances. This is where awareness begins.

November 19, 2009 at 10:23 am

I loved all of the designs and it was dificult to vote on just ONE. With that said, I agree that the winning shirt did seem to be sending the message that Africa is the only place with hunger and poverty issues. I think that hunger and poverty is a global issue and anything that can help start conversations about the crisis that all countries face with this issue is a godsend. Spreading the word is the main focus of ONE, in my opinion, and I will proudly wear this shirt along with the “vintage” ones that I own.
Congratulations on a great campaign!

November 19, 2009 at 10:29 am

I appreciate the focus on issues in Africa — I think that awareness if important, and as some with strong personal connections to African, I am not offended. I do not feel that the manner in One highlights Africa is degrading — One shows the world that they are our brothers and sisters, fellow HUMAN BEINGS, who truly need our assistance. As long as the campaign remembers to show Africa as our friends, I have to get over my pride, and allow Africa to be shown as much of it is. Thanks, One. Your mission has become a personal favorite for my whole family.

November 19, 2009 at 10:30 am

Wow – Why so many complaints here? This is one organization (pun not intended). They focus mainly on Africa (a continent of 53 countries I believe, not a country). I’m sure it’s more effective to concentrate resources rather than spread them worldwide, unless you have unlimited resources. We’ve got plenty of extremely needy people right here in the great ol’ U.S. There are lots of organizations that help here, though, and in other countries and continents. I don’t think the One people want to ignore any needy people.

November 19, 2009 at 10:35 am

I agree with Tom. If the top 2 or 3 designs that we voted on were offered, I believe you’d get a better response. I don’t think that would take away from the designer that won the contest. Good job to all of the designers!

November 19, 2009 at 10:43 am

Goodness gracious!
God bless ONE!

November 19, 2009 at 11:56 am

y ou guys are just some haterz

November 19, 2009 at 12:39 pm

And proceeds go to?

November 19, 2009 at 1:53 pm

I thought all three designs were great but I voted for a different one because I felt the shirt only relects for Africa and not the world. I thought One was one world, not one country.

November 19, 2009 at 2:15 pm

Are the tee shirts “sweat-free” tees? I hope that they are. Sweat-free means that the shirts are manufactured in factories outside of the United States that aren’t sweat shops, don’t employ under-age children, and where the employees are paid a living wage and are not subjected to long hours and dangerous or unhealthy working conditions.

November 19, 2009 at 5:19 pm

Hey everybody,

A lot of great points here and I appreciate the discussion about ONE’s role as an organization that works on global poverty with a special focus on Africa, where there is great opportunity and hope, but also the most work left to do to meet the Millennium Development Goals of halving poverty and disease. For more on that topic, you can read about ONE’s history here: http://www.one.org/c/us/about/754/

There are two important questions I want to try and answer.

First, Herbert asked where does the money from the T-shirt sales go? The answer is that it helps support all of ONE’s advocacy work against poverty and disease. So when you buy a T-shirt, you’re not only getting a great new T-shirt, you’re also investing in ONE.

And Joan wanted to know if the T-shirts themselves are sweat-free? Not only are they sweat-free, they’re actually made in Uganda from locally grown, 100% organic cotton, by a company that is fair-trade certified. Watch the ONE Blog for a post with more details soon.

Thanks for being ONE,
Aaron

November 19, 2009 at 5:22 pm

I like the winning design, however, I must agree with other posters. There is hunger right here in the United States that I have personally witnessed, unfortunately. Nothing against Africa, I know there are people suffering there, yet there are those that suffer in Asia, Europe, Central and South America and right here in North America. We are ONE World and I have to say this t-shirt, although aethetically pleasing to the eye, really doesn’t represent the entire Globe.

November 19, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Though one may be tempted to think that the choice of an Africa T-Shirt may not be respresentative enough but, in my humble opinion, ONE is one in diversity and printing geographic ONE t-shirts, such as the one under debate does not in any way diminish the global nature of ONE or trivialize the sufferings of others. On the contrary, ONE t-shirts featuring its geographic regions of Africa, America, Asia, Australasia, Europe, LAC or Middle East, etc. can only strengthen our unity in diveristy with increased visibility in the regions featured. Thus, to say that: “ONE is global” and “ONE is global and diverse” are both unimpeachable statements. As an African, I will proudly wear this t-shirt in ONE context.
Love!

November 19, 2009 at 7:59 pm

i really liked one of the other top 3 shirts much better than this one – the one with the word “one” written in a lot of other languages. is it possible to purchase one of those?

November 19, 2009 at 10:23 pm

I’m with most everyone else. It would be nice to have something representing the entire world and not just Africa, especially since ONE engulfs the MDGs, which were drawn up by many countries and involve many global issues. Also, you limit who can purchase your garments by limiting the sizes to XL.

November 19, 2009 at 10:52 pm

While I understand the recurring complaint that world hunger at large is not represented by the image on the front of the t-shirt, organizations and projects are most effective when they focus on one specific problem or conflict. It is both ridiculous and inefficient to ask “Why is ONE not focusing on world hunger AT LARGE!!!, why is Africa the only focus?” We all know that one organization can only achieve so much, and solving world hunger is an ambitious goal, let alone hunger in AFRICA…THE CONTINENT itself.

November 20, 2009 at 10:22 am

I would like to know how you came up with that design I love it!

November 20, 2009 at 10:42 am

Love the work that ONE is doing and fantastic that the contest has drawn in so many people!

I certainly understand the focus on Africa, but feel sad about the message that it implicitly sends – that Africa is a basket case of “extreme poverty” and desperately needs our help. I know how advocacy works, but would hope that there could be a greater recognition that Africa is a continent of people, not problems, and that the goal is not to save people who can’t save themselves, but to support people in their efforts to make a better world.

November 21, 2009 at 4:15 pm

First I’d like to say congrats and great job on the design. I voted for this design, so I’m glad it won. This shirt is honest and shocking… obviously, it’s gotten many people to react to it. You may think that it’s demeaning, but its not and yes Africa is a Continent filled with People, but they’re people WITH problems such as extreme hunger, poverty and an AIDS outbreak. this t-shirt isn’t racial profiling or anything and I think some of you are just complaining to complain. The world is not a Disney movie, it’s real and there are real problems that we need to be aware about and I think a t-shirt like this will help to spark a conversation and get the word out. And yes, the whole world needs help but we need to set goals for one area at a time.. and there are other charities, but if you read the petitions you have been signing (hopefully) most pertain to Africa. and if you read the History on ONEs website the very last sentence reads: Like its predecessors, ONE’s mission is to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease in the poorest places on the planet, particularly in Africa, where the challenges are the greatest.
Again, great job to ONE and to Valerie.

November 27, 2009 at 8:00 am

[...]one interesting source on this issueis ,www.one.org,[...]

November 27, 2009 at 1:27 pm

It was designed by Valerie Strecker of Slidell, Louisiana. Well done Valerie. And all those complaining, get over yourself. Its better than nothing.

November 27, 2009 at 4:03 pm

If you have an artistic edge and you like to design t-shirts, http://www.lsdink.com provides the perfect platform for you to showcase and flaunt your creativity. Submit your designs for the voting and design that gets the highest number of votes is displayed on our site for 69 hours. The t-shirt that gets displayed are limited versions of t-shirts which make them more exclusive and desirable and a symbol of pride for the owner. Lsdink also works on the revenue share model, where the artist gets the share in the sale of every displayed t-shirt.

November 27, 2009 at 4:03 pm

If you have an artistic edge and you like to design t-shirts, http://www.lsdink.com provides the perfect platform for you to showcase and flaunt your creativity. Submit your designs for the voting and design that gets the highest number of votes is displayed on our site for 69 hours. The t-shirt that gets displayed are limited versions of t-shirts which make them more exclusive and desirable and a symbol of pride for the owner. Lsdink also works on the revenue share model, where the artist gets the share in the sale of every displayed t-shirt.

November 30, 2009 at 1:59 pm

nice web site, just thought to lest you know that the website looks broken on Mozilla’ Minimo Brow ser

March 17, 2010 at 11:02 am

one of these days we should link up and do a One Shirt One Cause campaign? Congrats to what you and your team is accomplishing. It is sure going to take a bunch of vigilantes to tackle so many world dilemmas. Thanks in advance for checking out our exclusive One Shirt campaign.