What is ONE?

ONE is a grassroots campaign and advocacy organization backed by more than 2 million people who are committed to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Co-founded by Bono and other campaigners, ONE is nonpartisan and works closely with African policy makers and activists. For more about ONE, check out ONE.org's FAQ.

 

What does ONE do?

ONE's mission is to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease in the poorest places on the planet, particularly in Africa. We hold world leaders to account for the commitments they've made to fight extreme poverty, and we campaign for better policies, increased and more effective aid, and trade reform. We also work closely with leaders in Africa to support greater democracy, accountability and transparency in how these resources are deployed. For more about ONE, check out ONE.org's FAQ.

 

What is the ONE Campus Challenge and what does it do?

The ONE Campus Challenge (OCC) works to engage college students in the fight against extreme poverty and disease and train the next generation of advocates for the world's most impoverished people. OCC provides college and university students with different actions, through both Monthly Challenges and our regular list of actions. All of these contribute to the movement against extreme poverty through advocacy and the mobilization and education of their peers around these important issues. For more about OCC, see our About page.

 

What is a COA?

A COA, or Campus Outreach Ambassador, is an active student leader who has taken a role mentoring other groups to success within the ONE Campus Challenge. COAs are experts at student organizing so they are helpful resources if you need some help with anything -- from coming up with a creative way to make ONE stand out when you're tabling, to navigating your school's administration to make sure you're doing everything within its rules for campus organizations. You should most definitely find your COA here.

 

What does a Campus Leader do? How do I become one?

A Campus Leader is the first point of contact between a school's ONE group and the ONE Campus Challenge. Campus Leaders help organize ONE meetings and events on campus. They also have access to some special tools on the OCC website: they can email the members of the campus group, check on points, customize the school's page, and contact their Campus Outreach Ambassador (COA). Campus Leaders are also eligible to attend the Power 100 Summit in Washington, DC in the winter if their campus ranks in the top 100 schools.

In order to become a Campus Leader, you should contact your Campus Outreach Ambassador (COA). If your college or university does not already have a Campus Leader, the COA will make sure you are registered as the leader on the OCC website and then will act as an important resource to help you get your new group started and support you as your group grows and takes actions.

 

What are some ways I can participate?

First, sign up with your campus on the OCC homepage. Then, check out this month's Challenge to get ideas for what you can do right away to rack up points for your school -- and make a difference in the fight against global poverty. You should check back each month to see our new monthly theme and participate in the monthly challenge.

 

Why should I care and how can I convince others to do the same?

1.4 billion people around the world are living on less than $1.25 a day -- and we can do something about it. A college campus is a powerful place for change.

This is the right thing to do. Right now, around 27,000 children under the age of five die each and every day from diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, diseases we know how to prevent and treat with basic medicines. We have the ability to save these kids, and we should. Not only is it right, it's smart. Combating poverty and disease is an investment in more stable communities and enhances America's global standing.

If you care and are passionate, your enthusiasm will be contagious. If you're having trouble convincing others on your campus to take an interest in ONE, contact your COA for tips and advice.

 

Can ONE person really make a difference?

Over 2.4 million people have signed the ONE Declaration -- and all have signed as a direct result of being asked by a friend, family member, neighbor or colleague. All of us have a tremendous opportunity to take action and influence those closest to us by learning and talking about these issues. From Dr. King to Nelson Mandela, history shows us big changes can start with small actions. Together as ONE, we can help transform and save the lives of millions of people. ONE and the groups behind it have already campaigned effectively to increase assistance in the fight against HIV/AIDS and also won victories for the world's poorest people -- read more about ONE's successful past campaigns here. We are gaining momentum all the time, and helping save lives and secure a better future with every victory.

 

Is ONE partisan?

ONE is a campaign of Republicans, Democrats and Independents, conservatives and liberals, those who profess faith and those who profess no faith. There is only ONE side in the fight against global AIDS and extreme poverty.

 

Does ONE work on domestic concerns? Or only international issues?

ONE works to rally Americans in the fight against extreme poverty and diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria in the world's poorest countries. ONE partner organizations are at the forefront of fighting poverty, hunger and HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad. But ONE focuses on helping those living in extreme poverty, living on less than $1 a day. A vast majority of these people live outside of the United States.

 

What happens when I sign up to join the ONE Campus Challenge?

To join OCC, you simply sign up on the OCC homepage with your name, email address and zip code. Then you'll start getting weekly emails from the OCC Team, informing you of monthly challenges and other ways to make a difference in the fight against global poverty. The emails will keep you posted on ONE activities and issues. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we won't sell or share your contact information outside of ONE.

 

What if I already ONE'd my campus, city, state, etc.?

Every year you should renew your city, state and/or campus commitment to ONE. You can then submit the action again for full points.

 

Our leader is graduating. What do we do?

It's helpful to build up your group; instead of just having a president, form an entire "executive board" with a president, vice president, treasurer, historian, etc. It's also a good idea to keep a few first- and second-year students on your board. When you're ready to actually transfer leadership, you can contact your COA and we will make the changes on the OCC website.

 

What if my question was not answered?

If you have any additional questions, please contact your COA and someone will get back to you in a timely manner.