ONE Campaign Facts
The ONE Campaign seeks to rally Americans, ONE by ONE, to the cause of ending poverty in our world and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The campaign seeks political commitments to:
- Direct an additional ONE percent of the U.S. Budget to address extreme poverty.
- Support debt relief for the world’s poorest countries to help them meet the Millennium Development Goals.
- Make the rules of international trade fair so all may benefit from the global economy.
Right now it is possible, through partnership with the poorest countries in the world, to provide what is needed—medicines, education, and infrastructure—to break the cycle of poverty. This is a life-saving effort, as over 8 million people die each year because they lack even the most basic resources.
What is the ONE Lutheran Campaign?
The ONE Lutheran Campaign is the unique effort of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to engage Lutherans in the ONE campaign. Martin Luther knew the power of one and the importance of social justice. For 30 years we have responded to extreme poverty through the World Hunger Appeal and advocacy in Washington, D.C., at the United Nations and with corporations.
The Millennium Development Goals
The Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs, are eight interrelated targets for the elimination of extreme poverty by 2015. The goals flow from the Millennium Declaration that was signed by more than 189 countries in 2000. It is understood that developing countries are primarily responsible for achieving the first seven MDGs. Industrialized countries are primarily responsible for goal number eight – to create a global partnership with targets for aid, debt and trade. The goals include:
- Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
- Achieve Universal Primary Education
- Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
- Reduce Child Mortality
- Improve Maternal Health
- Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases
- Ensure Environmental Sustainability
- Create a Global Partnership for Development with targets for aid, debt and trade
Become a ONE Lutheran!
- Sign the declaration at http://archive.elca.org/advocacy/one
- Join the ELCA e-Advocacy Network at www.elca.org/advocacy
- Tell a friend about the campaign
- Wear the white ONE wristband (available on ONE Sunday)
- Learn more about the campaign at http://archive.elca.org/advocacy/one
Other Resources
ONE and the Millennium Development Goals (PowerPoint Presentation)
ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History www.one.org
Bread for the World www.bread.org
Jubilee USA www.jubileeusa.org
Lutheran World Relief www.lwr.org
