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Hi John,

Last month, we asked you if you think your government should do more to fight global poverty. A massive 92% of you said YES. Here are a couple of additional thoughts you shared:

“Until there is a fairer distribution of the world’s resources, people will continue to suffer. Wars, displacement, disease, and environmental destruction are all consequences of poverty. We need to redress the balance as a matter of urgency.” - Denise, UK

“At the moment, South Africa is in a crisis, with unemployment rates being extremely high. Coupled with ongoing electricity and water issues, and fuel hikes, the economy is in tatters. Ultimately it is the poor who suffer. I believe that education and job creation are key issues that this government needs to tackle.” - Renee, South Africa

“I feel that we have benefited from the resources of other countries and should be sharing the wealth that we make from them!” - Valeria, Canada

🤔 How can you become a stronger climate advocate?

With the right support, investments, and policies, we can tackle extreme poverty AND the climate crisis together. If you're ready to be part of the solution, tell us what we can provide you with to take your climate action advocacy to the next level. 

Tell us how ONE can help you to become a stronger climate action advocate: What training, guidance, or resources do you need from us? 

• Content, stories, and easy actions to share on social media.
• Online actions to take around key decision-making meetings.
• More information on what climate change is.
• More information on the link between social justice and climate change.
• Information about climate solutions and policies that are working.
• Training, coaching, and how-to guides that I can use in my own activism.
• Meet-ups with other people taking climate action.
• Something else.

💡 Solutions journalism story of the month:

How can you break the cycle of poverty once you've been forced to leave your home? The Skilled Women Initiative is providing internally displaced women in Nigeria with the skills they need to find employment and thrive.

💥 Your activist quick hits:

🌡️ Why is the climate crisis also a health crisis? Here's how climate change impacts people's health, and what we can do about it.

🌍 Last month the African Union, which represents all 55 African countries, finally became a full member of the G20. Here are three reasons why Africa needs a bigger seat at the global table.

💉Good news! In a huge step towards getting rid of polio for good, new funding will ensure that 370 million children are vaccinated against the disease. 

📝 More than 200 CEOs have signed an open letter ahead of COP28 (the annual United Nations meeting to address climate change) calling for specific actions to limit the rising global temperature. 

♀️ Meet three inspirational women making strides in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from one of our Belgian youth activists.

People Changing the World: Christopher Arunga

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I’m Christopher Arunga and I live in Western Kenya, Mumias. I’m in my mid-20s.

What is the focus area of your activism work? 

My activism work is centered on promoting digital rights and tackling the impacts of climate change. I am one of the ONE Eco Champions, an activist group leading ONE’s global climate campaign. Through this platform, we advocate for climate justice and the allocation of more resources to help Africa deal with the impacts of climate change. Africa has continued to carry the burden of climate change, despite contributing the least to its cause.

What inspired you to become an activist?

My personal experience of the effects of climate change is one factor that inspired me. Severe prolonged drought in Kenya posed a serious threat to food and water security. Families, especially those living in rural areas, survived on one meal a day. Children had to attend classes without eating breakfast. Animals were dying due to the lack of food. Had the drought persisted for two more months, we would have lost our lives and livelihoods. This made me think about how I could contribute in my own small way to making my community better prepared for future situations like this and mitigate the effects.

This is how my activism journey in climate action started. I then sought to find out as much information as I could on this issue. I attended the Nairobi Summer School of Climate Justice (NSSJ), representing ONE, which allowed me to become better informed.

What is your most memorable moment as an activist?

My visit to the senate of Kenya during my ONE Champions’ induction was a highlight for me. I had the opportunity to interact with the clerks of the Senate. I learned more about how the Senate works and how to submit petitions. This was important because parliament is where the real policy discussions take place, which then impact the whole country.

Another memorable moment was organizing the launch of the Linda Data Campaign last year in Nairobi, Kenya. Seeing this take shape and having senior stakeholders attend was a highlight for me.

What is one thing you’ve learned that might help someone new to activism?

Results come with consistency and determination. Believe and pursue your end goal. Consider combining your efforts with other activists. Go for collaboration instead of competition; we’re all working to make the world a better place. 

It’s also important to prioritize your mental wellness. Take time for activities that re-energize you. At times, activism can be overwhelming so this helps you avoid getting lost.

What is your favorite activism-inspired song?

I first listened to the song ‘Stand Together’ during our Champions induction. Part of the song says, “nobody is safe until everybody is safe.” This to me is a call for solidarity, collective action, and the belief that we shall overcome the challenges we are facing.

Second to this is ‘Send Me’ by Hugh Masekela. It speaks about readiness and willingness to lend a hand when needed, being there for survivors.

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