What happened in debt campaigning in 2020
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Dear friend,
What a year it has been!
The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all. It has deepened many crises around the world, as well as right here at home, in the UK.
But we’ve seen communities and citizens coming together to make amazing things happen. Through it all, you’ve signed petitions, taken photos, and even virtually lobbied your MPs!
Thanks to you friend, our movement is growing. The injustice of unfair debts is becoming more widely known, and we’re getting ready to take on 2021. Standing together, we can reign in the reckless lending and exploitation that keeps people and countries locked in poverty and debt.
As the year comes to a close, we thought we would share something a bit more personal about debt campaigning in 2020. Each member of the team has picked one thing they are proud of this year. We couldn’t have done any of this without you.
2020 Staff Picks
Louie: Hi everyone, I’m still pretty new to the Team - having started as a Community Organiser during a pandemic was certainly challenging! My top pick for 2020 has been working with people in debt in Greater Manchester to set up our first group. I’ve also been working with the Unfair Debt Group ([link removed]) in East London, and we managed to get £5,500 worth of unfair debt cancelled for one of the members!
Eva: When the pandemic hit, we were first to call for a debt write off for countries in the global South. That’s because we knew that more than 60 countries were spending more on debt payments than healthcare. All in all, $5.3bn of debt has been suspended so far. Over 860,000 people signed petitions calling for debt relief, which is amazing!
Zak: Just like Louie, I also started at Jubilee Debt Campaign this year. One thing I loved seeing was all the major press coverage of our campaigns. Our letter on UK household debt was featured in the Financial Times ([link removed]) , and whilst it’s not my daily read – having the recognition from a major outlet like that was really exciting.
Matt: It’s been a tough year, but thanks to our generous and committed supporters, we were able to have the best ever match funding event, raising £70,000 through the Big Give Christmas Challenge! We’re in a good place to start next year off with a bang.
Tim: This year we launched our Debt Data Portal, ([link removed]) which provides campaigners all over the world with all the information they need to campaign for debt justice in their countries. I’ve also just become a new Dad, so if I may, I think that’s my highlight of the year.
Finally, my pick - as Director I’ve had the pleasure to welcome in two new staff members this year (Louie and Zak), and another two more will be joining the team at the start of 2021. We’re growing, thanks to your support, and in recognition that we need to scale up our resources and impact to secure lasting change.
Once again, a big thank you for all your support and campaigning.
We’ve made important progress on debt justice this year, and thanks to you, we stand in good stead for an impactful 2021.
Have a restful and peaceful break, and as always, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.
Warmest wishes,
Sarah and the JDC team
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