Hi John,

Last month, we asked for your thoughts on how social change happens. Whether the most important tactic is lobbying those in power, mobilising the public, grabbing media headlines or something else.

90% of you agreed that it takes all of these elements together to achieve real change. Here's how a ONE supporter in Canada describes it:

"The tactics go hand-in-hand. The media will cover issues only if the public is interested in them, equally the public will not be interested unless the issues are raised in the media. Governments will not act in socially responsible ways unless the issues are important to the public".

And we couldn't agree more!    

Things we love

💰 Reuters unpacks the historic climate loss and damage fund announced at COP27 and ONE CEO Gayle Smith gives a one minute snapshot on what's at stake with climate finance.

🎉 The Global Fund is celebrating a record-breaking $15.7B investment to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria over the next three years. Thank you for supporting this campaign!

When the UK government announced a new scheme to deport undocumented asylum seekers to Rwanda earlier this year, campaigners at Freedom From Torture knew they had to take drastic action. Find out what happened.

Things you can do

💥 Listen to the moment Nigerian activist Adenike Oladosu launched her joint petition with ONE at COP27, calling on leaders to finally deliver the funds to protect communities like hers against the worst impacts of climate change. Follow the link in the post to add your name!

⚽ The World Cup kicked off this month in Qatar amid much controversy. Take our 2-minute quiz to test your knowledge on the soccer players fighting for a better world. Then read more about their work.

📚 Whether you're a budding or experienced activist, the Commons Social Change Library provides 1000s of free resources on topics like campaign strategy, community organising, creative activism, and more. 

🤔 Poll: How do you feel about professional athletes getting involved in activism?

I support it
I'm not sure
I don't support it

Tell us what you think and we'll share the poll results in next month's newsletter...

People changing the World: Kaya Wilczek

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Kaya and I'm 20 years old. I'm from Hanover, Germany and am currently studying international relations in Dresden.

I'm passionate about gender equality and equal access to education. After graduating from high school, I took a gap year to work at my old school supporting children who have been disadvantaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, education is the greatest asset a society can offer. But unfortunately many people are denied their right to it.

2. Can you tell us about the work you do?

Since March, I’ve been volunteering as a ONE Youth Ambassador. I strongly believe that as young people we must stand up for a future worth living in.

My work includes meeting with German political decision makers to convince them about the importance of fighting poverty and preventable disease, and fostering an equal political partnership with Africa. I also raise awareness for ONE’s campaigns and was recently featured in an online magazine (check it out if you can read German!).

My favorite moments as an activist have been meeting Svenja Schulze (the German minister for economic cooperation and development) and going to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, an Alpine ski town in southern Germany, for the G7 summit earlier this year.

3. Why is ending extreme poverty and preventable disease important to you? 

I was privileged to be born and grow up in Germany. But, I think it's unfair that arbitrary factors – like where a person is born or their socio-economic family circumstances – often determine their future and opportunities..

That's why I campaign with ONE to end extreme poverty and preventable disease. Everyone deserves to lead a dignified life and I want to help make the world a better place.

International development isn't only essential from a humanitarian point of view, but it's critical to overcoming major global challenges like the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Activism and campaigning are really fun, but can also be tiring at times. It's really important to take breaks and look after your mental health. So in my free time, I like to hang out with my family and friends or be active, like by playing basketball. I also love reading books or listening to political podcasts.

📺 Watch Kaya's video to find out more about her favourite moment as an activist.

Did you like today's email?

Loved it

Mehhh

Hated it