John, with the World Cup in Qatar making headlines, last month we asked you how you feel about professional athletes getting involved in activism.

934 people responded and 92% said they support athletes taking a stand against injustice. Here’s what a ONE supporter from the UK said:

“They have access to a global stage and can use it for good by raising awareness about important issues. They are all people with their own conscience, morals, and beliefs, and they should be able to express their own opinion if they feel moved to do so.” 

Sports have an incredible power to unite people for good. Check out this video of a local football club using the game to support refugees in Glasgow, Scotland. ⚽️

Things we love

🏆 Elena, an NGO in Cameroon, is the winner of the 2022 ONE Africa Award, which recognises African-led organisations working towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Find out about Elena's mission to develop sustainable livelihoods in rural communities. 

🎗 Former pro-rugby player Gareth Thomas talks about the stigma he's faced living with HIV. Watch his story to find out what we can all do to fight discrimination and help end HIV/AIDS for good.

🪧 Enough is enough is fighting back against Britain’s cost of living crisis. Together, trade unions, community groups, tenants’ organisations, and politicians are pushing for change on food poverty, poor housing, and other important issues. 

🥳 2022 has been another turbulent year, but ONE CEO Gayle Smith reminds us of 3 good things that happened. And a special thank you from all of us at ONE to you for your support this year! 

Things you can do

🌱 Nigerian climate activist Adenike Oladosu launched a joint petition with ONE at COP27, calling on leaders to finally deliver the funds to protect vulnerable communities like hers against the worst impacts of climate change. Read and sign her petition or share it on social media to stand with her. 

📚 The Leading Change Network has launched a new health justice community for people interested in advocating for better healthcare for all. Check out their resources and these four stories from health justice activists.

🎤 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we've been campaigning for a global response that doesn't leave anyone behind. Tell us what you think about this work and help us improve future campaigns.

💪 Earlier this month, we celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Read and share these powerful stories of polio survivor and Paralympic athlete Alem Mumuni, and founder of the Feet of Grace Foundation, Dr. Irene Olumese. After overcoming huge personal challenges, they're driving change to help other people with disabilities in their communities.

🤔 Poll: What campaigns have you taken action on in 2022?

This year I took action on...

With so many crises happening across the world, we've seen a lot of powerful campaigning against injustice in 2022. We want to know which campaigns have motivated you to take action this year. 

Have you taken part in any of the mass strikes or protests like those across Europe on the cost of living, in China against COVID crackdown policies, in Iran for democratic freedoms, in the U.S. to protect reproductive rights, or one of the many others around the world? 

Or maybe you've done something smaller like signing a petition to stop banks funding fossil fuels or contacted your representative to support global access to education for all children.

Whatever it is, let us know what campaign spurred you into action this year! We'd love to know the specific campaign, but if you don't remember, you can just tell us what the cause was. We'll share the results in next month's newsletter...

People changing the world: Isabella Pezzoli

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

My name is Isabella Pezzoli and I’m 22 years old. I’m a graduate in international relations from Turin, Italy. 

Activism has been a part of my life since I was 15 years old. I worked as a volunteer supporting immigrants to learn Italian, English, and French, and to get jobs. This experience of meeting hundreds of people from all over the world with different cultures and backgrounds helped me to grow a lot personally.

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

I’ve been a ONE activist for the past year. At ONE, I’ve used my voice to speak out against social and health inequalities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa through social media campaigns and lobbying policy makers.

My proudest moment was meeting political leaders at the Italian parliament. Together with other activists, we spread awareness about the importance of funding the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in low-income countries.

Outside ONE, I am a project manager at the Polytechnic University in Turin.

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

Ending extreme poverty and preventable disease, especially in Africa, is important to me because I believe in fighting for social justice and human rights, so that everyone can have the same opportunities.

COVID-19 has stalled a lot of the progress made on ending poverty and eradicating preventable diseases, so this fight is even more crucial now. The pandemic also showed how interconnected we all are, and how all countries can experience major health and economic crises.

4. How do you stay motivated to do this work? And how do you like to spend your time outside work?

Outside of work, there are three activities that allow me to recharge. I have my own blog about global political and economic events (check it out if you read Italian!). I also play the piano, and enjoy taking photos of my city and nature. 

Lastly, I enjoy watching films. One film I saw recently and would recommend is ‘The Swimmers,’ which is based on a true story about two sisters who fled Syria in 2015 as refugees. One sister went on to take part in the Olympic Games, whilst the other became a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR.

📺 Watch Isabella's video to find out more about what activism means to her.

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