Happy new year from the ONE team (we promise this is the last time we'll say it)! 

A huge thank you for all your support last year in fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease. You’ve browsed your Spotify Wrapped, but what about your 2022 Wrapped ONE edition? Check it out for a refresher on what we did together and stay tuned for more opportunities to fight for climate and economic justice!

At the end of last year we asked you which campaigns you’d taken action on in 2022. 

Many of you took action around the world on climate change, the cost of living, gender-based violence, racism, education, animal rights, and more. You signed petitions, wrote letters to the editor of your local newspaper, donated money, and wrote to your local and national governments about the issues that matter to you. 💪🏿💪🏻💪🏾

Because democracy isn't a spectator sport. It's an active process that needs all of us to participate to work.

One supporter from the UK said, “future generations will thank us, and hopefully will continue to fight for human rights and the good of our glorious planet.” 

Things we love

🎆 Earlier this month we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. His multi-approach to achieving racial justice, including the power of listening and dialogue, are still so relevant today.

📣 The Social Change Agency explores what makes an effective protest movement in this podcast episode. It looks at the link between civil rights protests and democratic voting, community building, and making activism fun!

🩺 Aproko Doctor answers some frequently asked health questions, like what are the early symptoms of HIV? Find out and also learn about other illnesses like malaria and tuberculosis in this 2-minute video.

🎗 These revolutionary talking books in South Africa use solar power to educate people about HIV, ensuring they know whether treatment actually works, and how to take it.

🫁 Nine-year old Ella became the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death. Since then, her mum has been campaigning to pass a clean air bill known as 'Ella's Law,' which is now making its way through the British legal system.

Things you can do

📚 From how campaigners stopped the Rwanda deportation flights in the UK, to discovering the power of comedy to drive social change, this list of thought-provoking podcasts and reads from SMK will kick off your new year strong! 

🔧 Take your activism to the next level with Beautiful Trouble's creative toolbox packed with everything you need for causing good trouble! From campaigning theories and methodologies to practical tactics and real life examples.

💰 Did you know that the world's richest 1% have taken over 60% of all new wealth since 2020? Learn just how extreme inequality is and share these facts to educate others on the urgent need for change.

🧺 49 million people around the world are at risk of famine. This is driven by the war in Ukraine, soaring food prices, climate shocks, and the ongoing COVID pandemic. Sign our petition (with 1 click) to urge our leaders to take action against the hunger crisis. Here’s what it says:

🤔 Poll: What should the new name of the global newsletter be?

Last year, we gave this monthly supporter newsletter a revamp, with a new look, inspiring activist stories, and new interactive features to hear your views.

Now we need your help to choose a new name! Vote for your favourite and the winner will be used from next month…

• Power Up!
• ONE Voice
• Game-Changers
• We are ONE

People changing the world: Adenike Oladosu

How did you first become aware of the climate crisis and what motivated you to get involved?

I first became aware of the climate crisis while studying agricultural economics in Benue State, Nigeria. In 2018 I read a report by the International Panel on Climate Change, which highlighted the need for urgent action. Inspired by Greta Thunberg’s movement, Fridays for the Future, I initiated school strikes in Nigeria and by spreading the word about climate justice, more and more young people across Africa have joined.

In 2019, I launched the I Lead Climate Action Initiative, a youth-led movement that raises awareness about the impact of climate change on conflict zones like Lake Chad and on African societies.

Can you tell us about the work you've done with communities in the Lake Chad region? 

Lake Chad in central Africa has shrunk by 90% due to climate change, causing violence in the region due to the scarcity of resources. I wanted to draw the world’s attention to this issue. I raised awareness through videos, articles, and by speaking at events. People started to reach out to me for information, and a high-level conference on the issue took place in the region earlier this year.

Through my organization, we are working to map out the regions of the lake affected by conflict, as well as safe spaces. We’re also looking at where changes in the environment are happening and are working on action plans to resolve conflict in the region.

As women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change, we started an initiative that gives them access to resources like organic fertilizer, seedlings, and other farming tools. We've supported thousands of women to build resilience against the climate crisis and improve their financial status. It's also moving us towards more sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.

For young people who may be interested in becoming climate activists, can you describe what your day-to-day looks like?

Activism can be time-consuming and requires you to focus on what you want to achieve. Besides attending lots of meetings, I create space for the things that keep transforming society. This year, I plan to campaign on the impact of climate change on our upcoming Nigerian elections and democracy. I’ll keep writing for my blog and international outlets. I’ll also make more videos around climate justice for my YouTube channel. 

Among other things, I’ll be preparing for 30 days of activism in the lead up to International Women’s Day in March, and will continue my campaigning on Lake Chad. I’ll be in Paris for the Change Now Conference and in Germany for my residency as a fellow of the Panel on Planetary Thinking.

Which experience or achievement from your climate action work are you most proud of?

It makes me proud when I see the changes we’re fighting for being realized. One of the presidential candidates for the upcoming elections in Nigeria said in a statement, “we will recharge Lake Chad.” This shows the impact our campaign has had and an understanding that this is one of the solutions towards creating long-lasting change in the region.

Also, when our initiative on empowering women through access to farming resources puts  smiles on womens' faces, it gives me hope.

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

I stay motivated because I draw strength from other people doing great things around the world. I also surround myself with positive people that support me in what I do and give me good advice.

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