Why It's Important

Fighting poverty is in the strategic interest of the United States

“The United States cannot win the war on terrorism unless we confront the social and political roots of poverty. We want to bring people to justice if they commit acts of terrorism, but we also want to bring justice to people.”

Colin L. Powell, No Country Left Behind

• Extreme poverty and a lack of economic opportunities fuels desperation and instability
• Education and economic empowerment are key elements of any global strategy to eliminate terrorism
• Providing these opportunities strengthens America’s image in the world

The world’s poorest countries are in crisis and we have a moral obligation to act

“The ONE Campaign can unite people together from different backgrounds, different beliefs, different views on life, because these are not only religious issues – they’re human issues. As Americans, we have to care about the 3 billion people who live on under 2 dollars a day and the 1 billion people who live on less than a dollar a day. AIDS and poverty will never be solved by one group alone, it takes government, it takes churches, and it takes business – and each of them has a role.”

 Rick Warren, Pastor and Author of The Purpose Driven Life

• 1.4 billion people survive on less than $1.25 per day
• 12,500 people die each day from preventable, treatable diseases
• Basic human needs are absent: health, education and economic opportunities
• An entire generation of children is being raised without parents or opportunities

We have the technology and affordable solutions to end extreme poverty

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”

Nelson Mandela

• Smarter and more efficient programs are achieving measurable results
• Nearly 3 million HIV-positive people are receiving life-saving treatment
• 29 million more African children are in school thanks in part to debt cancellation
• New strategies ensure assistance gets to those who need it most

	Learn more about the solutions
	Why it's important
	Democratic and Republican strategists agree
	Religious voices agree