Casselton Native, ONE Member Jessica Arneson “Bands” Senators Conrad, Dorgan & Congressman Pomeroy in Fight Against Extreme Poverty

Fargo, North Dakota (March 30, 2010) – This past weekend during a ONE grassroots workshop in Fargo, ONE member Jessica Arneson put advocacy into action by speaking to Senators Kent Conrad and Bryon Dorgan, and Congressman Earl Pomeroy about eliminating global poverty at the local North Dakota Democratic Convention, taking place a few blocks away.

Arneson, a North Dakota native and citizen of Casselton, ND, presented ONE bands to North Dakota’s Congressional delegation and took the opportunity to urge each lawmaker to fully support the International Affairs Budget – the small but critical part of the budget that helps to fight hunger and global disease and to save lives in the developing world.

“I’m proud to stand in solidarity with ONE, and I will continue to use my voice so that people continue to become aware of the Millennium Development Goals. These basic human needs begin the road to human dignity and potential, and also serve as proactive means towards peace and justice everywhere,” said ONE member Jessica Arneson. “Senators Conrad and Dorgan, and Congressman Pomeroy all expressed support for ONE’s efforts and I hope that when they go back to Washington that they will support a budget that does as well.”

In their discussion, Jessica and other ONE members highlighted Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ call for robust funding for international development programs as a key component to fortify America’s national security strategy.

“North Dakota is blessed to have great leaders that listen to the public and lead with their hearts and heads, said Matthew Bartlett, Deputy Field Director. “A fully funded International Affairs Budget reflects the good will and spirit of the North Dakota people and all Americans.”

In addition to meeting ONE members and holding a ONE Workshop, ONE field staff Matthew Bartlett and Libby Crimmings also met with Larry Skogen, the President of Bismarck State College, to discuss ONE and North Dakota’s unique relationship with the African country of Ghana.  Skogen has been integral in establishing a partnership with Ghana and the North Dakota National Guard, which then led to a public health partnership between North Dakota and Ghana.