The '1 of 52' Hunger Network Newsletter
Volume #16 October 2007 by Stephen M. Maciel, President, End Hunger Foundation, Inc. 501(c)3
1-888-HUNGER-0 ENDHUNGER@cox.net Http://members.aol.com/hungerzero 175 Hazard Rd. W. Greenwich, RI 02817
Hi and welcome to our 16th '1 of 52' Hunger Network Newsletter.
Much of our work for our non-profit has been 'behind the scenes' recently. Though there's been major up-front action by numerous '1 of 52' members such as Alan Shawn Feinstein with the Feinstein Foundation, Bill Pere with LUNCH, Jen Chapin with Artists Against Hunger & Poverty, Julie Woods with Fans With Cans, Chakula with Singing Out for Food and many others.
Some of the background End Hunger Foundation's work with the '1 of 52' Hunger Network is ready to emerge:
As you may already know, we've recently expanded the scope of the program to include people of all walks of life. Though musicians and artists will always remain the 'heart' of our concept, we now encourage all their fans, sponsors and supporters to join as '1 of 52' and increase our 'strength in numbers' concept.
As well as expanding the scope of the concept, we've decided to expand the scale also. Once we reach a 'critical mass' number of 52 in any state, we will 'split off' those 52 into their individual communities. We've exceeded 52 in our model state of Rhode Island, and will now create a new model here by starting individual groups of 52 starting in each city & town. We will further encourage each community within those cities and towns to continue the tradition! If even each of RI's 39 cities and towns reach 52 members - all united in the goal of creating a Hunger Free Community within their city / town - the smallest state in the union would have a minimum of 2,028 members permanently united in one singular cause. What effect will that eventually have on the state? And what would these numbers be in much larger states? And their collective effect across the country? THIS is what we feel will have the greatest impact on ending hunger; a grassroots uniting of citizens who have decided not to wait for someone else to do this. Taking a united stand as a people, with an organized plan behind us will have a lasting, rippling effect. Let us together - as citizens - return emergency food pantries to their original purpose; emergencies, not a way of life.
How's this all going to happen? No one singular thing. It will be the cumulative effect of people like ourselves - united in action who make it happen by taking a series of actions and applying their own special talents. The answers are all out there; volunteerism, donations, creating awareness, lobbying and more. Start by building your annual '1 of 52' actions and educating yourself and others to the solutions that are all there for the doing.
Visit the '1 of 52' Web Links site to learn more about - and support - the efforts of the Feinstein Foundation, the National Anti-Hunger Hunger Organization's Blueprint to End Hunger, BFW / Bono's 'One' organization and many more.
Announcing:
Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America at URI & the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale form Hunger Task Force
The Hunger Task Force started with a 'Community Conversation' about creating Hunger Free Communities on March 7th at the Peace Dale Congregational Church in South Kingstown, RI. The initial goal is to create an environment where everyone in South Kingstown has enough food to eat year-round.
The evening was sponsored by the Feinstein Center for a Hunger-Free America at the University of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Jonnycake Center in Peace Dale. Invitations to the "conversation" were mailed to elected officials, schools, organizations, churches, and agencies. Over 50 people interested in knowing more about hunger and willing to become part of the solution attended.
"We presented some basic information about problems and challenges of hunger and present some ideas and approaches that might be used," said Dr. Gorman, FCHFA Director. "But were interested in hearing from community members and getting their ideas."
Gorman noted community-based efforts are part of a nationwide approach to respond to hunger. "Hunger often seems to be overwhelming and, therefore, insurmountable. More than 38 million people in America are considered to be food insecure. If we start with one community at a time, it's possible to get a handle on hunger and, as a community, help the people who need it the most."
The Task Force has had several subsequent meeting and events and they will provide encouragement and support to other community leaders who would like to begin an initiative for their city or town.
I am representing our '1 of 52' membership on the Task Force.
Additional Notes:
The '1 of 52' Hunger Network's grassroots approach to organizing actions fits perfectly with many recent initiatives.
As stated in a letter from the National Anti-Hunger Organizations that accompanied the Blueprint to End Hunger Document, "We are issuing a call to action to every segment of our society to mobilize and work to make a vision of a Hunger Free America a reality."
http://www.alliancetoendhunger.org/blueprint_to_end_hunger.htm
Bill Clinton's recent book entitled 'Giving' is promoted as a 'call to action' looking at "how each of us can change the world".
Bill Shore's Revolution of the Heart states "We know precisely what must be done and we have the resources to do it. We simply haven't had the will."
We, as an organization, help address these very needs.
Also
Please use GoodSearch when searching the web. Every time you do, we'll realize a donation! Go to www.goodsearch.com, scroll down to End Hunger Foundation (W. Greenwich, RI).
The South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce has allowed the Hunger Task Force to have a display table at their 3rd annual Business to Business Trade Show event on Wednesday October 3rd from 2 to 7 pm at the Ryan Center at URI. Presenting at this event allows us to show the business community that ending hunger is good for the local economy. Admission is free with a business card and non-perishable food donation. If in the area, consider stopping by with an acoustic instrument and be a strolling minstrel for a bit!
Visit our website at http://members.aol.com to see upcoming and recent events. (Site upgrade coming soon, I promise!) And please remember to send us your upcoming hunger actions to post.
Peace,
Steve Maciel, Founder