U2 and the ONE Campaign
I was in Chicago over the weekend for the North American launch of U2′s 360 Tour. It was everything I anticipated. I can’t wait to see U2 again at the Rose Bowl in October. Chicago Tribune’s rock critic, Greg Kot calls it “One of the best stadium shows of the last decade.” If you want to read more about the opening concert check out Tom Martin’s review in the the L.A. Times music blog, Pop & Hiss. Don’t worry I’m not going to attempt a review. I want to share a few thoughts about U2 and the ONE Campaign.
I saw U2 in L.A. on their Vertigo Tour in 2006. Bono’s passionate appeal to join the ONE Campaign moved me join the fight against global poverty and AIDS. During the past three years I’ve remained involved with the ONE Campaign in many ways. I also encouraged our congregation to take action as well. So I was curious what U2 would do to promote the ONE Campaign this time around, especially considering the global recession.
On the way into the concert I stopped by the ONE Campaign HQ. There were lots of ONE volunteers going around with notebook computers encouraging people to join ONE. They were also taking photos of people kissing for ONE’s “Kiss the Future” campaign, kinda cheesy if you ask me. The photos are displayed on the round video screens at the end of all the concerts.
During the concert U2 approached the issues from a much different angle than I expected. The challenges to end poverty and AIDS were absent, instead Bono did a monologue about the difference the ONE Campaign has made for millions of people in Africa. He thanked Chicagoans for their part in making it happen, starting with Pastor Bill Hybels. U2 disappeared and a video segment opened with a speech from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You can see it here at ONE’s On the Road with U2.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we’re going to continue to mobilize people to action for Africa in the midst of the political-economic turmoil we are facing as a nation. It’s hard to talk about people dying across the ocean when people are loosing their homes across the street. Ok … I know, there’s no comparison. Still I’ve been wondering if the momentum for change may be slipping away. I think U2 sensed this trend and decided to focus on the good rather than the bad for the 360 Tour. For a nation where so many seem to be struggling financially, their approach was filled with hope and promise. Something we all need a little more of right now.
Africa, Concerts, Music, Social Justice
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Africa, Bono, Chicago, Concert, Music, ONE Campaign, Poverty, U2
Themocracy
Thanks for the update and thoughts on U2 and ONE. You know that I love and admire U2 and also that I have been a local volunteer with ONE since CrossWalk had it’s ONE meeting several years ago.
I have found myself still concerned with Africa, but loosing the motivation to stay involved with the volunteering. I have found it extremely difficult to motivate others to be involved and stayed involved. I believe that ONE field organizers find it extremely hard to keep us as volunteers motivated too.
Just as I experience highs and lows with my spirituality I have found that I experience highs and lows with some of my other passions as well. I’m hoping to bounce back soon or at least be able to find the balance between no involvement and too much involvement.
ONE has had several victories for those living in poverty and I believe it will continue to in the future as well. When Bono and others like you remind us of the needs and help us keep a global perspective, it is good. We all have the power to create positive change, sometimes we just need the reminder to do what we can to make it happen. Thanks.
You may see me volunteering for ONE at the Rose Bowl. Last I heard from the field organizer they were wanting the ONE Redlands group to possibly help with tabling. Crossing my fingers for another hand shake from Bono.
Hi Carrie, thanks for your comment. You have been an inspiration to me when it comes to social justice and raising awareness for those who don’t have a voice in this world. Thanks for all you do! I understand exactly what you are saying. I often feel the same way, especially when it comes to CrossWalks projects in Ethiopia. Alas, I am not Bono, I am not a lot of things, but I can keep trudging on doing my part, using my voice when I can.