Wednesday night in the MUB, about 100 students gathered in the Granite State Room for "Live UNH!"a free concert put on by UNH for One to raise awareness for global AIDS and extreme poverty.
Students were scattered around tables with information pamphlets, eating free burritos donated by Chipotle. They could enter a raffle and the winners would receive jewelry and t-shirts from the Gap's Product Red.
UNH for One is a student organization that was established on campus in November of 2006. It is made up of 8-10 active members and if based off of the One campaign.
One is a non-profit organization that works in communities, colleges and churches across the United States. Their job is to educate and to ask American leaders to increase efforts to fight global AIDS and extreme poverty. They are also an unprecedented, bi-partisan campaign to make global disease and extreme poverty priorities in the 2008 election.
UNH sophomore Jenny Cook organized this year's event. Cook, 19, is the UNH for One Co-President and was responsible for booking the bands and handing out information. Right now the United States spends 1/3 of 1 percent of its current income on foreign aid, something she would like to see changed.
"If we could raise that number up to 1 percent that would be a lot of money," said Cook, 19. "By signing the Declaration it will put pressure on politicians in the 2008 election."
The Declaration, establishes that students recognize that a pact including such measures as fair trade, debt relief, fighting corruption and directing additional resources for basic needs - education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans - would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries, at a cost equal to just one percent more of the US budget.
The signatures from the declaration will be brought directly to the politicians. Cook explained that having more people sign shows that there is some actual weight behind the movement.
"It shows politicians that One is not just a group of 15 loony people, but that it's organized and well-thought out," Cook said. She went on to say that there are currently 2 million signatures that will be presented.
If One's goal is reached that would give the US an extra $6 billion to foreign aid, raising it to $25 billion total.
"It's important," said UNH senior Tony Griffin, 21. "We've spent hundreds of billions of dollars on the War on Terror. So what's an extra six to help out those in need?"
The two bands that performed were Laundry Machine and the 50 Cent Load and the Keepers of the Groove, both were thrilled about playing at the event. The concert was in direct relation to World AIDS day, which was this past Monday.
"It's for a good cause," said Dave MacLean, 19, Keepers of the Groove guitarist and singer. "It's good music and a good opportunity for people to learn something."
If you wish to sign the declaration or learn additional information you can do so from One's website, One.org.
Be the first to comment on this article!