Thursday, May 17, 2012

Oxfam Action Corps kicks off its 6th year!

This Tuesday marked a successful conclusion of the 6th annual training of the Oxfam Action Corps, conducting more than 52 lobby visits on Capitol Hill!  Hailing from 15 US cities, the participants in the Oxfam Action Corps training learned about Oxfam's GROW campaign for global food justice and how to serve as a resource for people back home who want to join the effort. 
Gathered in Washington DC May 12-15, our group spent 3 days in an intensive training and one day lobbying on Capitol Hill to improve US food aid.  From this point forward our new organizers will focus on reaching people in our home cities, welcoming them to the local volunteer group, and bringing Oxfam’s reform agenda to the attention of the Congressional representatives and other campaign targets.

We got to hear from several alumni who spoke about their experience with the Action Corps.  According to one, “Oxfam Action Corps really helped me professionally… It prepared me for a huge career change, directing a small non-profit.”  Another said “Oxfam Action Corps has given me a ton of confidence, gaining the knowledge and being able to speak to people about the issues.”  And another said “Oxfam Action Corps was my first foray into a long love affair with Oxfam. I have Action Corps to thank for where I am.”

Thanks again to all who contributed to the training, and here's to a great year ahead!