Dallas you are the beginning of my new adventure
Tonight I’m Dallas, the first night of the second US tour for Mylo Xyloto tour. I’m just sat behind the black draps off the side of the stage as the band are currently doing an acoustic version of ‘Us Against the World’. It just reminded me of an email I got this morning that I had to share with you.
Today Oxfam America staff informed me that the thousands of petitions that Coldplay fans signed on the last leg of the America tour had all paid off. For some of you that signed the petition you will remember that we were asking Coldplay fans and other people throughout the US to sign a petition to push government to reform the way bought the food aid that was sent from the US to those in need.
Before this week, all food aid that was sent from the US had to be purchased in the US and shipped on US ships. Such buying behaviour meant that the food often got to the needed area late and at a high cost due to shipping.
Oxfam were pushing the US government to reform this and rethink the way they sent food aid, encouraging them to buy locally and regionally to the area where the food is needed. This week Senate have signed a new Farm Bill in the US, in which it includes the asks that Oxfam and Coldplay fans wanted.
This is a huge success for us and I just wanted to say thank you. Without your contribution America, we wouldn’t have been able to apply pressure to government to create the change. Much like the band say, it really is us against the world!
Now in Dallas, it is so exciting to be able to talk to volunteers about our recent success and how campaigning at gigs is an effective way to raise support and change. That and seeing the band perform again in smaller state side venues. So if you guys want to get involved, come and see the Oxfam volunteers at your Coldplay gigs or follow us on twitter on @oxfamontour and see how you can make a difference.
I’m so glad our efforts paid off and the Senate took notice and is making the changes we asked for! I’m proud to have been a part of it. See you in Miami!