Can a Rock concert change the world?

Lisa Bos, World Vision US — 2012-10-04

Over 60,000 Global Citizens turning up for Saturday's Global Festival

On September 29, many months and countless hours of planning came to fruition at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. The reason? To draw attention to the challenges faced by our global neighbors in the developing world, including health, education and gender equality. The bonus? Hearing music from great artists like the Black Keys, Band of Horses and Foo Fighters.

You might be skeptical that a rock concert can be used to create “global citizens,” people who will leave feeling inspired, empowered and emboldened to use their voices to change the world. I must admit, I was a little skeptical myself. Will people just listen to the music and pay no attention to the message?

I had the opportunity to represent World Vision at the festival, talking to people in the crowd about World Vision’s Child Health Now campaign, focused on ending preventable child deaths from diseases like diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia. My skepticism went away quickly. While people were excited to see their favorite performer, they were also eager to learn about the causes partners in the festival, like World Vision, were there to represent.

Many didn’t know how many children are now surviving to their fifth birthday because cost-effective interventions like bed nets and oral rehydration salts are getting to children who so desperately need them.

World Vision US's Advocacy VP speaks from the stage at the Global Festival with model Erin Heatherton

They weren’t aware that with medication, a mother can eliminate the possibility that she will pass on HIV to her baby.

World Vision’s Adam Taylor announced a commitment during the festival to continue to advocate on behalf of children, but also to help others raise their voices around the world. On November 13, World Vision will begin a Global Week of Action to get millions around the world to raise their voices for child health.

We hope that you will join us. Visit www.childhealthnow.org. Join the global citizens from the festival in signing a petition to world leaders, calling on them to do what is necessary to ensure that no child dies from a disease that is completely preventable. Post a photo on the photo wall raising your hand and showing your support.

Maybe a rock concert can’t change the world, but one by one, voice by voice, we can.

Lisa Bos, World Vision US

See for yourself - watch Adam Taylor addressing the 60,000 Global Citizens.