Oxfam Blog 2009 (US Tour -> European Tour)

[Jenjie]

A big year for music. A big year for action.

 

The crew have flown out, to wipe the jet-lag from their eyes, in time to get the stage up tomorrow. Yesterday morning, Coldplay flew out to join them. Tomorrow, Tokyo will see the start of the Coldplay tour in 2009. Oxfam Japan will be there waiting for them.

 

With that, comes a new blogger. Oxfam’s Akiko Mera, has worked tirelessly to get things ready for the show tomorrow. She will be there, at the first drop of another rollercoaster ride on the Coldplay tourbus. The Saitama Super Arena will be the first stop. This year, the band have already confirmed shows in 20 countries. The stages will be bigger than last year, and i’m sure, that after what I have learnt about them in the past year, the show will match it.

 

2008 saw thousands of new supporters and interested Coldplay fans come and talk to Oxfam. In 2009, we need your support more than ever in the fight against poverty. Think Make Poverty History, Live8 and 2005, only bigger. Like 2005, when global poverty was high on the agenda at the G8 summit in Gleneagles, it’s a year of unprecedented opportunity. It’s our biggest chance of achieving a global answer to an urgent, global problem: climate change.

 

Be part of a global movement. Be moved and be involved. Talk to your friends. Get them involved. Tell your colleagues, school friends and family. Get them involved too. Then tell your local politician, leader or campaigner and make sure that they are on board too, with fighting poverty in 2009. I took a banner around the world with me on the tour last year, which read…

 

“Poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings” - Nelson Mandela.

 

If you are going to the Coldplay show tomorrow, why not make that the start of your year of action? Go and talk to an Oxfam campaigner. Sign up. Take action. You’ve got power. It’s time for justice.

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=141

[busybeeburns]

:o

[Jenjie]

Coldplay in Tokyo

 

So the excitement continues in this part of the world.. After attending the Grammy’s in L.A., Coldplay arrived in Tokyo last night, to kick off their tour of Japan. It’s hard to believe their energy levels, despite all the travelling!

 

The Japanese crowd gave Coldplay a warm welcome - 16′000 crammed into the Saitama Super Arena. Fans had waited 2 and a half years for Coldplay to tour Japan. Hundreds of people were there, outside the venue, two hours before the doors even opened.. The crowd had a special night - on top of a great concert, many of them learnt about Oxfam’s FOR ALL campaign. 12 Oxfam Japan volunteers were in the arena, signing people up for the campaign.

 

Here’s what the volunteers had to say..

 

“When people approached me to sign up, I could tell they were *real* Coldplay fans”. - Oxfam Japan volunteer and big Coldplay fan, who first started volunteering after hearing that Coldplay support Oxfam campaigns.

 

Another commented that.. “I hope more Japanese artists will get involved and ask people to take action”.

 

That is what Oxfam are here to do - to help people to take action. Last night was great. We still have 3 more shows to go. See you out there!

 

- Akiko -

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=145

[Carlaatje]

They're back :dance:

 

Go akiko :)

she posts piccies right away :nice:

 

but she souldn't be posting under pete's name.. it's confusing!

[Mimixxx]

Thanks Akiko :D

[localola86]

^Does that mean Oxfam will be working on the US concerts this year too?

[Jenjie]

More fans in Japan greet Coldplay

 

So we were out there again in the lobby and entrance area, distributing flyers and talking to Coldplay fans about the FOR ALL campaign. 18000 people came out to Saitama, despite it being a weekday!

 

Hundreds more of those fans, signed the petition. Oxfam Japan was also interviewed by the TV crew from Channel 4’s evening news program, NEWS ZERO. The main focus of the program was about Coldplay’s charity work, and how it has made an impact on the lives of so many people. All those fans that stopped by our booth will make an impact on Oxfam’s work. Eevery one of you can make a difference. A big thanks to the Tokyo volunteer team, and now the team in Kobe will take over the campaigning!

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=148

[Jenjie]

712 sign-ups at Coldplay’s Japan tour!

 

week has gone by since Coldplay performed in Saitama and Kobe, and we are certainly feeling the impact here at Oxfam Japan. We have inquiries from people who saw Oxfam’s booth, to those who have expressed interest in future campaigning. We are also hearing voices from those who have read the tour blog!

 

712 people signed up for the FOR ALL campaign during the Japan tour. We will continue to collect the sign-ups and for those of you, who missed the opportunity to sign up at the shows, please visit us and sign up on line!

 

Behind the scenes at the show, it felt like watching a video on fast forward – but I am sure it was even busier for the tour staff. They came to Japan after the Grammy’s and fighting against jet lag is certainly not easy, but I am sure the warm welcome of the fans kept the band going.

 

I would like to thank Coldplay for inviting us to campaign at the concerts. As for the promoters, we thank you for your understanding on this – we realize this is a rare sight in Japan, and without your cooperation, this would not have happened. Thanks also to the staff on site, who looked after us at the venues. All the campaigners who responded despite the really short notice and worked so hard to get FOR ALL sign-ups and give out information. Last but not least, thank you to my colleagues who tolerated me during the hectic week when almost everything else came to a halt – but I hope you all realize this is only the beginning!

 

Campaigning at Coldplay concerts were made possible because so many people took part – and rest assured, Oxfam Japan will plan for more actions for you to take part! You’ve Got Power – and you can make a difference!

 

Lastly, I am going to pass on the blog-baton to Oxfam Australia where the tour continues!

 

… As for me, I cannot seem to get VIVA LA VIDA out of my head, and it seems like just yesterday that I was strolling around the streets of Kobe although I *KNEW* I had to update the concert blog!

 

 

 

712名の方が賛同！

 

 

 

4公演を振り返って・・・

 

あの熱いコンサートから早くも一週間が経ち、改めてバンドの影響力を感じています。

 

コールドプレイがきっかけでオックスファムの資料を請求してくださったり、何かあればボランティアをします、と言っていただいたり、思いがけない人から“ブログを読んだよ！“と応援メッセージをいただいたり・・・。

 

お陰さまで712名の方がFOR　ALLキャンペーンに賛同し、署名をしてくださいました。今後も皆様の声を集め続けます。今回ブースに立ち寄ることができなかった皆様も是非オンラインでご署名をお願いします。

 

現場はどちらかというと、ビデオを早送りにして見ている様な慌ただしさでしたが、コンサート関係者はもっと大変だったと思います。グラミー受賞後日本に来日。時差と戦いながらの準備は本当につらかったと思いますが、そのしんどさも日本のファンの熱烈な歓迎で吹き飛んだことでしょう。

 

まずは、このような機会を設けてくださったコールドプレイ、そしてプロモーター、レコード会社の皆様ありがとうございました。皆様のご理解がなくてはこのような結果は生まれませんでした。コンサート直前の慌ただしいバックステージで、要領を得てない私へのブリーフィングは苛立ちの原因だったという事は察しておりました！また、当日何気に見守ってくださったみなさま、お心遣いありがとうございました。そして1週間をきってからのお声がけにお応えいただいたボランティアのみなさま、寒い中、連日立ちっぱなしの仕事を嫌な顔せずにサクサクとこなしていただけた結果、多くの人に呼びかけることができました。そして最後にオックスファムの事務所のみなさま・・・通常の業務をそっちのけ（！？）で、コンサートに間に合わせるためにバタバタと走り回っていた私をサポートしていただき、ありがとうございました。しかし、これはほんの序章だということにお気づきでしょうか？

 

 

・・・たくさんの人のご協力によって実現できたコールドプレイのブースです。今後もここでつながったみなさまと何かするぞ！とオックスファム・ジャパンは企んでおりますのでよろしくお願いいたします。みんなYou’ve Got Power – このような一人ひとりの行動がChangeを生み出すことを実感した4日間でした。

 

さて、このツアーブログもここでオックスファム・オーストラリアのスタッフにバトンタッチをいたします。引き続きよろしくお願いします！

 

追伸・・・今回これを担当した私と言えば今もなおVIVA LA VIDAが頭の中でグルグルヘビーローテーションしており、毎日ブログを更新しなければという宿題を背負っていたにもかかわらず、神戸では玉子焼き（明石焼き）を食べていた先週の事が遠い昔の様に感じています。

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=150

[Jenjie]

and this on twitter:

 

oxfamgb New voluntary internship opportunities at Oxfam - take a look here: http://tinyurl.com/ard4f7

38 minutes ago from web

[Jenjie]

OxfamAustralia is at the Rod Laver Arena getting ready for @coldplay. Will be here Wednesday and Thursday too

about 12 hours ago from web

[Jenjie]

Coldplay arrives down under!

 

On the latest leg of their mammoth world tour Coldplay have hit the shores of sunny Australia. First stop was Perth, Western Australia, where the four lads from England were welcomed by thousands of excited fans at Burswood Dome for two nights of crowd pleasing awesome music! Oxfam Australia volunteers were there too. Ready to sing along to the latest Coldplay tunes, and inspire people to support our work on fair trade and Indigenous health equality. Thankyou to each and every one of you who stopped by our stall and signed in support of our campaigns work.

 

A sizeable hop skip and jump took the Coldplay lads across to the opposite side of the country where they performed for three nights at the Rod Laver Arena in downtown Melbourne. Again, at each concert, we had twenty Oxfam Australia volunteers on the ground chatting to Coldplay fans about fair trade and the Close the Gap – Indigenous health equality campaign. Over the three nights more than 1 800 people signed in support of Oxfam’s campaigns work, what an impressive number! Thanks to all of you out there who have put your name down to support our work for a just world without poverty, your support can really make the world of difference in the lives of millions of people. We will continue to collect the sign-ups and for those of you, who missed the opportunity to sign up at the shows, please

visit us and sign up on line.

 

 

 

 

The Coldplay lads will be on stage in Brisbane later tonight, if you’re heading along to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre keep your eye out for the Oxfam volunteers, swing by, say hello and add your name to our important campaigns work.

 

As for me, I am hanging out for Coldplay to arrive in my home town of Sydney next week. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes. VIVA LA VIDA!

Cara

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=155

[Jenjie]

New Zealand braces for the Cold(play)

 

While Coldplay are busy rocking Australia, New Zealand is getting ready for the concert event of the year. Oxfam will be there next week to greet the masses for two sold-out shows. We’ll have 20 volunteers at Vector Arena each night, talking to people about Oxfam’s work to provide clean water and sanitation in some of the world’s poorest regions.

 

Keep an eye out for people carrying 20 litre buckets on their heads, and text us to enter the contest for great prizes.

 

In the meantime, you can check us out here.

 

See you next week..

 

Jason.

 

(Jason Garman - Communications Coordinator for Oxfam New Zealand. Oxfam/Coldplay tour blogger in waiting.. Jason will be taking over the reigns from Cara Bevington when the tour leaves Sydney).

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=156

 

 

Coldplay wowed Brisbane

 

After 3 years, the fans were hyped, ready and waiting for the return of their favourite lads from the UK - so there was plenty of energy and interest around what our Brissie volunteers had to say and show about Oxfam’s work on the Fairtrade and Close The Gap campaigns.

 

The sight of our Oxfam green t-shirted brigade flashed amongst the thousands who thronged both nights to Brisbane Entertainment Centre, for their first live dose of Coldplay tunes since 2006. Quite a few in the crowd were obviously back for more - what’s more, many also rememberijng their chats with us about Make Trade Fair from last time, which made us smile. These fans obviously love their Coldplay music - but they also follow what else the band are involved with.

 

A grand total of 1611 signed up to join Coldplay and Oxfam in supporting a just world without poverty - good work Brisbane-ites! And, it goes without saying, great shows!

 

The Coldplay lads will be performing 4 shows at Sydney’s Acer Arena this week and Oxfam volunteers will be there on the ground, ready to talk about our work for a just world. Whether or not you are going to one of the Sydney shows, you too can get involved.

 

Sign up. Take action. You’ve got power. It’s time for justice.

 

Cara

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=158

[Jenjie]

Coldplay & Oxfam in Sydney

 

As we set up the Oxfam campaigns table for the first Sydney Coldplay show, we could see hundreds of fans eagerly waiting to be let in the huge glass doors of the Acer Arena, and we could almost touch the excitement in the air! On the dot of 6pm, the doors flung open, and Coldplay fans streamed through ready to see their favourite band rock out Sydney.

 

3 hours later our team of 20 Oxfam campaigns volunteers had handed out thousands of stickers, tattoos and flyers about our work on Fair Trade and Indigenous health equality and 912 people had signed up to support our work. What a fantastic effort! Thankyou to each and every person who took the time to find out more about Oxfam’s work, and who have now used one of the most powerful things you have, your voice, to support our vision of a just world without poverty.

 

When the Coldplay lads marched on stage with sparklers blazing, the 18, 000 strong crowd in Sydney’s Acer Arena erupted, and then some. From the first bar, to the last bow, we were mesmerised, the Coldplay guys sure know how to put on an amazing show.

 

If you are heading to Coldplay this weekend, look out for the roaming Oxfam volunteers and our bright green table jammed packed with ideas about ways you can get involved. Stop By. Say hello. Be a part of our growing global movement for change. 2009 is going to be a huge year of campaigning for Oxfam, and we invite you join us.

 

Cara (Campaigns Coordinator and Coldplay fan)

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=161

[icedude2010]

Do we think Oxfam America will tour again and accept volunteers again? That would be sweet.

[Jenjie]

Do we think Oxfam America will tour again and accept volunteers again? That would be sweet.

 

I asked Bob (OxfamAmerica) as soon as the new dates were announced, and he said that they don't usually find out until approx 1 month in advance. So we should know sometime during April whether Oxfam will be at the gigs.

[busybeeburns]

THANKYOU to the 10,000 Coldplay fans in Australia who have supported our work

 

It was a bittersweet moment in Sydney on Sunday night as we bid farewell to the Coldplay lads at their last concert in Australia on their Viva La Vida world tour. Oxfam volunteers were again out and about at Acer Arena taking full advantage of the chance to talk to Coldplay fans about our Make Trade Fair and Close the Gap campaigns. Many Coldplay fans were eager to hear about Oxfam’s work, and the efforts of our volunteers in Sydney resulted in over 2500 sign-ups over the four Sydney shows. Wow, what an effort!

 

As we recover from the excitement of the shows we can now look back on the Australian tour. We have had a total of 220 volunteers across 4 states mixing amongst the crowds of 11 huge shows. Coldplay fans received thousands of stickers, postcards, leaflets and tattoos as the word about Fair Trade and Indigenous Health spread across the country. Overall in support of the Make Trade Fair and Close the Gap campaigns we managed to get over 10 000 sign ups. That is as epic in proportions as a Coldplay world tour!

 

We want to send a huge thank you to all the volunteers who participated in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. We appreciate the time and effort given in supporting Oxfam’s work, each and every one of you deserves a standing ovation for your enthusiasm, friendly smiles and inspiring words.

 

We would also like to thank Coldplay for their support of Oxfam’s work worldwide, and for making it possible for us to reach so many of their fans. It was also fantastic to see Coldplay get involved in fundraising efforts beyond their links to Oxfam with their support at the Sound Relief benefit concert. It was great to see the band helping out Australian communities whose lives have been devastated by fire and flood.

 

We now hand over to Oxfam New Zealand, where Coldplay continue their world tour.

 

PS. If you were too excited about the show to have a chat to us make sure you check out our website

 

Cara, Elsa and the Aussie Oxfam gang

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=163

[icedude2010]

I asked Bob (OxfamAmerica) as soon as the new dates were announced, and he said that they don't usually find out until approx 1 month in advance. So we should know sometime during April whether Oxfam will be at the gigs.

 

Thanks :)

[Jenjie]

New Zealand’s 6 year drought is over

 

No I don’t mean the early March storms that blew across Aotearoa, I mean the Coldplay drought! It’s been 6 long years since the band plucked a single note on these shores and tonight’s sold out crowd at Vector Arena in Auckland didn’t let them forget it for a minute.

 

 

 

The evening started off with our posse of Oxfam campaigners, 20 strong, heading downtown on busses, trains, bikes and feet to tell people about our work…and to rock. I’m happy to report we did both.

 

 

 

Big ups to the band for providing some great autographed gear. That was the inspiration for our text-to-win contest. And while we were giving people a chance to score a signed Asian umbrella that Chris used on stage, a drum skin or a tour book, we had a great opportunity to talk to thousands of them about Oxfam’s work to deliver clean, safe water to communities in the developing world.

 

 

 

In the unlikely event that you were at the show but didn’t happen to spot any of us with the 20 litre containers on our heads, highlighting the fact that way too many people still have to walk for hours each day to fetch dirty water for their families, fear not – you can still enter the contest by going to http://www.oxfam.org.nz/coldplay.

 

 

 

After sufficiently getting the word out, we were lucky to catch a few songs from Kiwi soulstress (and Oxfam supporter) Hollie Smith, followed by the atmospheric feedback of Mercury Rev. A couple of crowd surges and one break dancing stage-sweeper later, the crowd went ballistic as the lights dropped and Coldplay walked out, sparklers afire. The unifying force of this band was obvious as I looked around—from 13-year old kids to 70-year old grandparents, with a cultural mix as diverse as New Zealand itself—all cheering, dancing and singing along together.

 

 

 

Big thanks to Chris, Will, Johnny and Guy. Not only do you keep coming up with undeniably catchy songs, your social conscience continues to be a beacon for millions of people waking up to the fact that injustice is not inevitable. It’s an honour to work with you and everyone we talked to tonight so that we can all create a fairer world together.

 

 

 

See you tomorrow!

 

 

 

Blogging from the New Zealand Coldplay shows is Oxfam Communications Coordinator and appreciator of guitar and piano driven rock, Jason Garman

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=164

[Jenjie]

West Palm Beach sets the bar

 

Hello all!

 

Soha here, your Oxfam representative on the North American leg of the Viva La Vida 2009 world tour. From West Palm Beach to East Troy- Montreal to Mansfield, I’ll be your on the ground source of news for all things related to Oxfam volunteers, campaigns, and more!

 

The tour kicked off with bang yesterday at the Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, FL. Team West Palm Beach consisted of 20 of the most energetic, and enthusiastic volunteers I’ve met. How many sign-ups do you think they got Friday night? Go ahead, make a guess!

 

Last year, Oxfam volunteers at Coldplay concerts all over the world recruited 80,000 strong against poverty, hunger, and social injustice. This summer, Oxfam America has challenged its teams to recruit 30,000 new Coldplay fans to support Oxfam.

 

Have you joined Oxfam yet? or know someone who wants to? You can join our e-community now by texting the word “viva” to 30644. By signing up, you’ll join 80,000 other Coldplay fans and help Oxfam America reach its goal of 30,000 new voices against poverty!

 

Stay tuned to this blog for more specific details of Oxfam America’s petition to President Obama, the number of sign-ups recruited by Team West Palm Beach, and pictures from that night taken by a team member, Devin. She was a special addition to the team because, in addition to being an amazing campaigner, she’s also going to school for photography and took pictures for us that night with her professional camera.

 

Until next time,

 

s

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=166

[Texasluvsjonny]

No Pete :bigcry:

[Jenjie]

No Pete :bigcry:

 

nope :( but he did say he didn't think he would be this year.

[Mimixxx]

West Palm Beach sets the bar

 

Hello all!

 

Soha here, your Oxfam representative on the North American leg of the Viva La Vida 2009 world tour. From West Palm Beach to East Troy- Montreal to Mansfield, I’ll be your on the ground source of news for all things related to Oxfam volunteers, campaigns, and more!

 

The tour kicked off with bang yesterday at the Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, FL. Team West Palm Beach consisted of 20 of the most energetic, and enthusiastic volunteers I’ve met. How many sign-ups do you think they got Friday night? Go ahead, make a guess!

 

Last year, Oxfam volunteers at Coldplay concerts all over the world recruited 80,000 strong against poverty, hunger, and social injustice. This summer, Oxfam America has challenged its teams to recruit 30,000 new Coldplay fans to support Oxfam.

 

Have you joined Oxfam yet? or know someone who wants to? You can join our e-community now by texting the word “viva” to 30644. By signing up, you’ll join 80,000 other Coldplay fans and help Oxfam America reach its goal of 30,000 new voices against poverty!

 

Stay tuned to this blog for more specific details of Oxfam America’s petition to President Obama, the number of sign-ups recruited by Team West Palm Beach, and pictures from that night taken by a team member, Devin. She was a special addition to the team because, in addition to being an amazing campaigner, she’s also going to school for photography and took pictures for us that night with her professional camera.

 

Until next time,

 

s

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=166

 

30,000 wow...I'm sure they can do it :D

 

Good luck Soha

[Jenjie]

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice EVERYWHERE

 

Hi folks!

 

We rolled in to Atlanta on Saturday where we had a day off and a chance to poke around the great ATL. Last night’s show at Lakewood Amphitheater was electrified by the overwhelming energy of the audience, most of whom watched the show in the cold rain! On a cold and soggy day like yesterday where one would expect fans to be moody, I was heartened by the overwhelming support for Oxfam as well.

 

This morning, I woke up in Birmingham, Alabama. We’ve been in the south for a few days now and the weight of the historical importance of cities like Atlanta and Birmingham is inescapable. These cities were home to key players in the non-violent civil rights movement , namely, Dr. Martin Luther King who was jailed in Birmingham for his role in the protests against racial segregation. It was from his jail cell that he wrote: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

 

On that note, I want you to Meet Jerry. He was one of the Oxfam volunteers last night and his story truly invigorated my passion for social justice.

 

Jerry learned about the trafficking of children in the US through a conversation with a new acquaintance and he quickly took action starting Second Life. His involvement with Second Life and Oxfam America embody King’s idea. It just goes to show that the South is still an important place in the human rights movement.

 

Stay tuned for sign-up totals from West Palm Beach, Atlanta, and tonight and more news from the road, including how I fell in to the Oxfam road-case! Remember, if you want to join us, you can simply text VIVA to 30644.

 

Bye for now!

 

s

 

p.s. sorry for the bad video quality! This roadie learned two otherwise obvious things yesterday: 1. buy a raincoat! and 2. lighting is key when filming.

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=167

[busybeeburns]

An Unlikely Roadie

 

Hey Folks! I’m hollering at you from the beautiful Pittsburgh, PA. The rain curse that was brought upon us has been lifted during our glorious three days off (!!!) and its been nothing but sunshine and butterflies (naturally). It seems that everywhere this crew goes-Atlanta, Hartford, Hershey, Camden- rain ensues! In every city however, rain or shine, our volunteers make me so proud to be part of an organization that has inspired the type of commitment and dedication that they exhibit.

 

Its been about two weeks since the tour started, and more than a week since my last entry. You may be wondering why I haven’t written. World, its not because I don’t love you, nor is it for lack of inspiration. Rather, at the end of my 13 hour work days when I sit in front of my computer to write to you all, I find myself writing about how much energy life on the road requires. Then I think to myself: “This entry is lame, I’ll try again tomorrow.”

 

And life on the road is demanding indeed. Let’s face it folks: I’m an academic through and through and this pace has taken some adjusting to. Before I left LA for Boston to work for Oxfam America 10 months ago, I was knee-deep in my Masters thesis and interviewing for teaching positions at local colleges. My life was headed on a steady course to becoming a scholar of sorts when I decided it was time to ditch the ivory tower of academia. My thesis still hasn’t been written, I haven’t graduated, and yet I’m the most satisfied I’ve ever been. I’m working on the ground, getting my hands dirty with face to face campaigning with Oxfam and people like Emily from Birmingham, Jonathan and Erica from Hartford, and Fatima from New York (amongst many, many amazing others). For all its madness, touring has been quite the adventure for this academic-turned Oxfam intern- turned roadie.

 

Before leaving for the tour, someone from Coldplay’s production team emailed me a form that asked various questions such as my passport number, emergency contact information, etc. The last question on the form asked: “Favorite food, pizza toppings, beer, snacks, etc.” Clearly, this was to stock up the tour buses. My response was: “Vegetarian, Naked orange juice, whole wheat English muffins, low-fat Laughing Cow cheese, low-fat popcorn.” Need I say more? And yet as I continue to sort my way through life as a roadie, I’m left with the fundamental question: “What does the world want to hear about from the Oxfam representative on the Coldplay tour?” Therefore, I’d like for YOU to tell me what you want me to talk about.

 

The baton has been passed, world.

 

xoxo from Pittsburgh,

 

s

 

p.s. In my last entry I told you that I’d share with you a picture of when I fell inside the Oxfam road case. Can someone please tell me why Word Press doesn’t do anything when I click on the button to insert pictures in the entry? I’m perplexed and left glaring at my screen in a way that would make Clint Eastwood proud.

 

http://www.oxfamblogs.org/coldplay/?p=168

[busybeeburns]

Drop the bricks, carry the balloons

 

Hello all!

 

Tonight we’re leaving what has begun to feel like a home away from home, Pittsburgh, after three days off and a phenomenal show. I really enjoyed our time off here visiting the Andy Warhol Museum, shopping on Carson Street, and attending a Pirates game. Rolling into the venue at the early hour of 7:30am this morning I had a good feeling about the show. I knew the crowd would be a good one and that the Oxfam team would do well. Pittsburgh did not disappoint; it was an awesome audience with amazing energy filling the amphitheatre with the resounding shouts of “Go Pens!” Chris Martin even responded at one point when Coldplay was performing on the lawn with “What the hell are you guys talking about?” Needless to say I’ll miss Pittsburgh. This academic-turned Oxfam intern-turned roadie ought to learn not to get too comfortable in one place…

 

Anyone that has ever canvassed at a concert would tell you how difficult it could be to cope with and shake off rejection. As you know, at every Coldplay show since the dawn of man practically, Oxfam assembles teams of 20 people to canvass audiences to talk to fans about Oxfam, the work we do, and how they can get involved. Often times, volunteers interpret a concertgoer’s not wanting to engage in conversation with them as a form of personal rejection. For them and for other canvassers like 15-year-old Stevey from Team Pittsburgh tonight, veteran canvassers have coined a phrase that goes something like, “Drop the bricks and carry the balloons.” It was my boss and mentor, Brian, that first shared that phrase with me. The phrase is meant to encourage canvassers to resist the inclination to focus on negative encounters that serve like bricks to weigh one down, and focus on the positive ones that serve like balloons and boost one’s morale. It is only natural that not all concertgoers would be interested in talking with Oxfam volunteers, but instead of focus on that, I told Stevey, focus on the number of people who did talk to her. In fact, at that point Stevey had already achieved a significant number of petition sign-ups: 65! That’s 65 conversations about poverty, and 65 responses to a call to action- 65 balloons!

 

After the show tonight, I was sharing with Brian the sleep deprivation, crazy allergies, and homesickness I have tackled with since hitting the road. He responded very seriously, “Wow, this tour has been a real test of your endurance” and I told him, that I’m “dropping the bricks, and carrying the balloons.”

 

And oh are there balloons! 838 new members of Oxfam America recruited tonight, 75 of them alone ended up being the result of Stevey’s effort!

 

We’re off to Buffallo, NY for another day off tomorrow. I think Niagra Falls is a short drive away; any other suggestions for how to spend my day off tomorrow?

 

From Bus 2,

 

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