Hastings College junior Meggan Lloyd was selected as one of Oxfam America’s 2007-08 CHANGE Leaders. The CHANGE Initiative is a highly competitive national program that trains college students to become actively engaged in Oxfam America’s social justice mission.

 Lloyd, a religion major, is from Hastings, Neb. She is the daughter of Richard and Monica Lloyd.

 Dr. Trace Haythorn, director of the college’s Vocation and Values Program, noted, “It is hard for many folks to grasp what an honor this is for Meggan. In light of our new Peace, Justice, and Social Change major, we’re proud and delighted that Oxfam has recognized Meggan’s outstanding potential, and we look forward to more Hastings College students enjoying such opportunities.”

Lloyd will attend a leadership training session in Boston, Mass., July 21-27. Once trained, Lloyd will coordinate Oxfam campaigns related to fair trade on the Hastings College campus.

In addition to fair trade, Oxfam CHANGE Initiatives focus on equitable trade for all; fighting hunger; and oil, gas and mining development.

The CHANGE Initiative complements Oxfam’s work, challenging injustice through political action and organizing change.

CHANGE Campaigns:
Coffee – Coffee is one of the most heavily traded commodities in the world. U.S. citizens spend $18 billion a year on coffee, yet the average coffee farmer earns less than $3 a day. Through the Fair Trade Campaign, Oxfam America is working to change these statistics. With fair coffee prices, farmers can increase their income enabling them to afford health care, education and housing. CHANGE Leaders work to increase local access and awareness of Fair Trade coffee in dining halls, coffee shops and supermarkets.

Make Fair Trade – This campaign works to change the rules to make the trade system fair and equitable for all and to help millions of people get out of poverty.

Oil, Gas and Mining – This campaign promotes the role of communities in determining whether and how natural resource development happens.

Hunger – Fighting hunger is at the core of Oxfam’s mission. Hunger is one of the most visible symptoms of social and economic injustice in the world.

The history of Oxfam:
  In 1942, a group of Quaker intellectuals, social activists, and Oxford academics formed the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief in response to the plight of refugees in Greece. After the war, Oxfam (a name derived from its postal code abbreviation) continued its work, sending materials and financial aid to groups aiding the poor throughout Europe. As the situation in Europe improved, Oxfam's attention shifted to the needs of people in developing countries. In 1970, a group of volunteers founded Oxfam America in response to the humanitarian crisis created by the fight for independence in Bangladesh.

More information is available at: http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatyoucando/act_now/student_action/change
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