Oxfam America Launches Innovative Online Hub for Volunteers and Activists

ACT FAST offers one-stop shopping for those interested in taking action on poverty – and seeing results

BOSTON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today international relief organization Oxfam America launched ACT FAST (www.oxfamamerica.org/ACTFAST), a new way  for people to take action on poverty, hunger and social injustice.  

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"Oxfam is revamping the way activists work with us to create change – online toolkits and a centralized action hub will make it easier for everyone to find an event, host their own, or volunteer," said Nancy Delaney, Community Engagement Manager for Oxfam America.  "This is the beginning of a new chapter of Oxfam's outreach to the next generation of activists."

"ACT FAST is an online hub for ordinary folks with an extraordinary vision," she adds.  "If you are interested in volunteering or taking action to help people facing poverty and injustice, you can find a starting point that works for you."

Charlyne Yi, star of Paper Heart, also stars in a video on the Oxfam America Hunger Banquet®, the organization's premier awareness raising event, featured on the website.  The Oxfam America Hunger Banquet® has introduced tens of thousands of people to Oxfam's mission and enabled them to help in the fight against hunger and poverty for over 35 years.

"The video starring Charlyne is a great way for people to get a sense of what the Hunger Banquet is about," said Delaney.  "Viewers can watch it to learn more for themselves, or use it to introduce the Hunger Banquet to a group they are working with.

"What makes ACT FAST extraordinary is that people have so much to choose from.  If you are a music lover, you can volunteer to help get the word out about Oxfam at concerts.  If you are interested in politics, but are more comfortable at your desk, you can take an online action by writing to your policy maker about anti-hunger legislation and share information with your friends via email or social networking.

"ACT FAST offers a wealth of opportunity for people to get involved year-round.  It launched today because we know with the holiday season approaching many people start to look for ways to help those who don't have as much," said Delaney.

The ACT FAST online hub offers individuals and groups opportunities to get involved by: attending an event near you; organizing an event; volunteering; donating; taking action online; and learning more about Oxfam's work and volunteers.  The hub also makes it easy to find opportunities by issue areas including hunger, injustice, protecting rights, clean water, saving lives, and gender equality.

To learn more about Oxfam America and ACT FAST visit www.oxfamamerica.org/ACTFAST.

Oxfam America is an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. Together with individuals and local groups in more than 100 countries, Oxfam saves lives, helps people overcome poverty, and fights for social justice. To join our efforts or learn more, go to www.oxfamamerica.org.

SOURCE Oxfam America