Cycle for Security Cross-country Bike Tour: Everyone has the power to help
4

Website

: http://www.MakeUSstrong.com/cycleforsecurity

The Idea

13.3 million are in crisis in the eastern Horn of Africa. There's never been a more critical need for us to help - and yet some want to cut funding to lifesaving foreign aid programs. I'm biking 4200+ miles to spread the word that there's something all of us can do to help put an end to this crisis.

The Specifics

I’m bicycling from CA to DC via AZ, NM, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, FA, SC, NC, & VA to talk with Americans about what we can do to help end the crisis in the Horn of Africa and prevent ones like it in the future. In each state, I’ll hold events w/students, activists, policy-makers & media showcasing USAID’s PSAs & FWD campaign. Joining me are veterans who will discuss how helping people in the HOA is not only the right thing to do but also vital to America’s long-term security interests. Supported by a team of communications professionals in DC, I will blog, post videos, & give local media interviews along the 3-month ride. I hope to demonstrate that you don’t have to be an expert to help end this crisis & give others the tools to get involved.

Discussion
23 Pink-talk-bubble-tail

You will be prompted to sign in before your comment publishes. Post comment
Most ideas on here are to benefit the Horn. This idea is one of the few that actually focuses on a real solution to the problem, through education, policy reform/budgeting, and raising awareness about programs that are already in place, and thus better equipped to distribute aid and relief to victims faster and more efficiently (as opposed to starting a program from scratch). You are attacking the problem at its core, Good luck! xoxo, labrat
by labrat
over 1 year ago | Reply
Go Janessa Go!!!!!!!
by caitperry1025
over 1 year ago | Reply
You got my vote, J Goldbeck!
by lhkurz
over 1 year ago | Reply
Way to go Janessa! Incredible work! - Allison Rogers
by AllisonRogers
over 1 year ago | Reply
JBeannnnnn. Everyone's pretty much said it all, so I'll leave you with this...take a good look at your face before you leave... ;)
by TheLT
over 1 year ago | Reply
I love that you're doing this. I just shared it on my Facebook wall. Only wish was that your path could take you a little further north through the heartland...but, I suppose weather may be a problem. :)
by jon.hoadley
over 1 year ago | Reply
Thanks, Jon. Wish I could hit every state but I have to be back at Quantico the first week of June. Although I have always dreamed of bicycling through Kalamazoo in mid-Feb ;)
by janessagoldbeck
over 1 year ago | Reply
When will you arrive in DC, and do you have an event planned? There are a number of organizations that would/should promote the hell out of your trip when you arrive here - InterAction, Citizens for Global Solutions, Center for Global Development, etc.
by tonyfleming
over 1 year ago | Reply
Tony, that's a great idea. Do you have connections with any of these orgs? I'd love to start talking with them. Drop me a line on Facebook!
by janessagoldbeck
over 1 year ago | Reply
Way to go Janessa! Will be back to the USA from UNDP Burundi in January. Do you accept people join you for segments of the way? Marie
by marie.mainil
over 1 year ago | Reply
Thanks for the work you're doing in Burundi, Marie. I'm definitely looking for friends to join me for segments of the ride. I'm still working on the itinerary, so drop me a line when you get back to the states and we can discuss!
by janessagoldbeck
over 1 year ago | Reply
Janessa, you are legit. Safe travels, friend!
by mattortega
over 1 year ago | Reply
This is the most incredible thing I have ever heard about! Your dedication, Janessa, is contagious! Doing such a brave and challenging mission takes a lot of dedication and commitment to the right cause, I have been inspired by you! KEEP IT UP JANESSA!
by LuqmanJubair
over 1 year ago | Reply
Is she phenomenal or what, Luke?! I love that you are supporting our dear friend!
by srudat
over 1 year ago | Reply
Definitely she is! It is always my pleasure to stand for the right cause! And indeed, Janessa gave the example how simple things can make a difference. A storm of votes from Iraq are in the way to support this wonderful idea!
by LuqmanJubair
over 1 year ago | Reply
Thank you, Luq! I am so grateful to you for sharing this with your friends in Iraq. Hope I can come visit you sometime soon and say thanks in person!
by janessagoldbeck
over 1 year ago
Meredith sent us the link about your proposal. Good luck!
by Mturk
over 1 year ago | Reply
Janessa, you ROCK!
by jeff.danovich
over 1 year ago | Reply
GO JANESSA GO! you so deserve this
by carebear
over 1 year ago | Reply
This is incredible!!! SO MUCH better than investing $5,000 on a single project. You're going to change the hearts and minds of the American public which is the most important investment we can make right now - win them over and then we'll gain more and more support for foreign aid for the Horn of Africa...way more than $5,000 that can then be strategically implemented. You're getting my vote!!!
by JoAnn from NY
over 1 year ago | Reply
Thanks for your support, JoAnn!!! I really appreciate it. Don't forget to tell your friends to vote too ;) ~ Janessa
by janessagoldbeck
over 1 year ago | Reply
What a great idea! I can't tell you how many times I have heard from my friends in the military how much things like famine and drought impact their safety in the field. Making us smarter AND protecting our troops, THANK YOU for doing this!
by moberhoffner
over 1 year ago | Reply
FWD the Facts is about americans here at home - we gotta change the way we think before we can have any impact
by JoAnn from NY
over 1 year ago | Reply

Pink-ribbon-award-box-icon
Award_topvotedidea
$5,000
Circle-1-inactive Step1-title-idea-inactive

Submission Began
Wednesday, November 09

Submission Ended
Friday, December 02
at 12:00 PM PST

Circle-2-inactive Step2-title-voting-inactive

Voting Began
Friday, December 02

Voting Ended
Wednesday, December 14
at 12:00 PM PST

Circle-3 Step3-title

Winner Announced
Wednesday, December 14

Comment-icon-large Have some feedback for us?
We're all ears
Newsletter_clocks

Never miss out on new challenges!
Sign up for the GOOD Maker Newsletter