Oxfam at Seattle University

History of Oxfam

Oxfam International

Oxfam International was formed following World War II as the Oxford Famine Relief Fund. Today, Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 partner organizations (Oxfam Netherlands, Great Britain, America, etc) working together with over 3,000 partners in more than 100 countries. With many of the causes of poverty being global in nature, the 13 affiliate-members of Oxfam International believe they can achieve greater impact through their collective efforts.

Together, they strive to be a global campaigning force promoting the awareness and motivation that comes with global citizenship while seeking to shift public opinion in order to make equity the same priority as economic growth.

We work with local people - we seek to help people organize so that they might gain better access to the opportunities they need to improve their livelihoods and govern their own lives. We also work with people affected by humanitarian disasters, with preventive measures, preparedness, as well as emergency relief.

We influence powerful people - Experience of the real issues confronting poor people is linked to high-level research and lobbying aiming to change international policies and practices in ways which would ensure that poor people have the rights, opportunities and resources they need to improve and control their lives.

We join hands with all people - Popular campaigning, alliance building and media work designed to raise awareness among the public of the real solutions to global poverty, to enable and motivate people to play an active part in the movement for change, and to foster a sense of global citizenship.

Oxfam America

Purpose

Oxfam America is a non-profit independent organization that works to end global poverty by finding lasting solutions to hunger, strengthening communities, and campaigning for change.

What we do

Oxfam America started in Boston in the 1960’s. Today, the organization has grown to include two separate offices in the United States (in Boston and D.C.) as well as office in Ethiopia, El Salvador, Peru and Cambodia. Each year, Oxfam disperses millions of dollars to smaller organizations around the world. In 2005, Oxfam America responded to hurricane Katrina, the first humanitarian response within American borders in the organization’s history.

The five rights

All our work is based on the belief that everyone has:

• The right to life and security
• The right to a sustainable livelihood
• The right to basic social services
• The right to be heard
• The right to equity

Values

Our values are founded on our beliefs and centered around three inter-related themes:

Empowerment: Everyone who is involved with Oxfam – whether by contributing to our work, or those who are living in poverty – feels empowered.

Inclusiveness: We are inclusive – open to everyone, regardless of ethnic background or religion

Accountability: Our purpose-driven/results-focused approach holds ourselves – and others – accountable.

Oxfam at SU

The Oxfam Club at Seattle University was founded by Shasti Conrad and Joseph Seia in 2005, after they completed the Oxfam Change Initiative training in Boston. Since that time, our club has continued to promote the work and mission of Oxfam America and Oxfam International.