Editor's Letter: My Favorite Month

This is a list of eight amazing people. Be inspired by them.

But I urge you not just to have a look and vote, but to really dive into these people -- to all the nominees, not just the finalists. Follow the extra links we've provided. Google them. You will be inspired and educated in profound ways. By the self-described nomad bicycling the planet, the historian who sees the world in terms of partnership cultures and domination cultures (not right vs. left or East vs. West), the former felon running a voters' rights organization, and so many others.

Never do I enjoy being at the center of this dynamic network of OneWorlders more than in January, when I get to pour through your nominees for Person of the Year. I want each of you to have a piece of that experience too. But be warned. Once you get started, you may find your 5-minute journey turning into a half hour, an hour, or if you're lucky, much much more.

Many thanks to Ida Wahlstrom and Raul Arce, whose thoughtful research and writing skills and tireless efforts helped bring the work of OneWorld's People of 2007 to life on these pages.

In December we asked OneWorld editors, readers, and partners worldwide to nominate their "People of 2007." We purposely left the criteria vague to encourage a wide definition and diverse pool of nominees.

The only requirement was that nominees embody the values of OneWorld: human rights for all; a fair distribution of the world's natural and economic resources; simple and sustainable ways of life; the right of every individual to inform and be informed; participation and transparency in decision making; and social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

We received dozens of nominations representing still just a fraction of the countless individuals and groups doing tremendous work around the world. We try to bring to you as many of their stories as possible on our daily news pages throughout the year.

But we still want to hear more! If you know of someone who should be recognized, please add their story to the "Who Did We Miss?" page.

Then, once you've been inspired by the finalists and nominees and added your own endorsements, vote! OneWorlders' collective choice for Person of 2007 will be announced in the beginning of February.

The eight finalists were chosen to represent what is best in the fields of human rights and sustainable development. We are proud and excited to honor them one more time.

All the best for a peaceful and inspiring 2008!

Jeffrey Allen
Managing Editor, OneWorld United States

People of 2007 Homepage

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