We’re 1,000 young people who hit the road on March 9 this year to Roadtrip across the country. Join us to ensure Australia does its fair share in the fight to end extreme poverty.

THE PROBLEM

Right now, over a billion people live in extreme poverty around the world. Poverty means kids without access to schools and families without access to healthcare. Poverty is caused by broken systems. But the personal impact of poverty is people like you and I having to make impossible sacrifices each day.

Someone living in extreme poverty lives on less than $2 a day. Within our region, Papua New Guinea has the worst child and maternal mortality rates and 40% of young people were out of Primary School as recently as 2010.

THE SOLUTION

But we have the power to change this. In the past 20 years, our generation has already halved extreme poverty. Now it’s time to finish the job.

The Roadtrip brought together 1000 of Australia’s most passionate young people, trained them to become leaders and ambassadors for the cause and then travelled across the country.

We are entering the final stage before the Millenium Development Goal deadline, so now is our crucial moment to act.

From 9th-16th of March this year, around 1000 young people travelled from all corners of the country, calling on Australians to do their fair share in the fight to end extreme poverty. This is your chance to be a part of it. Join the movement now.

WHO’S BEHIND IT?

The Roadtrip is an initiative of the Oaktree Foundation, Australia's first and largest youth-run aid organisation. Oaktree fundraises for education in developing countries, creates high impact campaigns on government policy and equips thousands of young Australians to take real action to end extreme poverty.

Oaktree has been behind some of the biggest and most successful anti-poverty campaigning in Australia. Oaktree has led the 2006 MakePovertyHistory Concert, the ZeroSeven and 2010 Roadtrips and the Live Below the Line fundraising campaign.

HISTORY

The 2006 MakePovertyHistory Concert sparked the beginning of something huge in Australia. Over six years, hundreds of thousands of Australians have joined the movement.

In 2007 we saw billions of dollars committed to go towards achieving the Millenium Development Goals.

These vital funds have gone on to improve the lives of millions of people living in extreme poverty. But we still have work to do.

FAQ:

Can I apply to go on the Roadtrip?

Unfortunately, applications for the 2013 Roadtrip have now closed. You can still get involved with the Roadtrip campaign by adding your voice to our petition. If you’re passionate about ending poverty and you’d like to get involved with Oaktree, visit our website for some awesome volunteer opportunities.

What actually happens on the Roadtrip?

On the morning of the 9th of March 2013, up to 1000 young people will depart capital cities on Roadtrips of 80 people each. These Roadtrips will travel together through local communities, speaking to every day people, attending events and spreading the message of the Roadtrip. They will travel to Canberra and then Sydney for a final celebration of the campaign.

Can I still take action to end poverty?

In March we launced a nationwide petition, holding our nation's leaders accountable to Australia's promises to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals - just 70 cents in every $100 to help end extreme poverty. The petition is in conjuction with the Make Poverty History and Micah Challenge coalitions.

Why should I sign the petition?

If you’re passionate about ending global poverty, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Stand alongside thousands of other Australians and let the government know that you care about our commitment to foreign aid.

What is the Australia’s commitment to foreign aid?

Australia currently gives just 35 cents in every $100 of national income to fight global poverty.

How does Australia compare?

Australia has one of the strongest economies in the world, but is one of the least generous developed countries when it comes to helping the world's poor.

What are the Millennium Development Goals?

The eight MDG's, which include halving extreme poverty and providing global primary education by 2015, have been agreed to by all the world’s countries and leading development institutions. These represent an unprecedented effort to improve the lives of the world’s poorest.