The George Washington University, Host of Clinton Global Initiative University 2012, Will Collect 20,000 Used Cell Phones as CGI U Commitment to Action

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As host of the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) Meeting, the George Washington (GW) University is making the first Commitment to Action – a concrete plan to address a major global challenge – of the fifth CGI U Meeting to collect 20,000 used cell phones by March 2012. The campaign, called "GW Phones for Hope," will work with Hope Phones to recycle the used cell phones and use the proceeds to fund mobile health technology projects in developing countries. The donations from GW Phones for Hope collection drive will help fund two maternal and child health projects – one in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Nepal.

"By making this pledge in the spirit of the Clinton Global Initiative, we are answering President Clinton's challenge in a way that will have a direct impact on maternal and child health," said GW President Steven Knapp.

To launch the campaign, GW will host a "GW Phones for Hope" kick-off rally in Marvin Center on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. Special guest speakers include Chelsea Clinton, William J. Clinton Foundation board member, and Christy Turlington Burns, founder of Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. The cell phone collection drive was inspired by ABC News' Be The Change initiative and its current Million Moms Challenge.  

To donate a used cell phone or attend the rally, go to gwu.edu/phonesforhope for more information. The event is free and open to the public but RSVP is required.  

The U.S. alone discards about 500,000 phones every day, which in turn pollute the environment with plastic and other persistent toxins. Instead of throwing those phones away, organizations like Hope Phones recycle these used electronics, and the proceeds of those efforts are invested in purchasing new phones in developing countries. The average donated phone will generate two to three phones that can be used in the field, while smartphones can yield between five and 10.  

SOURCE George Washington University