This article is the fourth part of a series from our events team and incredible volunteers joining Coldplay on the road for the next few weeks as they tour throughout Latin America. Click the links for the first, second and third blog posts!
This is an interview with Maureen Hitschfeld, age 35, and a Volunteer for Global Citizen at Coldplay’s first show in Santiago, Chile.
Describe your experience during the activation of signing up new Global Citizens to level the law on gender equality?
I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did! Honestly, I didn’t foresee the genuine interest [in these issues] of the people or how easy it would be to engage in deep conversations. Their energy and motivation made the hours just fly by!
What did you learn?
Some people were shocked by the examples of gender inequality and some others were already aware of them and felt strongly against them. In either case, most of the people I met were eager to take action and wanted their voice to be heard. I learned it’s not that people don’t care, it’s that we need adequate channels to express our opinion, and realize that individual opinion matters and there are many others like us.
What surprised you about signing people up to be Global Citizens?
I don’t know if this was reflected in the number people who actually signed up, but I was surprised at the number of guys who were interested in the cause. With some groups we even discussed the UN’s #HeForShe campaign and how important is for everyone to fight sexism at every level.
Why are you a global citizen?
Because I feel identified with the values of Global Citizen and because I’m strongly in favor of the causes this organization advocates for. I truly believe that each person should be the change they want to see in the world, and I think that even taking small steps as sharing information, raising awareness and somehow making visible the invisible makes a difference.
What was your favorite part of the day?
I’m not going to lie, seeing Coldplay live, was definitely a huge highlight of the day. I feel very lucky for getting such a great reward for doing something I enjoyed so very much: advocating for a cause I care surrounded by amazing people. I enjoyed every moment of it and would do it again.
