But they earn two extra points for composing their own personalised letter. When they have amassed 20 points, by actions such as watching a video about Polio eradication (1 point) or singing a petition (2 points), they qualify for free tickets to UK concerts by One Direction, Katy Perry or Beyoncé.
A spokesman for Global Citizen said: "With public opinion on development mixed, the email will urge the government not to cut funding, which would risk millions of lives around the world.
"The letter will also encourage the government to crack down on company tax avoidance by British companies in the developing world, which hampers progress in those states."
Points can also be earned by volunteering with the initiative's NGO partners, which include the Global Poverty Project, Save the Children UK and the One Campaign.
Since demand is likely to outstrip supply, the free Global Citizens tickets will be allocated via lottery. One Direction have committed initially to handing out 32 pairs of tickets.
There are 500 sets to tickets to be claimed to see participating performers including Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Bastille, Chvrches and the Monty Python comedy troupe.
In a message to their fans, One Direction said: "We are absolutely proud to join so many amazing artists to inspire people to take action to end extreme poverty. Please visit globalcitizen.org/tickets and take action, love One Direction."
The Global Citizen tickets initiative has already proved a success in the US, following its 2012 launch. Backed by Arcade Fire, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, the body claims that thousands of emails sent to US Senators helped secure an increase in polio eradication funding of US$54 million (NZ$64 million) last year.
There have been 1.7 million "actions" to help end extreme poverty, including 75,000 emails sent to leading US companies who, in response, pledged more than US$1m for community health workers in sub-Saharan Africa.
The points system also reveals the estimated value of the 100 participating artists in the pop hierarchy. A maximum of 20 points gains entry into the One Direction and Beyoncé lottery but just 15 qualifies entrants for free tickets for new UK soul singer John Newman and McBusted. Emerging "break out bands" can be seen for 10 points.
The brainchild of Kelly Curtis, manager of Pearl Jam, Global Citizen will focus its efforts on issues relating to polio, malaria, women's empowerment and education.
Emma Banks, Talent Agent at Creative Artists Agency and Chair of the UK Global Citizen Tickets Initiative Committee said: "I have no doubt that we will match the successes that this initiative has already enjoyed in the USA, something that could only have been achieved by our industry uniting for this very worthwhile cause.
"Music brings people together from all over the world and has so often in the past been the catalyst for change. We will continue to talk with artists and their managers to rally their further support for Global Citizen Tickets in the UK."
One Direction have taken advantage of Ireland's corporate structure to manage their earnings.
Members Zayn Malik and Liam Payne, are listed as directors of 1D Media and give registered addresses in Limerick.
The address is home to Live Wire Business Management, a specialist sports and entertainment accountancy firm, which helps clients become more tax efficient.
In 2012, Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Payne and Malik set up the ODOT limited partnership, using the same Limerick offices as Live Wire.
Basing subsidiary companies in Ireland has helped musicians including Cheryl Cole and Olly Murs reduce tax on their worldwide earnings, taking advantage of the country's attractive corporation tax rate of 12.5%.
- Independent
