Six years ago, my roommate and I spent the night on our college campus, under the stars and in sleeping bags. We were joined by a dozen or so students, as a silent protest to the horrible injustice taking place in Uganda. It was called the “Global Night Commute.” I remember an awareness t-shirt that we’d all bought for the event. It was green, but I’ve lost it since. I remember it all so vividly because we got too cold and left early. My heart broke for these kids across the world, and I couldn’t even last a night outside. I had their sweet faces plastered on my computer and on my walls, but I had no idea what to do or how to do it.
Over the years, I’ve followed along at a distance, via email/phone updates from the Invisible Children organization. It is very apparent that this year will be the year. My goal is to visit Africa at some point, and I’m thankful to have friends with connections who might be able to make that dream a reality. A lot of you have probably already been or have stayed much more updated on the various conflicts than I. But for now, I will do my part to spread awareness. This video is sure to go viral in the next few days, and chances are you’ve already seen it. If not, take a few minutes. Buy a kit. Get angry. Get determined.
KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.
13 Comments
Thank you for this. I’m actually leaving for my first trip to Uganda in 2 days, so this really hits home. Selfishly, it makes me nervous that this has gone viral this week as I worry about retaliation during our travels. It’s definitely a story that needs to be told though!
So neat! I’ll be praying for safety and effectiveness. Update us!
We were there when the US first took action in October. They just suggest Americans to stay out of large public areas. You should be fine. What an exciting time for you!
Thanks so much for posting this. I am planning on going to Africa this year not sure where just researching etc. It is definitely a good kick in the pants. I want to do something medical related, may I ask what organization you are planning to go with?
Some friends at church organize medical missions trips to Uganda, Kenya, and South America!
Eh, no thanks. : That group has some serious issues. I’m happy the story is being told, but not impressed w/ how Invisible Children spends their time or money or the fact that they want military retaliation from a military that is quite bad themselves.
http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com/
Interesting! I know big organizations are almost always accompanied by controversy – especially philanthropic ones! I’ll look into this. I think the proof is sort of in the pudding, but thank you for sharing!
I second Kalen on not liking this charity. They won’t let their finances be independently audited and openly favor military retaliation. I worry about these groups preying on kind hearted people. I know there are many, many great charities out there but I keep the limited amount we can spare going to the Red Cross. It’s not perfect but I trust my money is going to things I approve of. http://thedailywh.at/2012/03/07/on-kony-2012-2/
But you are right on in how tragic and it’s soooo important to open our hearts to this situation.
Thanks! See below.
http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/03/07/guest_post_joseph_kony_is_not_in_uganda_and_other_complicated_things
A little more info for you to look into re: KONY.
Thanks! See below.
Thanks for the links!
I’ve read them all and also wanted to make sure you guys saw these as well:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/invisible-childrens-stop-kony-campaign/2012/03/07/gIQA7B31wR_blog.html?wprss=blogpost
http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html
At this point, I stand by my decision to support IC. But keep the dialogue going! I’m open.
Yeay! rachael I read them all to after coping flak from people for donating. I got caught up in other peoples opinions that I almost gave up. I’m sticking by my decision as well and it’s warming to read you do too:) Love from a long time fan Jem