April 25, 2009

I’m going to shamelessly use my post this week to promote an event that is near and dear to my heart. Almost two years ago I found my way to the INVISIBLE CHILDREN website and have been following this organization ever since.

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a film making adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda’s night commuters and child soldiers. The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

Here’s the latest from the Invisible Children blog:

"Our new film, ‘The Rescue: of Joseph Kony’s Child Soldiers’ is now streaming on our brand new website! This powerful new piece of media profiles rebel leader Joseph Kony and the untold story of child soldiers under his reign. It speaks of the urgency to end the war and rescue the child soldiers.

Check it out, and sign up to receive updates, and start spreading the word about The Rescue Event on April 25th. Since the website’s launch a few days ago, over 5000 people have already signed up for The Rescue. When you sign up, you choose the city you will be at on April 25th, and you’ll receive updates about your specific city. With over 100 cities worldwide hosting the Event, you’ll be sure to find a city in your area.

When you click the ’sign up’ button on the main page, you’ll be directed to the three ways you can take action. You can buy the Gray Rescue Bracelet DVD, the two Rescue tshirts, and sign up for TRI to help fund the event.

We’re really excited about The Rescue, but we need your help. We’ve got 60 days to make history, so watch the film and sign up today."

So take a minute or two and visit the site, sign up for updates, and partner with a generation as we come together in cities across the world on April 25th to raise awareness and hopefully end this war.