**Update**
Since the launch of the Kony 2012 video, a great deal of criticism has been raised. People have many opinions about Invisible Children, their practices and methods, and most recently, their CEO who has displayed less than ideal behavior. Invisible Children is an organization that I have supported for quite awhile, and still stand by them. They have address many of the questions people have about them on their website, and there are many articles out there addressing both sides of the issue. Regardless of your opinions of the Invisible Children Organization, this is an issue that requires action. Do your research, find an organization that you can stand behind confidently, and help make change happen. If you are fortunate enough to be able to read this blog, you have more freedoms and finances than many others. Be Classy. Be Fabulous. Give Back.
We are almost a quarter of the way into 2012, but there is already a candidate for the most famous person of the year. I hope that you will help me spread his name and grow his fame.
Kony2012
Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army has abducted nearly 70,000 children and forced them into lives of sex slaves and child soldiers. Thousands of kids have died by his hand. This is happening today in central Africa. This is not a new issue-it has been going on since the 1980’s! I don’t tell the story very well-so check out this video from one of my favorite organizations – Invisible Children – regarding why it’s imperative to make Joseph Kony a household name in 2012.
This monster must be stopped and YOU are the one to make it happen. If everyone who watches this video shows 5 friends, and they all show 5 friends, and so on and so forth, the world will know within days. This has gone on long enough. We live in a world where we can see what happens in all corners of the earth. If we know what is happening in Central Africa, and do nothing about it, what does that say about our world? What good is having these abilities and technologies if we cannot achieve good with them? Imagine how those in power would respond if every person who saw this video posted 1 poster. 1 sticker. Wore 1 pin. And wrote 1 letter. I have already ordered my Kony2012 bracelet and t-shirt. I am ready to start plastering my town with posters and stickers. I have always loved this organization, but this video has pushed me to action more so than any of the others they have made in the past.
This year’s campaign has chosen 20 “Culturemakers” to help drive this message. These 20 people are musicians, actors, public figures, athletes. People who have influence over the masses. The list is diverse and these people will have the ability to reach millions. When I read the list, I was ecstatic to see the names. There are VERY few issues that Rush Limbaugh and Ellen Degeneres would agree on. Or Rick Warren and Lady Gaga. What would Warren Buffet and Rihanna have in common, besides having fame and fortune? The fact that these 20 people with majorly differing political, religious, and personal views and beliefs can put aside their differences and work towards this common goal is absolutely inspiring. They are working on the same team and people around the world are jumping on board and following their strong lead. They have also produced a list of 12 influential political figures for supporters to contact to demand that action happen. With these 20 celebrities urging the world to contact these 12 political figures, Kony can be stopped-but only if everyone demands action.
What about you? What are you going to do? You could ignore what you heard. You could “like” the video on YouTube, and go on with your day. Or you could take real action. Share the video with the people in your world. Visit www.kony2012.com (please be patient with the site. The overwhelming response to the Kony 2012 video has caused it to crash several times in the last few days.) to order the action kit and be ready for April 20th. Find your local Cover the Night event on the site, or on facebook, and find out how you can use your time, talents, and contacts to make it a success. This is the year to take down Joseph Kony. Every year more kids die. Make this the year that Joseph Kony is the most famous man on the planet. He wants power, so let’s give him the face-time that kind of power deserves.
Cheers.
