stopthewar Blog and Journals

This is a very big campaign recognized at my school and it would mean a lot to me, more than you would ever know if you would read this and check out the website at www.invisiblechildren.com

Below is the background story and some other information on invisible children. if i could, i would include the video itself but the video is about an hour and a half long but it will leave you crying b/c it is so sad. please, please read this and consider. open your mind. think. take action.

***Motivated by the unseen war in Northern Uganda, Invisible Children was created by three young filmmakers with a singular mission: To use the power of stories to change lives around the world.

At Invisible Children, we believe in the power of a story. We shed light on situations that deserve attention by documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds and effectively improves the quality of life for children in conflict areas. We work to transform apathy into activism – by changing lives in the Western world, we are changing lives in war–affected regions.

We believe in the power of education and focus on long-term development within Northern Uganda, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Our programs on the ground were developed by the people of Northern Uganda and seek to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions through quality education, enhanced learning environments and innovative economic opportunities. Our programs rely on local knowledge and use a combination of adaptability, individuality, research, innovation and authentic compassion to realize lasting change.

Who We're Here For

We are part of a society where our neighbors are no longer merely those who live next door but those who live across the world. The people of Northern Uganda have become our friends, and we believe that together we can make a difference. We are joined by those who haven't given way to apathy but who have chosen to be a part of the solution by becoming a part of the story.

How It Started

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking 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. Based out of San Diego, Invisible Children is changing the face of non-profit work through creative storytelling and innovative programs.

THE SCHOOLS FOR SCHOOLS CAMPAIGN

Introducing a program that¹s bridging cultures, connecting people and impacting lives. Schools for Schools is a unique initiative that rallies students across the world to think of creative fundraising ideas to rebuild schools in northern Uganda, ultimately bringing 10 of the country's war-torn schools to a nationally competitive standard. Students and schools who sign up to make a difference are connected via an interactive online community where they can track how much money they¹ve raised, how it¹s helping, and what others across the globe are doing to make an impact.

In its first semester, more than 580 schools signed up and raised over $1.2 million for schools in the conflict region. Second semester is now underway.

Visit Schools for Schools today, and make your mark before Round Two wraps on February 1, 2008.