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I feel like I almost have to talk about Joseph Kony and Invisible Children's KONY 2012 initiative. If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch this video first.
When I first saw this video it was barely at 20,00 views, but as I am typing that number has skyrocketed to over 25 million on YouTube and Vimeo combined. I can see why, it is one of the most moving and well made videos I have seen in a while. Invisible Children made it to raise awareness of Joseph Kony and his horrible acts and it has done just that. Personally I plan on buying the action kit that they are selling, and joining in on their "Cover The Night" plan for April 20 because I believe that it is an amazing idea and example of how when united people can accomplish something great. Celebrities, government officials and many more are already behind it. Even the hacktavist group Anonymous has come out in support of the movement which is sweeping across the internet like an auto tuned news clip and "Truth Is" combined.
However, in recent hours I have seen many online postings about the "other side" of the charity group Invisible Children. One figure floating out there is that last year, the organization spent $8,676,614 and only 32% went to direct services, with much of the rest going to staff salaries, travel and transport, and film production. One look at the film that they made and how big of a response it has gotten was enough for me to clear my mind of any questions of whether or not they were spending their money the right way. It might not be for other people though, so let me know what you think.
The one thing that people can't argue about is whether the founders of Invisible Children are succeeding at what they set out to do in 2003: make Joseph Kony and his terrible acts of violence known to the world. Founders Jason Russell, Laren Poole, Ben Keesey are people that I wish I could be more like. Looking at them and what they've accomplished makes me feel as if I only ever talk about a making a change and never actually do it.
If you too are feeling like this, don't fear because thanks to Invisible Children you can participate in many ways. If you have money to give, you can give. If you are an artist, you can donate some time and use your art to help promote awareness. And if you are a social-type person and have 2,000 or so Facebook friends, take the time to post the above video to your wall.
Whether you are against KONY 2012 or not, the new idea that enough people demanding a change can have a result, is a positive one. Imagine a world that was actually ruled by democracy rather than money and other factors of what we today call "democracy". Change becoming the "In" thing might not be such a bad turn of events.
