Happy Holidays from IC

It’s been a few weeks since our last post, but here’s an update:

1. A Very Merry Benefit Concert! We had an incredible benefit concert at the Troubador a few weeks ago. To everyone that came out or watched it online, thank you thank you!!! We had so much fun and it was so cool to have so many guys come out to play and support IC. To check out some great pictures from the night, go to Alternative Press.

2. Stuff White People Like. You’ve seen the blog and laughed at how it’s sadly dead-on, but they’re using the holiday season for good. SWPL has chosen eleven possible non-profits to receive all proceeds from the Stuff White People Like T-Shirt from FatAmerican.tv, and IC’s one of them. We’re almost in the lead, but vote for us right now!!

3. We’re in the middle of moving. Yup, no longer in the warehouse in Spring Valley but in downtown San Diego. Starting next week (January 5th), send anything to:

1620 5th Ave, Suite 400

San Diego, CA  92101

(our phone number – 619.562.2799 – and everything else is the same)

S4S Hits $1,000,000

With a few hours left, Schools for Schools has crossed a huge benchmark — one million dollars! For the third session in a row, thousands of high-schools and high-schoolers around the the country have done everything in their power to provide millions of dollars to schools in northern Uganda. As the night goes on, more money will be counted and the total will continue to raise. If you haven’t yet already, take this opportunity to sign up for the Invisible Children application on Facebook and follow the action as the night goes on…

Child Soldier Prevention Act – Signed!

Two months ago, the blog had a few entries discussing the bill that would go on to become the Child Soldier Prevention Act. After getting some feedback, we saw thousands of supporters get in touch with their senators to show their support of this bill. A few months later, and some long days of pushing this bill forward, it’s finally been passed! Here’s how it will work…

Each year, the Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights identify government forces that recruit or use children in violation of existing international standards. (more…)

Watch IC’s Benefit Concert… (on your computer!)

The headline explains it all. Check out the press release for more details.

SAN DIEGO – The all-star lineup for “A Verry Merry Concert” – including Dustin Kensrue from THRICE, Jon Foreman (SWITCHFOOT), Chris Conley (SAVES THE DAY) and Jim Ward (SLEEPERCAR, SPARTA, AT THE DRIVE IN) – will now include Aaron Weiss from MEWITHOUTYOU for a special acoustic night to help raise awareness and support for a great cause. Invisible Children, a non-profit organization that provides education and economic relief to war-torn northern Uganda, has enlisted some of their biggest supporters to come out to Hollywood’s legendary Troubadour club for the sold-out show.

For fans without a ticket, Invisible Children is still giving them a chance to be a part of the night by streaming the concert live through BandCrashers.com. By donating a minimal amount to the organization, people can watch the show shot from five different camera angles and hear new songs, including Dustin Kensrue singing from his new holiday album, This Good Night Is Still Everywhere. Sign up now to receive the broadcast!

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A Very Merry Reminder

THIS JUST IN: AARON WEISS FROM MEWITHOUTYOU IS ALSO PLAYING IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS AN UNDENIABLY EPIC NIGHT!!

Attendees will have a chance to enter a raffle and win Thrice’s 25×25 foot banner they’ve toured with. For those who can’t attend, don’t worry… you can bid on 2 guitars hand painted by Circa Survive or Riley from Thrice’s drumset… the first kit he ever toured with! The auctions start right when the concert ends on eBay.

For more on the concert, go here: www.invisiblechildren.com/bandtour

Last, but certainly not least, we don’t take it lightly that we’ve had more than a few bummed out supporters who live outside of SoCal and can’t make the concert. For anyone who can’t make it, don’t cry, we’re working with some of the best techies around to be able to bring this concert LIVE to your computer! Check everyday, every hour, every minute if you must, here on the blog to find out details on how you can watch the concert from right behind your computer.

IC Google Theme

For all the Google users out there, Invisible Children has a theme to customize your page with. So, next time your Googling for Invisible Children information, you can have Invisible Children in the background. It’s a lot of Invisible Children, we know. Click the picture below to add it.

Visual Guide to Soundwaves

If you’re in LA this Friday (12/12) head over to the New Puppy Gallery for a book release party. Our friend Patrick at (PA)Photo made a sick coffee table book with photos of musicians, and all the proceeds help IC.

Doors open at 8, the party starts at 9:30. NEW PUPPY GALLERY @ 2808 Elm St, Los Angeles, CA  90065

Keep reading for the press release…
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Schools for Schools: The Last Days…

Round 3 of Schools for Schools has a little over a week left, and there’s still a lot of work to be done! The current state of the world is proof; in fact, the war in Uganda just got worse. But you can do something today to change their future — start getting creative and help raise $1.5 million. To give you an understanding of exactly what it is being done, here’s a letter from our S4S Program Manager in Uganda:

“We have made a number of solid strides in this noble cause to provide lifetime opportunities to the disadvantaged youth of northern Uganda. The stats are clear and the effects of your toil are beginning to be seen. I shall delve a little into some notable specifics:

The average classroom student ratio was 183:1 in 2007, and is now at 94:1. The target is 60:1.

The average latrine coverage was at 9%, and is now at 43%. Our target? 100%.

Safe water coverage has improved from 53% in 2007 to 85% in 2008. We are 15 points away.
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Kids in Kampala Unite

The word vigil stems from the Latin word vigilia, which means wakefulness, and it is a period of purposeful sleeplessness, serving as a devotional observance. Last Wednesday, December 3rd, a vigil was held in Kampala, Uganda. During this time, over 200 children petitioned their government to stay away from another devastating war with the Lord’s Resistance Army. These pictures were taken that night.

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The Official IC Gift Guide

In the midst of the holiday season, it can always be hectic getting gifts for friends and family. Luckily, the Internet makes it really easy. Invisible Children’s store has plenty of options, but you can read about that here and here. Right now, we want to give you a look at The Official IC Gift Guide — a variety of books, clothing, and other goodness you can buy from companies that support what we’re doing.

Jedidiah Clothing has been with IC from the beginning. Laren Poole, IC filmmaker, designed for them before kick-starting Invisible with Jason and Laren. Their Hope Collection tees, “a series of t-shirts designed to benefit humanitarian organizations and their causes,” have raised over $15,000 for IC alone.

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