Afghanistan’s child refugees

Since I read this article from The Guardian, I cannot forget that a 13-year-old boy journeyed through the snow covered Alps with frostbitten feet just to taste the safety I that know constantly. As self-proclaimed ambassadors for mistreated children, we are not okay with these horrific sorts of situations.

According to Unicef, Afghanistan is “the world’s most dangerous place to be a child.” These children are targets of killing, maiming and use for suicide bombings. As a result of this violence, the majority of child migrants seeking asylum in Europe are Afghan boys who have fled their homes for the chance of safety and a future. This treacherous escape can take boys up to a year to complete and upon arrival, sanctuary is not guaranteed.

With the recent influx of refugees and thinly stretched budgets European officials are unsure of how to deal with all the children. Some programs take them in while others work to send them home to their families.

Continue  here to find out more.

-TM

Behind KONY 2012 tour: Team Southeast

TEAM SOUTHEAST
Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina (not Raleigh), South Carolina, Savannah (GA)
TESSA STADELI, LAURA WELDY, KEVO RIVERA & SHEA LEWIS

Ugandan Roadie: Aromorach Agnes

Self-proclaimed team motto: “Insanity at its finest”

Welcome Roadies. Who are you and where are you from?

Laura Weldy (LW): I’m Laura and I’m from Oakdale, Minnesota.

Tessa Stadeli (TS): My name is Tessa and Silverton, Oregon.

Kevo Rivera (KR): I am Kevo and I am from Burbank, California.

Shea Lewis (SL): I’m Shea and I’m from Orange County, California.

How did you come to be involved with Invisible Children as Roadies?

LW: In college [at University of Minnesota-Morris Campus], I was studying human rights work and showed The Rough Cut to a class when I was a teachers assistant. I realized this was what I wanted to do, so I postponed grad school and now I’m here.

TS: I saw The Rough Cut in high school and then went to The Rescue. I was part of the 25 campaign, and went to the Fourth Estate and met Tiffany and interned here last semester.

KR: I was bored one night in 2006 and saw this event posting on MySpace for the Global Night Commute. The next day I watched The Rough Cut and it changed my life. I started an IC Club in high school, and during college was an intern.

SL: I saw the Rough Cut in 7^th grade and felt a calling from God 3 months ago to apply to be a Roadie.

What TV show could you watch all day, every day?

LW: 30 Rock.

TS: Modern Family.

KR: Dr. Who.

SL: Sons of Anarchy & Rescue Me.

What are your pet peeves?

LW: When people recite lines in movies before they are said on screen. And only leaving a little bit of milk in the carton and putting it back in the fridge.

You would hate living at my house – we do all of those things. Tessa?

TS: I don’t like when people wear the same two colors on top and on bottom…especially if the shades are different.

KR: I get irrationally upset when people end phrases with prepositions.

SL: When someone says something and then says “but”…like…you did a great job but…

Gotcha. What are your biggest fears?

LW: I have an irrational fear of moths. They’re so dusty and gross!

TS: Apathy. Not just in my own life but world apathy. Living a life that’s not meaningful.

KR: I have a fear of tongues. They are like aliens residing in your mouth and you don’t really know if they are supposed to be there. And Zombie Apocalypse. You can’t kill zombies. Aliens, yes, but zombies no.

SL: Breaking up with a girl.

You mean you fear a girl breaking up with you?

SL: No, I mean having to break up with a girl. Have you ever had to do it? It’s terrifying. And I am fearful of rock paper scissors.

I won’t even ask for you to expand on that. If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

LW: A crazy writer that I love so I could pick their brain…like Charles McCloskey.

TS: Martin Luther King, Jr.

KR: Joseph Kony…with a GPS tracker.

Best. Answer. Yet. Shea, no pressure.

SL: Jesus.

And finally, what are you most excited to see on the road?

LW: Graceland!

TS: I’m excited to see South Carolina…Myrtle Beach.

KR: Tim McGraw in Nashville. I’m determined to find him and put on his cowboy hat.

SL: I’m looking forward to finding Taylor Swift so I can marry her…I have to find my future wife.

You guys are going to do great things. We’re excited for you to embark on your journey. Spread the word and stop at nothing.

_________________

Team Southeast wants to meet you (even if you’re not Tim McGraw or Taylor Swift). Book a screening with them by calling (619) 562-2799 Ext 168 or fill out this form.

New Music Tuesday | Lana Del Rey: “Born To Die

Within a few months’ time, Lana Del Rey went from viral sensation, to SNL musical guest, to favorite punching bag of “music journalists” – all before her debut album dropped.  This week, Lana’s first LP Born To Die is released internationally – and it is already topping the charts in eleven countries. “Shoutout to my haters, sorry that you couldn’t phase me.”

I, and a lot of people from the office, became obsessed with Lana over the fall when the “Video Games” clip blew up online.  We’ve been eagerly awaiting this album, and it doesn’t disappoint.  There isn’t anyone else out there right now doing what Lana does.

You need to listen to Born To Die.  I’ll give you some tracks to start out with.  If you like them, you can go from there.  Choose your own adventure.

VITAL TRACKS: “Without You” // “Off To The Races” // “This Is What Makes Us Girls” // “Million Dollar Man”

Coming to you from Uganda

Hey everyone! Have you heard? The Roadies are coming soon! Kony 2012 tour is at your door. Before long, 16 Ugandan Roadies will be arriving in San Diego. They are sweet, just like that friend of yours you love to hang out with all the time. They are super excited to meet you, share their stories and partner with you to end a war that has lasted too long.

I know you want to meet them too, so book a screening here.

-Eric Otim

VIDEO: Feist // “The Bad In Each Other”

To preface this video in any other way besides with what Leslie Feist wrote on her Facebook would be silly.

So, here it is:

This video captures glimpses of something human, we get a peek inside something real between people – could be loss, longing and love. A lot of things which is about being a human being….

It is told in a way where it opens up more aspects than it concludes.

Maybe something we can’t grasp, but it points at it or touches it and
leaves us with different kinds of emotions.

You could think about the video like a song or a poem, and different
people will connect to different things- and those connections might
be different from time to time when they watch it.

It’s the second video off last year’s impeccable Metals. Emotions abound.

Monday Mini Mixtape #3 – Be Yourself

I was reminded this weekend of a pretty amazing quote about music:

“I hate a song that makes you think that you are not any good. I hate a song that makes you think that you are just born to lose. Bound to lose. No good to nobody. No good for nothing. Because you are too old or too young or too fat or too slim or too ugly or too this or too that. Songs that run you down or poke fun at you on account of your bad luck or hard travelling. I am out to fight those songs to my very last breath of air and my last drop of blood. I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built, I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work.” – Woodie Guthrie

I don’t have Woodie’s talent to write songs, but I’m out to find the songs that help people connect and make you feel. The goal of these mixes is to help get you through the week. I connect emotionally to songs and am such a sharer, so this is an amazing platform to share tunes that mean so much to me. So whether the songs help you sit with an emotion, or inspire you to get out of your chair and dance to forget your problems for just a second… hopefully you feel connected to a community that is inspiring you.

So support these artists so that they can continue making wonderful songs for us to share.

Grab the mix here or by clicking on the image above.

1. Hooray for Us – Peter & The Wolf | I can’t get enough
2. Whole Love – Wilco | An old fave who keep pumping out great hits
3. Black And White – The Generationals | This band doesn’t know how to write a bad song
4. Black Water – Timber Timbre | Baritone vox that’ll relax you into lethargy
5. Candles – Daughter | I met my friend Whitney through our mutual love for music… she recently introduced me to Daughter and so I’m honored to pay it forward to you.
6. Ash Tree Lane – Ms Mr | Will draw comparisons to Florence
7. I Belong In Your Arms – Chairlift | Makes me want to rollerskate through an 80’s film
8. Hey Hi – Cillie Barnes | With an incredibly unique voice, full sound and approachable lyrics I expect we’ll be hearing more from her this year
9. Struggle and Strife – TW Walsh | “I broke ground on a brand new life/ Same love, same hate, same fear, new struggle and strife” .. tear my heart out!
10. No One Lied – Jack Peñate | Brits know heartache better than the rest of us. Jack’s vocals are so powerfully on point

We’re working on setting up a Spotify account for these mixes so prepare to subscribe next monday.

-Kenny

New M.I.A. Single: “Bad Girls”

M.I.A. tweets a lot, generally nonsensical ramblings of paranoia/”activism.”  Today, she tweeted something golden – her new single “Bad Girl” off her upcoming fourth album due sometime this summer.

If you’re a big Maya fan, you will recognize the track from her post- /\/\/\Y/\ mixtape Vicki Leekx. The final version, revamped/re-produced, is all I’ve been waiting for.  The video, done by the same director of her controversial/incredible “Born Free” clip, drops this Friday.

Prepare yourself for her return.  Live fast, die young.

Click the image below (or above) to give a listen.

The Story Continues

Hi everyone in every corner of the globe, hear my voice of joy and gratitude. I am Eric Otim, one of the first 100 students to receive a Legacy Scholarship from Invisible Children (IC) and a former Roadie on the northern California team.

And now…. the Communications Intern with IC Uganda!

I want IC supporters to know that whether you see it or not, you are changing lives daily: you changed mine. Your donations have brought significant change to education in Northern Uganda.

I appreciate my Legacy Scholarship Program (LSP) mentors’ guidance, active involvement and dedication to reaching my school and village.  It’s what kept me courageous and focused – knowing that someone out there cares. Through my mentors, I gathered strength to overcome the hurdles I faced.

After six years in LSP, on October 28^th, 2011, I graduated from Uganda Christian University with a bachelor’s degree of arts in Mass Communication. My graduation was super nice and now gives me opportunities that have changed my life completely.

I chose Mass Communication because I have a passion for unearthing the truth that some people try to keep hidden. One day, I want to be an author of fiction and nonfiction that will transform my society.

Joining an IC Roadie team for spring tour 2011 was marvelous. Thank you host families, friends and well-wishers in the US.  Your hospitality and sacrifice are IC’s lifeblood. I enjoyed my advocacy moments with you, feeling like part of your own family. Congratulations on all we’ve accomplished together.

This week my story with IC continues. Let’s join hands to change the world!

-Eric

The Scholar

The Roadie

The Intern

Behind KONY 2012 tour: Team New England

TEAM NEW ENGLAND
Maine, New Hampshire, upstate New York, Vermont, Massachusetts

CALEB RIDDLE, ROSA COLMAN, ALLY HALL & ERIN MILLER

Self-proclaimed team motto: “New England C.A.R.E.’s”

Please state your name & birthplace for the record.

Rosa Colman (RC): I’m Rosa and I’m from Olympia, Washington.

Erin Miller (EM): My name is Erin and I’m from Stanhope, New Jersey.

Ally Hall (AH): I’m Ally and was born in Harrin, Illinois.

Caleb Riddle (CR): My name is Caleb and I’m from Chesapeake, Virginia.

I guess the most important question for Team New England is if the New England Patriots are your favorite football team? If not, which team is?

RC: Seattle Seahawks.

EM: New York Giants.

[Sound: me throwing my pen across the room in frustration.]

AH: I don’t really have one…maybe the Rams…I’m from near St. Louis.

CR: Carolina Panthers.

How did you all find out about Invisible Children? What led you to become Roadies?

RC: My seventh grade teacher showed The Rough Cut to our class, and then I met Bethany Bylsma when she was a Roadie.

EM: When I was a freshman at Virginia Tech I went to a screening of The Rough Cut.

AH: When I was 16 I saw The Rough Cut and got involved throughout high school and college.

CR: I heard about IC in high school and saw The Rescue stream on IC’s website.

Any annoying habits that are going to drive your teammates crazy while on the road?

RC: All of us are night people…so mornings will be rough.

EM: I tend to drum on things and don’t notice it.

AH: I talk in my sleep. I literally have entire conversations with myself. I’m told.

CR: This could be embarrassing but I always have morning breath, so I always have mints and gum.

And I’m sure all the girls will be thankful for that. What is your favorite type of music?

RC: Rap!

EM: Me too!

AH: Me three! Especially when driving.

CR: Not me. I prefer more relaxed music, like something with ukuleles.

Isn’t it usually reversed? I always think of guys liking rap music, and girls preferring a more relaxed sound. Bygones. What is your favorite food?

RC: Thai food.

EM: Seafood.

AH: Thai food.

CR: Pizza…I love pizza…I eat it everyday.

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

RC: Stephen Schwartz [the composer].

EM: I’ve been thinking about Heath Ledger lately, so, Heath Ledger.

AH: I’ve been asked this before and always say Jason Russell.

You know, we might be able to arrange that.

AH: That would be awesome. Jason, I’m ready for lunch!

CR: J.J. Abrams.

Good one! Last question – where are you most excited to visit?

RC: We’re trying to book a screening in Martha’s Vineyard, so that would be exciting. And I’m excited to see Boston in general.

EM: Vermont.

AH: Boston. One of my best friends Stephani just moved there and it will be nice to be in the same time zone as her.

CR: I’m just excited to journey across the United States.

We’re excited for you. Get ready for an adventure Team New England – we’re lucky to have you representing IC!

_______________________

Team New England would love to book a screening in your town. Call them at (619) 562-2799 Ext 327 or fill out this form.

Mend: Saying “No” to Gender Based Violence

There’s more happening at Mend than just making beautiful bags. Last month, the ladies participated in a training on Gender Based Violence (GBV), a topic that the staff social worker, Evelyn, said she noticed coming up frequently in conversations at the center.

Evelyn explained that cultural factors like “power distance” between men and women in Uganda can create a dependency that leaves women vulnerable to abuse in the home. In 2003, a World Health Organization study found that 70% of men and 90% of women surveyed in Uganda perceived wife beating as acceptable under some circumstances.

During the training, many of the seamstresses were able to rethink their misconceptions, and learn about the channels of support that are available to victims of GBV.

“The ladies were so excited and interested to learn the truth about GBV,” Evelyn said. “This training will help the women support their daughters, their sisters and also themselves.”

Trainings like this one are empowering the women at Mend to transform their homes and communities into places where women can stand up for their rights, and where abuse is no longer tolerated.