Connie Ring – whose job has taken her to Gulu, Uganda and back

Just like us, Connie’s Invisible Children journey began with the Rough Cut.

Cincinnati native Connie Ring has the two toughest jobs on the planet – she’s a mother (of two) and a math teacher at Archbishop Moeller High School. Connie’s teaching job landed her a gig chaperoning students at a leadership conference which happened to be screening our first documentary. We think any mother could agree, when watching the Rough Cut… hold the popcorn, bring more Kleenex. The film proved just as pervasive for Moeller students, particularly a boy named William, who showed up at Connie’s front door a few days later with an unquenchable urge to do something. Whoever thought being a teacher was a 9 to 5 job, think again. So Connie approached her students with a school assignment that was much more a life lesson than math lesson – what can you do to help?

“You could not have seen it and just walked away. You could not have seen it and done nothing.”

It’s bizarre but wonderful when you arrive at a destination you didn’t even know you were headed towards. Connie could never have imagined that the urge to support her students would lead to her becoming the co- director of a nonprofit, Unified for UNIFAT (U4U). Connie, together with a small team of adults, support student chapters across 16 Cincinnati area high schools as they do everything from pen pal projects to dance mixers to the Amazing Race: Cincinnati style to raise money to financially and emotionally support students in northern Uganda. Currently, U4U provides education opportunities to 110 northern Ugandan children. Connie has kept up her connection to Invisible Children even in the midst her entrepreneurial lifestyle – either Connie or one of her students has attended every conference and every national event that IC has ever hosted, with the Fourth Estate Leadership Summit being next on Connie’s list.

If Connie were an artist, her students would be her masterpieces. For the students who dedicated remarkable manpower and hours to U4U, the involvement has truly changed their lives. An astonishing number of U4U supporters were hooked, even beyond high school, and formed chapters at their college and/or pursued studies in international development. U4U’s Board of Directors has no shortage of former high school supporters either, including William (remember we mentioned him earlier). William now lives in Uganda, leading U4U’s on-the-ground efforts. Because of their efforts, Unified for UNIFAT is now active across the Midwest with 20 chapters (both high school and college) that collectively sponsor deserving students in Gulu…and just think, it all started with a story. We’re convinced if Connie’s this good at inspiring young people, she can get kids to ace a math test, as well.

Math class was never this fun when we were in school

Connie is a mother/wife/teacher extraordinaire who still found time to found her own nonprofit. Our point?  “You are never too old or too busy to make a real difference in the life of another.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Connie. She will be an amazing addition to this year’s Summit both as a fellow nonprofit director and as a teacher most qualified in youth empowerment.

We’re encouraging educators from all over the world to attend our Fourth Estate Leadership Summit this summer in Los Angeles. It’s a unique opportunity for teachers to come together to discuss the future of learning, hear from leaders in the field, and help us shape our educational initiatives. Together, we are tearing down the walls that separate students from the world around them, and waking them up to their ability to have an impact on a global scale. APPLY HERE.

The success of Invisible Children is a result of hundreds of staff, supporters, interns, and Roadies that have walked through our doors and, together, built  this unique community. Alex Guest walked through our doors in Fall 2012, but not on his two feet — his two wheels. This IC legend completed a ridiculously long bike ride to honor the new direction his life was taking.

Alex Guest has a black belt in raising awareness to permanently end the LRA and the exploitation of child soldiering. Before he came on board with Invisible Children, Alex dedicated the majority of his time and pedal power to the Canadian nonprofit Child Soldier Cycle because:

- Alex is Canadian

- Alex is a good person

- Given the choice, Alex would choose biking over driving anyday

Alex (middle) working with Child Soldier Cycle… Challenge: can you find the bike in this photo?

When KONY 2012 made its way around the webiverse, Alex was blown away by how effective our film was at raising global awareness to a cause Child Soldier Cycle invested countless efforts and miles on unicycles towards (yes,we did say unicycles). Alex became an IC fan. Several weeks later, he opened his home up to our Northern Exposure Roadies as they were passing through Ottawa and experienced one of those late-night-life-talks (you know the kind). “Those Roadies genuinely cared about me as soon as I met them. They so could have easily told me how tired they were and gone to bed, but instead they chose to invest that time in me.” Our flannel-wearing Nor-Ex team must have gotten to Alex because not much later we received a Roadie application with his name on it.

“I was lucky enough to have friends like Phil and so many others that helped me figure out a general sort of path in life, but I never had that in high school. I applied to [work for IC] so that I could try and have the same kind of impact on just one high school student that people in my life had on me.”

We’re no stranger to memorable Roadie applications but Alex’s was one for the books. Here’s why- Alex told us that if we hired him that he would cycle to San Diego all the way from Ottawa. “I don’t really know what was going through my head at the time… I had been biking everywhere I needed to go for so long that cycling to start my internship seemed semi-normal.” Well, of course, we had to see what this kid was made of.

Alex spent 22 days on the road and made it roughly 2400 kilometers (that’s 1500 miles for you non-Canadians). Alex eventually stopped cycling in Quincy, Illinois at that point having acquiring enough epic road stories, including but not limited to: meeting a gang running from the Vegas mob, setting up camp on high school baseball fields and a Slip N’Slide Music Festival in Moline, Illinois. From Quincy, Alex packed up his bike momentarily, caught a bus to San Diego and returned to two wheels just in time to cross a chalk-drawn finish line outside our office to the screams of 30+ fans (they thought he biked the entire 4,000 miles #minordetail). Alex proved just as impressive in our Roadie van as he was on a bike and he will forever be regarded as an office legend….even if we did have to teach him how to pump gas for the first time.

As much as you can learn in a classroom, sometimes the best learning comes from tangible participation and the people you meet along the way. Alex found his life’s purpose from the individuals and causes he’s been connected with as a result of his work with both Child Soldier Cycle and Invisible Children.

This year’s Fourth Estate Leadership Summit has all the potential to ignite that type of purpose and direction for a fulfilling life. Join us as we continue building a community dedicated to promoting justice and basic human rights. We’re no Alex Guest, but we know him well enough to say he’d want you to be there. Applications are being accepted until May 15th.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, a short picture montage of Alex’s life as a Roadie (all Instagram worthy).

#nature

Apparently, this is what Canadian patriotism looks like

Do you dream about making it in our blog? I’m not saying you should bike your way to the Fourth Estate Leadership Summit. But if you do, I will definitely write a blog about it. All Invisible Children stories will joyfully be read, bike or no bike - E-mail me at mretka@invisiblechildren.com

Charlie, a senior at Southampton High School in New York has been an IC supporter for most of his high school career. His involvement reads like this: Watched an IC film, organized an assembly, met some Roadies, started an IC club, became president, partook in the 2011 Fourth Estate Summit, led a lobby meeting, and attended MOVE:DC. Did we mention he’s still in high school?

Needless to say, we weren’t the only ones impressed with his repertoire. The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County named Charlie as the Upstander of the Month for April 2013. Here’s what they had to say about Charlie:

During his sophomore year, Charlie Margaritis learned of gross human rights violations during the ongoing war in Uganda. In that conflict, tens of thousands of children were abducted, enslaved or murdered. He could not remain a bystander. He chose another path – to become an Upstander. He educated his peers about the conflict and reached out to Invisible Children in San Diego. He decided to organize a school-wide assembly at which the representative of Invisible Children spoke about the crisis in Uganda. A Southampton High School Chapter of Invisible Children grew out of the assembly, spearheaded by Charlie who remains its President. He also founded and is President of Key Club International at his school.

Charlie has widened the scope of his activism to try not only to help the children of Uganda, but to stop the war altogether. He lobbied Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to keep military advisors in Central Africa. He joined MOVE:DC last November in Washington, DC to raise awareness about Uganda and to support the President’s ground-breaking legislation identifying Joseph Kony as a war criminal. In addition, last summer, Charlie attended a peace and leadership conference titled Fourth Estate.

Charlie was one of the hundreds who attended the first Fourth Estate Summit in 2011.

It’s supporters like Charlie Margaritis that make Invisible Children what it is. This August we’ll be bringing together 1,400 of amazing advocates just like Charlie to join us for the The Fourth Estate Leadership Summit in Los Angeles. We want you to be there – yes, you. The Summit is a four-day conference, Invisible Children style. That’s a thousand students learning about justice, advocacy, and global citizenship through new IC media, amazing speakers, tangible action steps, and, obviously, an epic dance party.

Apply for The Fourth Estate Leadership Summit

(Photo credits: 1, 2)

What could be better than Yoga? Yoga that supports your favorite cause.

We take health pretty seriously at Invisible Children…IC Running Club, the Health and Wellness Committee…they’re actual things, people. But the work hard, play hard mentality prevails and we know how to throw a good party (example: Global Dance Night. Am I right, or am I right?) But health and partying simultaneously? Music to our ears. The University of Central Florida’s Invisible Children Club became trailblazers when they hosted a wildly successful Yoga Rave that raised funds for our programs in northern Uganda.

Yoga = meditation, stress reduction, and warrior poses
Rave = stimulating music, energetic crowd, and a bunch of neon
Yoga + Rave = look at the pictures

This wasn’t UCF’s first rodeo, err, yoga rave. Inspired by a yoga series currently touring the U.S. (tours clearly aren’t just for bands anymore), UCF’s IC Club has already hosted two other Yoga Raves. The Club’s Vice President, Amanda Brody, assured us that in planning for Spring 2013’s event they were sure to pull out all the stops. The preparation paid off and word of the event spread like wildfire. On campus, one of the University’s yoga instructors volunteered to lead the event and Vitamin Water got on board to to sponsor the event.

Amanda Brody (in KONY 2012 T-shirt) with other UCF IC Clubbers including Club President Tiffany Hsieh (bottom left)

On the big night, participants purchased glow sticks with the proceeds going towards IC. The facility quickly reached capacity, causing some wannabe yoga-goers to be turned away but they were gracious about it…and still got Vitamin Water. #success

“This was a great unique event to bring to our campus that [drew] a large audience and opened up a platform for conversation about Invisible Children and the LRA conflict.”

Trikonasana. That’s triangle pose for yoga newbies.

While it may seem ironic to ask people to party while doing yoga, we at Invisible Children applaud those with the courage to think outside of the box. The IC Club at UCF is a clear testament of originality, boldness, and ingenuity.

The human connection extends across around the world, but starts across the street. Or, in this case, to the student next to you in the same mountain pose.

Yoga Rave was a party like none other; an innovative way to build community. The only disappointing part of this story…that I couldn’t attend the event in person. You can make me feel better though by telling me a story of how your high school or college club sparked conversation about IC in a unique way…or by inviting me to your next Yoga Rave. Either one. E-mail me at mretka@invisiblechildren.com.

Ciara with a staffer from Illinois Senator Mark Kirk’s office

This spring, Invisible Children’s Citizen team (our in-house political advocacy gurus) have been working together with incredible activists across the country to make sure some key members of Congress, with special positions of influence, stay committed to bringing Joseph Kony to justice and supporting communities targeted by LRA violence.

When 12-year-old Ciara Doherty answered our invitation to attend a lobby meeting at her Illinois Senator’s office, she became the youngest Invisible Children lobby meeting volunteer that we have on record. And more importantly, she raised her voice to help make sure that communities targeted by LRA attacks are not ignored and receive life-saving support.

Even before her lobby meeting, Ciara quickly convinced us that she’s an impressive girl and an active IC supporter on multiple fronts. Ciara attended one of our MOVE screenings, participated in Cover the Night, and even set up a lemonade stand to benefit Invisible Children’s efforts. She also doesn’t let her young age stop her from being a rock-star softball player, volunteering her time at the local Cancer Walks and homeless shelter, or from having the best taste in books and music (in our opinion).*

We reached out to Ciara earlier this week hear about what motivated her to participate in her very first lobby meeting. Get ready for this young woman to win your heart (and your vote for the 2040 Presidential election):

Very few young people choose to lobby their representatives. What motivated you to sign up to lobby?

I really wanted to lobby because it was one of the most immediate ways to help as a 12-year-old. To me, the lobby meeting went deeper than sharing a video on Twitter to raise awareness, it was more than further educating myself; it was a way I could bring my thoughts and concerns directly to the people who are in charge of my area.

Were you nervous? How did you prepare?

I was nervous going in, but after meeting up with Kateland Gough (an experienced lobbyist and former Roadie), I felt reassured and ready to go. I prepared by printing out my [Citizen Advocate] packet and putting it in a three ring binder. I studied it and refreshed myself on information. I also had an IC movie marathon that included The Rough Cut, KONY 2012, MOVE, and Tony. I also practiced with my parents. I would have them pretend to be the representative and ask a variety of questions.

How did your lobby meeting go?

The meeting went great! I actually got to read an excerpt from a book I read that is an autobiography of a child soldier – I think it really opened [the staffer's] eyes. They actually got us in early and it allowed more than enough time to go over everything. The [staffer] also already knew about the conflict so we didn’t have to fill him in entirely.

What advice would you give other young people who might think that lobbying their representatives is too intimidating?

Just do it. You don’t have to lead the meeting, just go and get comfortable with the whole idea of lobbying and to get a feel for it. I’m willing to bet you’ll be glad you did, I know I was. Twenty minutes of bravery to enforce years of peace seems like a good trade off to me!

Ciara’s lobby leader convinces us on Facebook why Ciara’s got our vote for President #2040

In order to keep our political leaders committed to ending LRA violence, we’re going to need a lot more Ciaras – people who believe that their voices are powerful and are ready to use them to ensure that LRA-affected communities are heard and protected. And clearly, being young shouldn’t stop you. Our Citizen team is still looking for committed advocates in key cities and states across the country to lobby their members of Congress. To find out if you live in one of those key areas and how you can help, visit THIS LINK.

Just hours after Ciara finished her first-ever lobby meeting with Senator Kirk’s office, she excitedly contacted our Citizen team to let us know that she now plans to lobby her other Illinois Senator, Dick Durbin. We’re in the process of helping her prepare for that right now.

*Top artists on Ciara’s iPod include M.I.A., Florence and the Machine, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. And if you’re looking for a good read, Ciara suggests Sahara Special by Esme Raji Code. And since we’re down here asteriking anyways - Huge props to Ciara’s parents, Tricia and Brian Doherty, for being so supportive throughout her involvement with Invisible Children.

Bekah (middle) with the Northern Exposure Roadie team

It is in the moments of decision that your fate is determined.

It’s undeniable that the slightest encounters of the universe have the possibility of changing your life. This is called fate, which we embrace wholeheartedly at Invisible Children. Filling out the wrong online form, opening your home to a stranger, and stumbling upon a phone number are all circumstances when, occurring in isolation are meaningless, but when dealt by the wiser hand of fate created a powerful chain of events for 15-year-old Bekah Bass.

Grand Manan island which is in New Brunswick, Canada / possibly heaven

Bekah first heard of IC when one of our original films was screened in her community; however, much younger Bekah wasn’t allowed to watch the film (real life isn’t all happy endings #truth) It wasn’t until Bekah watched KONY 2012 that she took it upon herself to research our organization (1st reason we love her: initiative) and in the process mistakenly filled out our online form to host a screening. Out of sight out of mind – or so she thought.

Fast forward a week, the Bass family graciously opened their home to two members from Harvest House, a youth ministry touring New Brunswick. Unexpectedly, Bekah learned that one of these house guests was a young girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo whose family was seeking asylum in Canada to escape the escalating violence throughout their homeland. The prominent exposure to LRA issues continued when just days later one of IC’s Regional Managers, Bryan Funk, called to inquire about the screening request Bekah unintentionally submitted. Thus begun the makings of a beautiful IC friendship.

“I think it was destined (for lack of a better word) for me to become involved with IC. Doing something completely out of my comfort zone, and standing up for something that is very close to my heart has inspired me…I am forever inspired and challenged to help make the world a better place.”

When the rest of Grand Manan’s students were relishing in their dwindling summer vacation time, Bekah was busy rallying her small island community to attend her MOVE screening – with tremendous success. Our Northern Exposure Roadies stepped off a two-hour long ferry ride (because that’s the only way to get to Grand Manan in case you were wondering) and were welcomed by nearly 100 island residents. The audience, previously unaffiliated with Invisible Children or our cause, ended up staying an additional two hours beyond the film screening asking questions and ultimately becoming IC supporters themselves.

Despite numerous roadblocks (no funds/ remember the island thing…) Bekah kept her promise to reunite with us at MOVE:DC, saying “It wasn’t really a decision; I just knew I had to be there.” Bekah fundraised the money to get herself to DC, even having surplus funds which she additionally donated to IC. If you think you have a good excuse for not showing up at MOVE:DC keep in mind that DC isn’t even Bekah’s national capital.

“Hey, I showed up, I was there standing up against injustice.”

Bekah and her mother at MOVE:DC

Bekah undeniably proves when it comes to changing the world, age doesn’t matter. It’ll never be as simple as merely acknowledging you have a passion for something because the difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do. And we strongly believe that once you commit to the right decision, the universe is in a conspiracy to make it happen.

“This sounds really cliché, but I believe that becoming involved with Invisible Children has made me a better person. It’s changed my life. I now have a support group of people who are telling me I can change the world. It’s incredible. I am so thankful!”

Have a story of how being involved with IC has changed your life? E-mail mretka@invisiblechildren.com cause she thrives off of supporter stories, if you haven’t noticed already.

(Grand Manan photo credit: Barry Coombs)

Turning the big 1-6 only happens once and Invisible Children supporter Elizabeth found a way to make it count. How, you ask? Elizabeth used her milestone 16th birthday as a way to show her abundance of passion for IC. The party itself may have been a surprise, but Elizabeth’s friends and family knew of her mad love for IC and in the planning process, encouraged the party guests to make a donation to Invisible Children rather than present her with a gift…even though we can assume Elizabeth wouldn’t have said no to a puppy.

The cherry on top was that we were invited to attend her Surprise Sweet Sixteen Masquerade Ball (even though we were planning on crashing it anyways – yeah, we’re not above that) and our IC Clubs Coordinator Angela was able to re-live her high school experience and accept the donation in person.

Elizabeth (left) with IC staffer Angela

We are beyond honored by Elizabeth’s generosity and even more impressed with her extensive activism history. She attends one of IC’s most ardent Schools for Schools participators. Don’t believe the “most ardent” part? Because of their outstanding fundraising efforts during our Frontline Tour in 2011, students from this local San Diego high school won a trip to Uganda to tour our office and programs firsthand. Elizabeth’s work with IC isn’t exclusive to her school, as she recently joined the thousands of other red shirts on Pennsylvania Ave during MOVE:DC.

Invisible Children is all about the human connection – so is Elizabeth’s family. Her brother flew in from college for her birthday event. Elizabeth and her grandpa hit up the dance floor alongside Elizabeth’s closest friends she’s had since elementary school when ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ came on (a nod to the family’s Alabama roots.) And Elizabeth was able to honor the memory of her grandmother when she was presented with a sentimental family heirloom. But she tells us the most treasured moment from the night was being able to celebrate together with all the people she cares most about: friends, family, and now IC (believe us, Angela still won’t stop talking about it.)

“A motto in our family is the greatest present is someone’s presence.”

It’s unrealistic to hope MTV would start featuring only humanitarians like Elizabeth on their show My Super Sweet 16 (this is us dropping hints), so instead we’re doing our part to tip our hat to the beautiful birthday girl. What we have learned from this: when you combine IC and a party, it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night.

Have a story of how you’re representing IC in your everyday life? E-mail mretka@invisiblechildren.com and tell us your tale.

They are the Batman to our Robin, the Sherlock Holmes to our Watson, the Bert to our Ernie.
Without them, we’re just a weird young adult in a cape, a wannabe detective, and a lonely yellow muppet with a unibrow.
They are the better halves that makes us whole.

So just in case they ever doubt it, wonder, dismiss, speculate, or contemplate the impact they have made, are making, and will make, we made them a video to show our love and appreciation. And plus, it’s Valentine’s Day – the perfect day to remind those you love that your world would not be the same without them.

From all of us here at the office, Happy Valentine’s Day to our dear donors.

Get information on how to become one of our rockstar donors by going [HERE]

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something red.

For the past nine years we’ve known that Invisible Children has the best, most dedicated supporters across the globe, but thanks to newlyweds Jessica (formally Greer) and Daniel Streeter, that fact is now impossible to contest.

Jessica and Dan are veterans when it comes to investing in their community. Their commitment to service has sent them on volunteer trips around the world, including Mexico and the Dominican Republic. A clear powercouple. After watching KONY 2012, our mission resonated. Like many of our viewers, Jessica and Dan wanted to share the story, but they completed that feat in a way previously unheard of at IC – Dan and Jessica included our KONY 2012 campaign in their wedding.

Get this: Not only did they donate funds originally allocated for party favors to our programs in East and central Africa but they made sure no guest left empty-handed by providing them with an array of Invisible Children bracelets.

“Dan and I were thrilled that many of our guests approached us and thanked us for opening their eyes to the Invisible Children organization and [they] were so excited to go home and visit the website and learn more…and many of them are still rocking the red bracelets today!”

The new Mr. and Mrs. Streeter left a lasting impression on their guests beyond that of leftover wedding cake and centerpieces. Jessica and Dan may have joined their two families that day, but they also joined ours.

We wish all the best for the happy couple. Cheers.

(Photo credit: J’Adore Love)
(Video credit: Fruit Tree Studios)

I am a teacher. I am also an artist – teaching art and collaborating with secondary students is utterly satisfying. But perhaps most importantly, I am a mother. I nurture, care, and adore educating my son and others.

My mom was also a teacher, a lover of books and a bookstore owner, and she admired and supported me in any creative endeavor. She always dreamed of traveling to Africa one day to teach. She was never able to fulfill this vision.

Long ago, my mom gave me my first camera – a Pentax 35mm. I have cherished it for over 20 years.

In 2012, I went to Gulu, Uganda with Invisible Children as a participant with the Teacher Exchange Program to help develop sustainable education in the country. I was elated. This was a dream come true – not only for me, but also my mom. I was determined to take that Pentax, along with my mother’s vision, my own artistic ambitions, and capture my viewpoint of Uganda. These are my photos — a peek into my experience with education, community, and the fulfillment of my personal dream.