Technology for Change: Invisible Children
Invisible Children’s operations illustrate perhaps one of the most powerful ways that social media can be used to change the world: promoting peace. The staff, volunteers and supporters of this charity specifically focus on stopping the genocide and bringing concord to Northern Uganda.
Invisible Children spreads awareness primarily through the sharing of poignant video documentaries on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and its own website. A direct result of this media’s impact can be seen through the organization of hundreds of student rallies across the United States. Invisible Children’s audience expands as more and more people find themselves inspired to express their opinions in opposition to the use of child soldiers in northern Uganda.
The voice of Invisible Children has grown so strong and loud that it’s drawn the attention of Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey. A 2009 protest by Invisible Children proponents in San Diego landed the charity a guest spot on Oprah’s talk show. In May 2010, President Obama signed a bill that is anticipated to reduce child soldiering. Leaders of Invisible Children were invited to the White House to proudly witness the signing.
Invisible Children members consider themselves “storytellers” who use documentaries about war-torn east Africa to draw donations and support for the young people of these regions. The money raised by this charity goes towards rebuilding schools, granting scholarships, providing areas of clean water and sanitation, bringing technology and power, and implementing micro-economic initiatives.
The Invisible Children website is a great place to learn more about the history of the war in Uganda, the progress of Invisible Children, and the specific programs the charity has implemented in working toward its goal of peace. The site has a plethora of powerful video, photo and music samples for viewing and listening. It also offers apparel for purchase to further spread the word about this important issue. Invisible Children relentlessly perseveres in its goals using social media tools. One person at a time, the group converts ignorance to compassion, and brings us one step closer to amity for the people in Uganda.
We at Singlebrook are happy to share this story of technology for change! If you know of other great examples of T4C, we urge you to join our movement by sharing them on Twitter using the hashtag: #SinglebrookT4C or in our LinkedIn Group: Singlebrook Technology for Change. Any tweets that use our hashtag will automatically get re-tweeted to our following.
