The cool November air stung the cheeks of the dedicated and devoted Social Justice club members here at Fullerton College. The largest lecture hall here on campus was sheltering the first ever Invisible Children event. Before the students stood a fundraising table covered with braided bracelets and painted ornaments. All of which sat lifelessly, hoping to soon provide a dollar more to a gentle yet brave cause. Some were tried on and a bit too big, others were turned, examined, and placed back to roll to a new spot on the table.
As the clock ticked closer to seven the table lost it’s few customers and the ink of pens began to flood the sign in sheet. Students filed in hunchbacked and groggy from a day full of lectures and burnt coffee. Most of which, were in dire need of extra credit and knew this was the event to find it at. As the last few took their place the lights dimmed and the projector flickered to life.
Many had heard of Invisible Children and it’s rough cut documentary. Saw the fliers around school, supported the cause on Facebook, and some had even seen the film before. After all, the idea of supporting Invisible Children was appealing. How could it not be? It fell right into the same category as ending world hunger, putting a stop to global warming and the war in Iraq, and hoping for world peace was embroidered onto the very messenger bags that hung off the shoulders of the students who supported it. But very few had anything to do with the organization and for many; their eyes had yet to been open by such a raw and horrifying film.
It began with the introduction of three young filmmakers who very well could have fit in with the students here at Fullerton. Bearded and earthy, with shaggy hair, dressed in second hand clothing.
“We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.”
Uganda’s night commuters and child soldiers were completely exposed in less than an hour. The disgustingly inspiring photos and clips of children streamed vividly onto the screen. The fear that shakes and rattles the bones of innocent lives flooded the room. Three Southern Californians had successfully shone light on the longest running war in Africa: a tragedy revolving around the children who were unknowingly both weapons and victims.
The film ended and the trembling hands of students clapped in momentary disbelief. It is amazing what coming to certain realizations can do to the human body. Uncomfortable thoughts filled the overwhelmed virgin minds. Ladies wiped their tears and gentlemen cleared their throats. And in a moment’s time, people pulled themselves together, grabbed their belongings, and trudged back to the parking lot.
As the room began to clear out I immediately wanted to know how I could help. But did others have the same response? Or rather, did other students feel the same way but think that their help would not bring much use. Many believe that in order to help you need to devote yourself entirely, but who has the time to do so? Afterall, our lives are full of obstacles of our own. For many of us, it’s hard to get through a single day. Traffic, heartbreak, losing and making money, midterms, finals, worries which are capable of turning our days completely upside down.
“The weight of our everyday troubles can seem to obscure the notion of a world outside of our own, but for these children onscreen, that world is very real,” stated Fullerton College student Ricky Martinez.
But believe it or not, there are ways to fit modern activism into your rollercoaster ride of a life.
Here are some ideas on how to start helping now:
- Begin by watching the documentary and discover the unknown.
- Give a one-time donation to Invisible children on behalf of yourself or a loved one.
- Join the TRI movement. Pledge three dollars a week and bring 3,000 children home from the war.
- Few Ugandans have the privilege to continue on with their education. Support the Invisible Children scholarship program.
- Sponsor the mentors of Uganda and their programs for children.
- Sponsor a bracelet and/or handbag maker.
- Commit to the reconstruction of schools in Uganda.
- Spread the story of Invisible Children, it’s more than a conversation starter.
- And last but not least join the Social Justice Club here on campus. Dedicate a few Wednesday nights to the bettering of the world around us.
No one’s asking you to book the next flight to Uganda or provide the answers to the hundreds of problems that still exist. In fact starting small is recommended, contributing one thing is still contributing something, and every dollar donated is a dollar more than what was donated before.
So many of us claim to be concerned for the world we live in, but can never find the time to make a difference. But with the technology and resources we have today, it’s never been easier to do so. Just like the filmmakers, there is a storyteller, a visionary, a humanitarian, an artist, and an entrepreneur in all of us. But how many of us are actually willing to step up to the plate? Posing and pretending to care for the world we live in can no longer be the trend that it is. It’s time to put more than pity behind our peace signs.
Invisible Children Website:
Keep an eye out during the Spring 2010 semester for Social Justice Club announcements and updates. Contact Professor Victoria Newsom for more information regarding the club and future membership.
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