Joanna Eberts

A demonstration called “The Rescue” took over 300 local students to attract attention to the plight of the “Invisible Children” on Saturday afternoon, May 25. The protest, headed in part by the Invisible Children RIT Chapter, was held in the center of downtown Syracuse and included members of the local community. One hundred cities and 10 countries held similar events that day, trying to pressure their governments into helping end the longest running war in Africa.

“Nothing like this has happened before,” said Michelle Marshall, a second year Photography student and vice president of the Invisible Children Chapter at RIT. The methods by which the global demonstration was carried out made it a true 21st century example of modern communications. The movement, started by three young men from southern California, used mass distribution of the Invisible Children film to build support, as well as the internet to spread the message and raise awareness. Hundreds of thousands participated in the protest, bringing together media personnel, politicians, and celebrities from around the world.

The movement has humble beginnings. This political and social cause began with suburban youth wandering around Sudan with a video camera, looking for a story. The friends they made there pointed them in the direction of northern Uganda, where they witnessed and documented thousands of people living lives as night commuters, forced to move constantly in fear of the attacks of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA is a guerilla group attempting a theocratic takeover of the Ugandan government, relying on terror tactics and the kidnapping of children to victimize communities.

Many high school students across the United States became acquainted with this first film, Invisible Children. Graphic and emotionally charged in nature, it inspired them to organize in droves, culminating in a public awareness event similar to “The Rescue” called “Displace Me.” These efforts resulted in millions of dollars being dedicated to programs the Ugandans could construct themselves, using the money to create a more sustainable future. Schools were a primary focus, giving children who would otherwise be affected by the rebel army a structured environment.

After renewed international pressure and direct communication between Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, and the filmmakers themselves, peace talks began once again. While these talks eventually failed, Kony’s forces left Uganda for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, disrupting the communities of those countries in an attempt to gain momentum.

“We are abducting ourselves to bring home the child soldiers,” explained Becki De Santis, a third year ASL Interpreting student. Beginning with a march that took them from Syracuse University to Clinton Square, the students tied themselves together to a designated spot marked as an LRA camp. From this point, students wrote letters to senators and shared why this kind of activism was important to them.

“I’m learning through this organization that, as a community, we can make a difference,” said Marshall. “If there’s anything we can do to end someone’s suffering, we should help.” Taylor Rose, a second year Computer Science student, saw the Invisible Children Chapter as a purposeful way to spend his time: “I felt like I needed to contribute to the better good.” The demonstration served as an educational event for the entire community, as local Syracuse seventh grader John Burgos volunteered himself to write letters to Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. He would go on to say, “I realized I wouldn’t want that happening to me or my family.”

The goal of the protest was to bring together members of the media, as well as politicians or cultural icons. Congressman Dan Maffei pledged to do what he could on Capitol Hill to pressure the government to take action.

Organizers of the event considered it a success. While Mexico City’s event was cancelled due to concerns of swine flu, all other participating cities were, in effect, “rescued” by gaining the attention of people with power. In Chicago, hundreds protested outside of Oprah’s studio to speak with her about the cause.

The next stage will be National Lobby Day on June 22, when more young people affiliated with the Invisible Children movement hope to go directly to the capitol to affect change.