On March 6, 2012, most of us probably noticed on our Facebook news feed or Twitter timeline a video titled “KONY 2012” being shared by many. kony2012.com states, “KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous.” And just why does Invisible Children want to make this figure famous???
The answer is simple. To bring his crimes to justice after 20+ years as a war criminal in Uganda and other neighboring countries. They need the public’s help, for according to the Invisible Children corporation “Joseph Kony is the world’s worst war criminal.” Kony is the leader of the notorious LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) that has taken over the country of Uganda, along with neighboring countries by abducting children from their homes and raising them to be soldiers and killers.
Those who work for Invisible Children (a non-profit organization) are aware of how much of an effect social media has on the world today. Just how much, you ask? Check out this cool infographic to see here. So they decided to connect with multiple platforms, such as, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube in order to spread their message and make Kony and his army known.??
Sure enough, within two days since the video had been posted on YouTube, it has gone viral, reaching over 4 million views! On Twitter, #KONY2012, Invisible Children, #stopkony, and Uganda have all consistently been trending topics. The Kony 2012 online pledge that was posted this past Tuesday has received over 105,000 signatures!
Looking towards the future of this movement, Invisible Children has asked that people go out into their city or town on April 20, 2012, and hang posters, stickers, or anything to raise awareness on the Kony 2012 campaign.
So where do you stand, collegiettes? What can you do to get involved? You’re most likely feeling inspired after watching “KONY 2012,” but be careful with what you’re getting into.??
First and most importantly, educate yourself on the issue at hand before you donate your money or time. Many non-profit organizations like Invisible Children exaggerate the issue, bias the information, and use special editing techniques when they make campaign films like “KONY 2012” in order to get more support. You can read what the skeptics are saying here. Based upon the reviews and research that I have been doing for myself, Joseph Kony is in fact a menace to society who needs to be stopped. It is important to get involved with the world around you, and it feels empowering to help out. We are young, smart, and powerful collegiettes, and should do anything in our power to make an impact, but please do look into the organization first.
If you have decided that this is a cause you are willing to fight for, and an organization you are willing to fight with, here are the next steps you can take.
First, here’s two FREE ways too get involved:
1. Like the video says, repost the “KONY 2012” video and share with your family, friends, and peers.
2. Show your support and join thousands of people in the fight against Kony by signing the petition which you can find here.
Looking to get even more involved?
1. If you go to the Kony 2012 website (which you can find here) they have tons of merchandise, from t-shirts, to bracelets, to posters that you can purchase, and all the proceeds will go towards the Kony 2012 campaign.
2. On the website there is also the option to purchase the “Action Kit,” which includes, posters, stickers, two bracelets (one for you and one to share!), and a t-shirt. The point of the “Action Box” is that on April 20, 2012 you have agreed to go out into your city or town and hang the posters and stickers that you were given to raise awareness.
3. On Facebook you will notice many “Kony 2012” groups and event pages are being created in Boston, so join those too! Many college students and other residents of Boston will be getting involved and you can be a part of the movement too!
If you haven’t already seen the Kony 2012 film, you can watch it here!