Speaker Looks to Mobilize Youth
March 18, 2010 • By Torie Foster,
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Almost 30,000 children have been abducted in northern Uganda over the past 24 years to forcibly serve in Africa’s longest war. Efforts to end the violence caused by Ugandan dictator Joseph Cony have come predominantly from students and young activists, most notably with the organization Invisible Children.
Natalie Warne, 19, IC’s tour representative for the East Coast, spoke after Tuesday’s screening of the documentary “Together We are Free.” She revealed how IC has rallied support to help prevent Cony’s actions, but also highlighted the potential power of the youth.
“We are the leaders of tomorrow,” Warne said. “We pave the way for our children.”
The documentary detailed an international event last April called “The Rescue.” Young activists congregated in 100 cities worldwide and camped outside for days in order to be “rescued.” This included getting a significant media source, such as CNN, and a public figure involved at the location. The goal was to gain coverage of “The Rescue,” and the violence in Uganda.
Fiercely determined to get Oprah Winfrey’s recognition, Warne led the last group waiting nearly a week in Chicago. When the 500 protestors literally surrounded Harpo Studio, Winfrey gave them a live spot on her show.
“They stood up for something bigger than themselves,” said Johannes Oberma, the East Coast tour team leader. “And that is exactly what we are asking you to do.”
Though the Chicago group faced many failures as they attempted to get Winfrey’s attention, they refused to give up.
“What got us all rescued and on ‘Oprah’ was the community we created,” Warne said.
This struck a chord with senior IC member Diana Gates. “I was so inspired by seeing so many young people standing in solidarity with each other for a cause halfway around the world,” she said.
Warne, who has spoken to several colleges, called the screening one of the best she has attended.
As a result of these and other efforts, the Northern Uganda Recovery Act, which aims to ensure peace in the country, passed through the Senate three days ago, and is now in the House. IC hopes it will make its way to President Obama’s desk.
“This is the closest we’ve ever come in the past seven years,” Warne said.
Warne has hope that Obama’s symbolism of change and possibility will motivate people to get involved with the cause.
“He’s new, young, different and came from a normal background,” she said. “He’s an example of how change is possible for everyone.”
But Gates disagrees, “It has so little to do with people in our government and so much to do with the young generation that wants to cause a change,” she said.
IC, though, recognizes that their work is not complete.
Though Cony’s Lord’s Resistance Army has mostly left Uganda, it has spread to other African countries in the past three years, and thousands of children are still in need of rescuing. Warne worries that many people are still unaware of Cony’s persistent crimes.
“I realize it’s so far from over,” Warne said. “It’s going to end when we all make an individual change and are a part of this.”
IC emphasizes the abilities of the current generation, and Warne’s young age certainly underlines this. “Students don’t know it’s possible to be a part of this,” she said. “But change wasn’t about waiting for the Dr. Kings to step up or the Robert Kennedys to come. It was about me.”
The Ugandan children’s “voices are silent,” said freshman IC member Elise Benusa. “It is our responsibility to be their voice. These kids are invisible and we need to make them visible.”
A main factor in this movement is also the use of social networks like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. “We’re all so connected through technology,” said freshman IC member Sarah Ryland. “Young people everywhere can spread the word.”
Though IC’s main goal is to end the war, Warne also explained that atrocities such as this do not only occur in Africa, but around the world.
“This is not just an African issue; it is a human rights issue,” Benusa said.
Warne also stressed the need to bridge the gap between Africa and the United States.
“My job is to tell my story,” Warne said. “I just want to be a fire-starter and ignite passion. I want to motivate people to change.”
The organization sells T-shirts entirely made from Ugandan cotton and bracelets also made by Ugandans, which helps create sustainable jobs there. One can also become a TRI donor, by contributing $3 a week to support IC’s mission.
Though Warne feels much progress has been made, she and fellow IC members are committed to making a permanent global impact by halting future worldwide violence.
“Now is the time to step up,” Warne said. “We may as well start where we are.”
Contact Torie Foster at fosterve@jmu.edu
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