The Invisible Children Foundation was started in 2003 by three young filmmakers who were shocked by the child soldiers and night commuters they discovered in Northern Uganda. Their documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut" helped expose the crisis and build awareness. The Foundation now works to end Joseph Kony's rebel war, restore peace in Northern Uganda, rebuild schools, and provide economic opportunities for communities affected by the conflict.

1. The Invisible Children FoundationBy Kirstin West

2. In the Spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children were both the weapons and the victims. After returning to the states, they created the documentary “Invisible Children: Rough Cut,” a film that exposes the realities of Northern Uganda’s night commuters and child soldiers. The film was originally created for friends and families but has now been seen by millions of people across the US.Invisible Children

3. Our mission StatementWe use film, creativity, and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s rebel war and restore Northern Uganda to peace and prosperity.

4. There is an invisible war in Africa: one man, Joseph Kony, terrorizing four countries.It is the longest running conflict on the continent, and the soldiers are children abducted from their homes and forced to fight.We are a movement seeking to end this conflict and bring them home. We seek to rebuild schools, educate future leaders, and provide jobs in Northern Uganda.Our goal

5. InputsWe are made up of a tireless staff, hundreds of full-time volunteers, and thousands of students and supporters.There are many things that are salient for our foundation to continue to aggrandize awareness and help the citizens of Uganda. Some of those necessities are funds from supporters and donations, volunteers, media (websites, videos, books, pamphlets, etc.), and supporters.

6. outputsWe help the citizens of Uganda by…Educating children with new schools that we rebuilt with money from donations and fundraisers.

7. Giving families a consistent source of income with our Bracelet Campaign.

8. Focusing on making their lives better and doing everything we can to eventually end the war in Uganda.We use the power of media to inspire young people to help end the war in Uganda. We have also conducted fundraisers to raise money to rebuild schools and facilities in Uganda, we have led movements, and held school seminars all over the United States to raise awareness of the life changing events occurring in Africa.process

9. outcomesWe have saved many children from being abducted to become one of Joseph Kony’s “invisible children soldiers.”We have prevented the need for families to travel several miles in the night trying to avoid abduction. We have created awareness throughout the United States. We have given hope to the people of Uganda.

10. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their community. Our programs are carefully researched and we have developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.Community need

11. We not only help the Ugandan communities but it changes the communities wherever their story if heard. It forces schools that are involved with their program to work together and it shows people to not take anything in their life for granted.Community need cont.

12. The Shuttleworth Foundation provides funding for dynamic leaders who are at the forefront of a social change. They are looking for amazing people and social innovators who are looking to change the world for the better. At Invisible Children we aim to make the Ugandan community a better place for families to live and help them to believe that one day their children will be able to be free to enjoy their youth without fear in their minds.The Shuttleworth foundation

13. How this relates to critical actionOur organization relates to Critical Action because it forces you to want to seek the truth and to challenge yourself bygetting out of your seat and to motivate yourself by becoming involved in helping those in need.It makes you want to see improvements of the lives that they are changing in Uganda and it makes you want to problem solve and be active when it comes to changing the world.

14. My personal connection to invisible childrenI have a passion for anything relating to children and their well-being. I believe it is substantive for every child to feel safe and have an opportunity for education. At Invisible Children we believe it is imperative for children to be able to enjoy their life without fear at nights and want the people of Uganda to be able to experience what some of them have never known before: Peace.

15. There are many ways you can get involved with Invisible Children. You can…Donate money by purchasing a video, book, bracelet, or any other of our products.