Invisible Children

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers (Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, Laren Poole) travelled 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 are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda's night commuters and child soldiers.

The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.

As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change.

Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what's happening in the world.

But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realise their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.

Invisible Children has always thrived on the creativity and tenacity of youth. We are a movement created by young people for young people. Each of our movement and mission programs is fuelled by the willingness to speak out, and act out for those who have faced unimaginable injustice.

There are numerous ways for young people all over the world to get involved with this movement that has already begun. The first, and most effective, is to book a screening of one of our films. This grass-roots movement has grown because of word-of-mouth. Friends sharing this story with friends (or even strangers) have taken Invisible Children from San Diego, California to the farthest corners of the world.

Invisible Children also has several opportunities to get your hands dirty in the movement and on the ground. Visit www.invisiblechildren.com/themovement and see the many ways to help.

January through April of 2009 is a big opportunity for the young activists of Australia and New Zealand to get involved. We have heard of so much work being done on our behalf in Australia and the time has come to officially expand to the other side of the globe. The conflict in Uganda has spread over international borders, so our activism will do the same.

We are launching our first tour in Australia! It is a tour that will focus on the power and creativity of the younger generation. It is time to stand up and make our voices heard. We are going to do our part to end this 23-year war and we need your help.

For ways to get tangibly involved in bringing lasting peace to northern Uganda visit our website www.invisiblechildren.com To bring a team from Invisible Children to your town contact downunder@invisiblechildren.com  That's Jamie. He's heading up our Australia expansion with a team from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.