Ciara with a staffer from Illinois Senator Mark Kirk’s office
This spring, Invisible Children’s Citizen team (our in-house political advocacy gurus) have been working together with incredible activists across the country to make sure some key members of Congress, with special positions of influence, stay committed to bringing Joseph Kony to justice and supporting communities targeted by LRA violence.
When 12-year-old Ciara Doherty answered our invitation to attend a lobby meeting at her Illinois Senator’s office, she became the youngest Invisible Children lobby meeting volunteer that we have on record. And more importantly, she raised her voice to help make sure that communities targeted by LRA attacks are not ignored and receive life-saving support.
Even before her lobby meeting, Ciara quickly convinced us that she’s an impressive girl and an active IC supporter on multiple fronts. Ciara attended one of our MOVE screenings, participated in Cover the Night, and even set up a lemonade stand to benefit Invisible Children’s efforts. She also doesn’t let her young age stop her from being a rock-star softball player, volunteering her time at the local Cancer Walks and homeless shelter, or from having the best taste in books and music (in our opinion).*
We reached out to Ciara earlier this week hear about what motivated her to participate in her very first lobby meeting. Get ready for this young woman to win your heart (and your vote for the 2040 Presidential election):
Very few young people choose to lobby their representatives. What motivated you to sign up to lobby?
I really wanted to lobby because it was one of the most immediate ways to help as a 12-year-old. To me, the lobby meeting went deeper than sharing a video on Twitter to raise awareness, it was more than further educating myself; it was a way I could bring my thoughts and concerns directly to the people who are in charge of my area.
Were you nervous? How did you prepare?
I was nervous going in, but after meeting up with Kateland Gough (an experienced lobbyist and former Roadie), I felt reassured and ready to go. I prepared by printing out my [Citizen Advocate] packet and putting it in a three ring binder. I studied it and refreshed myself on information. I also had an IC movie marathon that included The Rough Cut, KONY 2012, MOVE, and Tony. I also practiced with my parents. I would have them pretend to be the representative and ask a variety of questions.
How did your lobby meeting go?
The meeting went great! I actually got to read an excerpt from a book I read that is an autobiography of a child soldier – I think it really opened [the staffer’s] eyes. They actually got us in early and it allowed more than enough time to go over everything. The [staffer] also already knew about the conflict so we didn’t have to fill him in entirely.
What advice would you give other young people who might think that lobbying their representatives is too intimidating?
Just do it. You don’t have to lead the meeting, just go and get comfortable with the whole idea of lobbying and to get a feel for it. I’m willing to bet you’ll be glad you did, I know I was. Twenty minutes of bravery to enforce years of peace seems like a good trade off to me!
Ciara’s lobby leader convinces us on Facebook why Ciara’s got our vote for President #2040
In order to keep our political leaders committed to ending LRA violence, we’re going to need a lot more Ciaras – people who believe that their voices are powerful and are ready to use them to ensure that LRA-affected communities are heard and protected. And clearly, being young shouldn’t stop you. Our Citizen team is still looking for committed advocates in key cities and states across the country to lobby their members of Congress. To find out if you live in one of those key areas and how you can help, visit THIS LINK.
Just hours after Ciara finished her first-ever lobby meeting with Senator Kirk’s office, she excitedly contacted our Citizen team to let us know that she now plans to lobby her other Illinois Senator, Dick Durbin. We’re in the process of helping her prepare for that right now.
*Top artists on Ciara’s iPod include M.I.A., Florence and the Machine, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. And if you’re looking for a good read, Ciara suggests Sahara Special by Esme Raji Code. And since we’re down here asteriking anyways – Huge props to Ciara’s parents, Tricia and Brian Doherty, for being so supportive throughout her involvement with Invisible Children.
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