At Invisible Children HQ, we talk a lot about “the big why” – the purpose that drives our organization and the way we approach our mission of ending LRA violence. We have a few core values that guide our work, make us think, and challenge us to grow. Read on for a glimpse of what makes us who we are.
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“Oh, you are such an idealist.”
Being an idealist used to be a compliment, something to strive to be and become. An idealist meant you saw the world differently, you saw hope and happiness where others saw pain and despair. You saw a dream and believed in that dream becoming a reality.
But recently, idealism has gotten a bad rap. It has become a form of disdain — a backhanded compliment illustrating one’s lack of clarity on “how the world works.” Being an idealist now means you must be completely out of touch with reality and live in some imaginary world. Look at how much death and conflict there is in the world; how could you possibly see anything different?
Here at Invisible Children, we are loud and proud idealists. We see the potential for lasting peace where others see conflict. We see an end where others see infinity. We see the possibility of justice where others see incalculable atrocities. We don’t believe in the impossible.
Our idealism has served us well. In 2003, very few knew about Joseph Kony or the Lord’s Resistance Army. Most people didn’t even know that, at the time, there was an ongoing war in Uganda. Look how that story has progressed: Kony’s forces are down to around 200, LRA forces have been reduced by 90% over the last decade, and we know where Kony’s hiding. The world learned about Joseph Kony and his crimes. He can no longer hide behind a veil of public ignorance.
This does not mean to say that Invisible Children is infallible. There were bumps along the way and it took immense dedication and persistence to be where we are today. But we believed in the power of a dream. We saw a world without injustice– a world without Joseph Kony. And today, we are closer than ever to seeing that dream fulfilled.
We are idealists. We did what others said we could not. With hard work and a clear head, we, the idealists of the world, can achieve anything.
It’s time to rewrite the book. Being an idealist is a beautiful, wonderful thing. It creates hope and passion. It calls us to action and pushes us beyond our wildest possibilities. So the next time someone tells you that you are being an idealist, proudly answer, “thank you.”
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