The social media phenomenon that prompted much of the Arab Spring was a key inspiration for the themes and message behind KONY 2012. The connectivity allowed by social media gave people the platform to voice injustice, their frustrations, and gather support from like-minded citizens. The internet freed the movement to transcend borders and rally global response. The true capability of social media had never been displayed in this way before. Digital fervor helped accelerate and organize outrage and brought people to the streets and affect real change.

The impact that the Arab Spring had on the world awoke us to an opportunity. If, through social media, the world was made aware of Joseph Kony and the atrocities of the LRA, then together we could demand justice. This was the foundation of the KONY 2012 campaign.

Here is a great collection of stories from NPR that covers the Arab Spring one year later.

(Photo credit: Amr Abdallah Dalsh)