As you’ve probably heard, Invisible Children will be undergoing some major changes in 2015. Namely, we are downsizing the bulk of our U.S. programs and operations to prioritize our political advocacy and central Africa programs through 2015.
But what does this mean? Below is an outline of exactly which of our programs will be sticking around this next year (funded by your donations from now until Dec. 31st), and which will be making a quiet exit.
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Programs staying in 2015
Early Warning Radio Network
The Early Warning Network, or EWN, is composed of high-frequency, two-way, long-range radios that give communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic the ability to report LRA activity to one another. These radios can be the difference between life and death for remote communities with no other way to communicate during LRA attacks.
LRA Crisis Tracker
This crisis-mapping social web platform, created in partnership with The Resolve , shows where and how the LRA is attacking and includes videos, photos, and stories of individuals affected by LRA violence. It also makes this information publicly available through a digital map, a breaking news feed, regular data-analysis reports, media documenting LRA atrocities first-hand and a mobile application.
Community Defection Committees
Invisible Children has worked with the communities closest to the LRA conflict to establish Community Defection Committees, or CDCs, throughout central Africa. These volunteer-based committees are trained to sensitively handle and accept LRA defectors into their village and connect them with the right actors to help get them home. Check out what our Mboki team has been up to recently.
Defection Messaging
FM/Shortwave radio broadcasts: Many LRA members were abducted into Kony’s army and have little desire to continue fighting. They are hundreds of kilometers from home and disconnected from the original political goals of the rebel group, yet they are too afraid to surrender. They are unsure whether their families will accept them back, and fear the security forces tracking the LRA. We’re reaching the LRA directly with ‘come home’ messaging broadcast through helicopter loudspeakers and on FM and Shortwave radio stations. With detailed instructions and the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance upon defection, these messages encourage those still held captive by the LRA to peacefully surrender.
Fliers: Our defection fliers are practical and emotional messages of hope that combat Kony’s lies, including directions to specific locations called “Safe Reporting Sites,” where local authorities will receive LRA escapees.
10% of our U.S. staff and 50% of our staff in Uganda, DRC, and CAR
The small, experienced team that is remaining will be doing the hard work in the trenches on Capitol Hill and in the heart of central Africa, maintaining the critical programs that are protecting communities targeted by the LRA and helping those in captivity safely find their way home.
Citizen Advocacy
A volunteer activist network committed to stopping LRA violence through political advocacy. You can stay up-to-date by adding your name here.
Recurring Donor program
If you would like to support the continuation of these programs by becoming a monthly donor, check it out here.
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Programs ending in 2015
- –Awareness films, media, and events – including tours, campaigns, and Fourth Estate Conferences
- –Continued funding to our Recovery programs in northern Uganda
- –Our San Diego office
- –Grassroots fundraising campaigns
- –Invisible Children merchandise
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