catching up on keeping up

I haven't been able to update this as much as I have hoped, but my schedule has been nonstop and with a lack of internet in the house it has become a pretty difficult task. So here are some thoughts from the past week and pictures for your enjoyment or boredom.

I really wish that everyone I know could experience what I am experiencing right now. Words truly cannot express how inspired and humbled I am to be among such amazing and talented people. Every day I am here I am increasingly inspired by the people who surround me. I am realizing just how critical my part in this organization is and I am honored to be a part of this great group (I really can't stop bragging about everyone).

January 12th, 2008
Roadies weekend in the mountains…..(aka, SNOW!)

We like to throw snowballs while people have their back turned…sneak attack baby!

Ad means business...

I owned the rock climbing course....

david, me, joe acting as a stand in for sean, andi, emily

team WOLFDOG fool! (well sorta...)

……then the next day we went to the beach……

I like the sun…a lot.



January 10th, 2008
Today was pretty intense and overwhelming, the new roadies (which is me) are training and had multiple seminars held by various staff members. The seminar that had the most impact was Laren's (filmmaker) discussion of the history of the war in Uganda. It was so informative, complex and very enlightening to realize that there is not a good side or a bad side in the country, just hundreds of years of painful and unforgettable violence. I can't sum up the history with the eloquence that Laren did, but I plan to post a link to the history of the war as soon as I find one.

The day ended with Jason (filmmaker) showing an incredible documentary on Rwanda, called The Ghosts of Rwanda. It was emotionally draining and troubling on multiple levels, but it needed to be seen. I am leaving today with so many different emotions, thoughts, and questions, it is almost too much to comprehend and I really just want to sleep.

As draining as everything is, every day that I am around these individuals I am inspired at an exponential rate and humbled to be a part of this.


January 9th, 2008
This place is insane. Insanity, that seems like a reasonable word to describe the vibe here. Not so much in a bad way; but more in a chaotic, energetic, ADD, sensory overload, passionate, in-your-face sort of way. Everyone is so uniquely different but equally generous and genuine.

Today we met most of the staff, two of the filmmakers, and I got a great feel for IC. It is such a wonderful feeling to walk into a crowd and not have to explain my passion or convince someone that going to Africa is an amazing thing- they all get it. Being here makes me feel normal, in a really odd way. Words cannot express the graciousness, passion and love that this incredible group of people have.

The best part of today was a meeting with the CEO of Invisible Children, an incredibly humble and infectiously inspirational person. He discussed the core values of the organization and the goals for our national tour. AMAZING. It was so incredible to hear him discuss their value of jumping first and fear later. I am experiencing an inability to express how incredible it felt to be surrounded by an entire organization that asks the same questions I ask; "why not, why can't we change the world, why can't we do this now?" There is this great sense here that no ideas will be ignored, no judgment will be passed, no question is too stupid to be asked.

The following are the core values of IC and some of my thoughts:

Genuine Compassion- the desires to help not because of pity or potential recognition, but because of a genuine love and compassion for the people and the potential.
Respect for the individual - regardless of income, demographic, beliefs, religion, everyone can be a part of this movement and everyone has ownership of this organization and it's future.

We must stay humble- it's such an important concept and something that be instantly recognized among IC-ers. Everyone is so humble here despite the historical impact this organization has made, despite the politicians, leaders, and celebrities who support them. There are no egos, but instead a urgency of solving a problem and a team that works together to seek resolution.

Jump first - fear later- This is my personal favorite and something that inspires me beyond words. This group has so much courage (and sometimes, or often, blind courage). Knowing that something has never been done, not knowing how you're going to get it done or what the consequences may be, just knowing that you have to try. Our society calls it stupid, but those "stupid ideas" or "dumb choices" have literally altered the course of history. After only 3 years of being in existence Invisible Children has raised millions of dollars, financially, emotionally and psychologically encouraged hundreds of kids, adults and families in need in Uganda and has motivated an entire generation in the US to use their voice and talents to make a difference. If that's stupid, then I'm jumping on board.

Sometimes you need to be stupid- It comes down to what is smart versus what is right. There are times when you need to go against the conventional wisdom and take the foolish path in order to do what is right. Some don’t understand why I have chosen this path, I hope that this enlightens some and inspires others. The truth is that the world has never been changed by playing it safe.

We love a good idea- It really is true..the ideas, programs, and campaigns that IC has developed are pretty genius. The incredible thing is that these ideas come from all corners of the organization; from the ground in Uganda, to an intern, to a volunteer in Kansas, to the CEO…everyone is equally important.

Good is the enemy of great- There is this desire to stray away from the mediocrity that often surrounds the nonprofit sector. The only reason this group of insane people have made the epic impact that they have is because of their unrelenting demand for greatness…and I am honored to say that I am a part of it.

T-minus 2 days ramblings

I am about to go on one of the most exciting adventures that I will ever go on. I have full expectations of this truly changing my life. This change won't occur in a way that will bear it's fruit a year or two later; this change will occur instantaneously and dramatically.

I watched the documentary, "Invisible Children: Rough Cut" for the 5th time, but this time it was with my mom. It was her first time seeing the documentary and I could almost feel her heart sink with sadness for the pain experience in the film, along with a new found anxiety for what I am about to do. Even though I have seen the film several times (and about to add another 100+ times on top of that!) I still get the chills at the exact same moments and cry during the same scenes. But most importantly, I am always inspired when they discuss the various ways that young people across the country have stepped up and used their voice, talents, and passion to change the world. That inspires me...they inspire me. Knowing that I will work with the individuals who created this movement and then travel the country and meet the hundreds of thousands who are spreading the movement - what else could I ask for?

I really have to stop throughout the day and let it all sink in for the 120th time, and even then it all seems surreal. But the truth is: I am working for a group of people who believe that anything is possible, and as the documentary shows, their ideals are becoming realities. Their optimism is becoming a way of life for an entire generation.

So it's OK if not everyone understands what I'm doing, or if they mock or doubt me- the skepticism challenges me. It's OK if I'm not really getting paid, or putting off a salary for a few more months- the spirit of this organization and the knowledge that I am an essential part of something revolutionary satisfies me more than money ever could. And that's when you know that you have found something worth holding onto.