Getting in on the Kony2012 conversation

I've avoided chiming in on the Kony2012 debate, mostly because I think in some ways the whole mess is a metaphor for how we all keep separating ourselves from what matters.

So, do I think that Invisible Children raised awareness about something that people need to be aware of?  Well, as a matter of fact, yes I do.  Do I wish Invisible Children placed greater financial emphasis on direct services? Well, I'd have to answer yes to that, too.  Do I think, at the end of the day, that we all have to do what we're best at?  That would be an affirmative, as well.  So, frankly, no judgements from me.

But, I do want to share this anecdote with you.  I've been interviewing high school students who are interested in doing an internship with One Million Bones for their senior year service project.  Most of the kids I've been talking to already have some passion for art and/or activism, and have some idea of what's happening in the world.  In the course of one of my interviews, the following exchange took place:

Student: It's like with Kony2012.  My boyfriend sent me the video and I was watching it during class...

Me: ahem...

Student: and I got totally choked up, like I was almost crying.  And I was so pumped up and wanted to do something, but I didn't know what to do. (emphasis is mine)

For me, that's the sticking point of the whole KONY2012 conundrum.  They have reached and engaged so many young people; it's brilliant! But what now? We've got your attention, and now go back to your regularly scheduled programming. Just a little more effort in the conception stage, creating one more linkage, offering just one extra step that resulted in a direct action, could have, in my opinion, made a world of difference by turning passive consumers into something resembling activists.