What’s the Next Step?

There has been a great deal of news over the last 4 weeks about the Invisible Children video, “Kony 2012.”  At first the news was all good, a true social media success story.  A group of 30-somethings had put together an organization aimed at drawing attention to the drafting of Ugandan children into ugly, genocidal armies.  They made a video.  The video went viral.  Viewed 106 million times.  That’s the good news.

Then the organizations finances come into question, capped off by some pretty unusual behavior on the part of one of the founders.  That’s the bad news.

And I hate that there’s bad news associated with trying to make a difference in millions of young lives. I hate that funds donated for such a good cause may be misappropriated. Politicians, journalists, and yes, bloggers, are all making their voices heard.  But I think many are missing the point.  What’s important is NOT so much how this horrific scenario is stopped, but THAT IT IS STOPPED!

I also think a huge piece of the puzzle was revealed last fall’s in the fabulous PBS series, Women, War and Peace.  If you haven’t, check it out.  Change will occur much more easily and rapidly when women are involved and education becomes the primary weapon.  What do you think?