Week Update #3 - Week of 23 September 2008

Wow. I just realized how long of a hiatus this blog took - sorry about that folks. I shall try to do better in the future. But if it's any consolation, I am very well rested.

If you missed the meeting this week, you missed a lot. So here I am to catch you up.

First, the size of Tuesday's crowd surprised me. There are a lot of people coming in, which is great. Keep it up, guys!

Second, the proceedings of the meeting:

First, we watched two videos. Because of the room taken up by embedding videos, I'll give you a link instead.

• Uganda: The Long Wait - produced by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. This video focuses on the return of the internally displaced from camps to their home villages and many of the challenges they face. This video sums up the purpose of Schools for Schools - even when the war is over, there will still be plenty of work to be done.
  
• IC/DC: Calling Out East Side - with Tim Shortley, the State Department's adviser for the Northern Uganda peace talks, promoting last semester's Lobby Days in Washington, D.C. , and discussing the role Invisible Children is playing in the peace process. The government has taken notice, and it's because of us.

Second, Parker gave us the news update, which, as always can be found at the Invisible Children site and Resolve Uganda. Unfortunately, the LRA abducted 90 children in a raid in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Almost immediately, President Bush scheduled a meeting with Ugandan President Museveni to discuss the problem.

Third, we heard from both sides of this year's election - where do Obama and McCain stand on Uganda, Darfur, Africa, and the issue of child soldiers? We encourage you to look into both candidates' foreign policy platforms and take their stances into consideration when you vote in November. But above all, we encourage you to vote.

Fourth, events. On Friday (3 October), we will be hosting International Coffee Hour with FIMRC (see Facebook for details). The event will last from 11 until 1. We need volunteers, so if you're interested in helping out, contact Josh Dunn (the one with the curly hair) to see what you can do: jadunn1@gmail.com. And, get excited! Our first benefit concert is coming up on Wednesday, 8 October. It will be at the Starbucks downtown (next to Five Star Day and across the street from the Arch). It's bound to be a good time for a good cuase.

Fifth, we wrote to our senators and representatives (find out who represents you). Congress is working on the Child Solders Accountability Act and we need your help to encourage them to pass it. Please, write a letter. Get your friends to write letters. The voice of the voters will be heard, especially in an election year.

Finally, we watched another video, TRI: Invest in Peace.


Shalom.

Meeting Update #2 - Week of 2 September 2008

First of all, sorry about the late post. This week's been slightly crazy.

Second of all, for new members: We want to get to know you better. In order to accomplish this goal, we ask that you do one of two things. First, you can pick up a form at the ICU meeting on Tuesday and fill it out. Or, secondly, you can email us the info on the form - we would like your name, e-mail, a list of talents and interests, and a list of other organizations you participate in. This way, we can help you find the group(s) that best fit your personality. It also helps us coordinate screenings. For example, if you are involved with the Presbyterian Student Center, we would love you forever if you helped us set up a screening there. Or in your dorm. Or sorority/fraternity. Or anywhere else. Finally, it helps us make sure everybody is on the LISTSERV - our mass e-mail list.

We opened the meeting by watching the trailer for War/Dance. If you missed it (or just want to see it again), here you go:


After the trailer, Parker gave a quick update of the news from Uganda, available online here and here. A brief note on the news: I cannot stress the importance of staying up-to-date enough. Whether you're tabling, hosting a screening, or just talking to someone who has commented on the awesome IC shirt you're wearing (yes, it happens), knowing the latest breaking news is of inestimable worth.

Oh, yeah, and upcoming events.

• On 10 September, we are working the Activities Fair. If you're walking around the fair, stop by and hang out for a little why. We'd love to see you.
  
• On 11 September, we are hosting a screening of the Rough Cut in Brumby at 8 pm. This will be a blue card event, so if you're a freshman in Franklin, stop by, hang out, and work your way towards early registration. And bring your friends.
  
• On 13 November, the Southeast Roadies from IC will be stopping by to show us the new documentary, Go!. This will also be a blue card event.

In addition, we have several things we are trying to set up: a Starbucks benefit concert, a date auction, and several bake sales. Talk to Nadia for more information and to volunteer.

One last note: We would like to thank Five Guys Burgers and Fries downtown for hosting the percentage night, as well as everybody who stopped by for dinner.

Shalom.