Seeing The Invisible (MM3)

Photo Source. Provided by Invisible Children

I'm writing about something serious. I know what you're thinking "but Caitlin, Pauly D is a serious matter, too." But this time, it's something more serious then blow outs and hair gel. It's about Africa's longest running war, their youth, a horrible man, and a non-profit organization that has dedicated their focus to stopping him. I'm talking about Invisible Children.

They recently came to Champlain College and gave a presentation, showing a movie called "Tony". The focus was on a boy that they met there on their initial trip to Uganda. He inspired this entire movement, because he showed these three men that would later start this movement, that he is just like them-human.

The main reason I picked this organization to focus on is not just because of the amazing cause they are fighting for which I support, but also the way they go about accomplishing their mission.

"We use the power of media to inspire young people to help end the longest running war in Africa. Our model has proven effective, and hundreds of thousands of people have been called to action through our films and the volunteers that tour them"

This is straight off their website. This organization has this incredibly unique way of not only fund-raising, but also of how to spread awareness and recruit volunteers. This video is an example of a campaign they have going on currently called "25".

This campaign is an incredible example of uniting people for a cause, using your resources, and doing it in a very low budget way. When you apply it to our power tools, you begin with your brain. The video appeals to your limbic brain with it's images and the back ground music, establishing a sense of empowerment. It's a signature sound they have, that same tone is also featured in their movies. When they show clips of the war, blood, and guns, it appeals to your reptilian brain with your fight or flight reflex. As does the campaign in general, since it is raising awareness about a war.

Moving right along into the shifts, it applies very well to epistemological shift, because it is taking what you may know about this war, and giving you a slight visual image to go with you, as it trying to give you a taste of it. It is a prime example of the person shift, because it's taking you as one person, and putting you with an entire group of people fighting for the same cause. You're being silent together, working together, fighting together. In the end, you'll be brought together by the event they are throwing.

Value messages is the big one in terms of principles. It's a prime example, because this is trying to get you to act towards a good cause. They are inviting you to act with them by doing something simple but making a world of a difference. This campaign also raises the shift of emotional , but it makes you begin to think more deeply about the matter.

Talking about persuasive techniques, there are a lot to be said. They can be applied to both the video and the campaign itself. Since we're focusing on the campaign, it's a big example of plain folks. They are targeting us. You, me, her, him, them, everyone. They make it clear that you, as an individual no matter who you are, can make a difference in this matter. It also brings in group dynamics to a large extent because they are reaching out to everyone saying "we" "together" "us" they dont single themselves or anyone out. It also touches on strength because they are uniting a front to stop this war and protect these children.

The "25" campaign will require everyone to stay in silence for 25 hours, and leaves you with a goal to raise $25. It's simple, and you can help. Start your own donation page, and share it with all your friends, family, and remind them that even the smallest donation can go a small way. Together through silence, we can make a difference.

Photo Source.