According to their Audited Financial Statement, the Invisible Children had as their stated purpose in the beginning of their organization in 2004, “Programs include educational and microeconomic initiatives in Central Africa benefiting over 11,000 people as well as biannual tours, awareness events, and fundraising campaigns statewide.”
However, also according to this same statement, “The Organization experienced very strong and unexpected revenue near fiscal year end 2011, which is reflected in unrestricted net assets at June 30, 2011.”
Under the line item: “Net Increase In Cash” 2011 is $4,923,140., whereas, for the year 2010 the Net Increase In Cash was $35,629.
Interesting to note, is what the report deems as RECENT activity. “Recently, the Organization has expanded its operations to Central Africa to address the plight of the most recent victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army’s (LRA) reign of terror who live in some of the most remote regions of the world.” The report describes a five step strategy, the 5th being, “promoting the arrest of Joseph Kony and top LRA commanders.
Read the report in pdf at the following link:
In their 2011 Annual report, special thanks is given to the following:
1Love, Aid for Africa, Better World Books, Billabong, Bobby Chang, Bridgeway Foundation, Charity: Water, Chase Community Giving, Crawford Family Foundation, Digitaria, Dungu-Doruma Diocese, Else de Temmerman, Enough, Fidelity Foundation, Gary and OJ Shansby, Halogen, Humnaity United, Interactive Radio for Justice, International Justice Mission, Josh Rodarmel, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Kristen Bell, Maurice Mariano Family Foundation, National Christian Foundation, National Philanthropic Trust, New Venture Fund, Oprah Winfrey Foundation, Pac Sun, Pandju Merali Foundation, Project 7, Rachel Bilson, Resolve, Salesforce.com, Sean Parker, Segal Family Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Sisters of Saint Joseph of Orange, StayClassy, TechnoServe Inc., Tom Shadyac, UNHCR, University of California Irvine/Center for Unconventional Security Affairs, University of Southern California/Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, United Nations DDRRR, The Voice Project, Warby Parker, Wildlife Conservation Society, Wilmington Trust.
Here is the pdf link to the Annual Report:
http://c2052482.r82.cf0.rackcdn.com/images/895/original/AR11_small_final2.pdf?1325722694
Additional information in the Annual Report I found interesting, was the report on the “The Fourth Estate.” In August 2011, the Invisible Children Organization hosted a three day conference by this title. 650 youth attended. (I am assuming these are the youth pictured in the viral video.) At this conference, participants engaged in discussions of public policy, international justice, effective fundraising, and what it means to be an empathic citizen. Participants were both educators and students from many countries.
Jason Russell, in the report, says of the conference, “We thought we were coming together to teach all of you the way forward...and you instead taught all of us (including the speakers) what the future is going to look like.” He added, “But there were things I was experiencing and hearing and feeling that were beyond imagination.” And then he quotes from one of the participants, Carly Parmer, saying she said, “There are no words to describe The Fourth Estate. I told my mom and my friends, you now just have to watch me live. My actions and life will be the words.” Jason Russell ends his note with a quote from “Mama Oprah” saying “Intention Rules Your Life.”
My conclusion, based on the organizations own reports is that this is a progressive organization typical of those we have learned to become aware of. The setting of the specific date— April 20, 2012 for the Kony2012 campaign on the heals of the “99% Spring” “TRAINING” going on April 9-14 is suspect. Also of interest, maybe totally unrelated, certainly hope it is, is the historical significance of April 19.
Would love to know if anyone could shed light on any of the organizations listed in the Special Thanks section.
Ping to #29. This is what I have uncovered.