Have you been inspired to do more after hearing about The Truth Told Project and learning more about Congo? Here is your chance to do something that will take approximately 1 minute, but have enormous implications for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
1 - Why should you do this? Because girls like Waridi (below) have no one working on their behalf to ensure their safety and secure their future.
If you need inspiration to take this action watch this Ted Talk by Congolese Refugee Bandi Mbubi (9 min).
2 - Inspired to act? I just did it! It is not intimidating or awkward. Pick up your cell phone RIGHT NOW and Call (1-888-542-4146) now to be connected to the White House message line. When the volunteer answers say this, "Please ask President Obama to delay the World Bank’s vote on sending funds to Rwanda until it stops supporting M23".
3 - Share what you have done on FaceBook and ask your friends to do the same.
Thank you for taking action to help positively impact the future of the "fatherless generation" in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sincerely,
Sarah Fretwell
The Truth Told Project
www.TheTruthTold.com
Before I left for the Democratic Republic of Congo, I emailed with National Geographic photographer Ed Kashi. I basically asked if I was crazy for wanting to do a self-assigned job in the Congo. The advice he offered me has proven invaluable. "If it stirs your soul, then you'll make great images and stir other peoples' souls." The time I have spent on this project has stirred my soul immensely and offered incredible opportunities for growth in all areas of my life.
As many of you know my work created during my time in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become The Truth Told Project.
The Truth Told Project highlights from the past six months.
March 2012 -
SXSW Interactive The Truth Told Project Solo Presenter- Listen to the session here!
Keynote Speaker for Human Rights Week - University of California Santa Barbara .
April 2012 -
Masters in Photojournalism Workshop (images) at the Palm Springs Photo Festival. I had the privilege of working side by side with world renowned photojournalist Ron Haviv at 29 Palms Military Base as his assistant workshop assistant.
The Truth Told Project at Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum - A full installation (still images, video projection, audio, and blog excerpts) featured at Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum in conjunction with Planned Parenthood, The Rape Crisis Center, and The Fund for Santa Barbara in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Jeans for Justice - Keynote speaker and partial installation at the Women's Center at University of California Santa Barbara.
May 2012 -
PechaKucha 20x20 event in Santa Barbara.
June 2012 -
The Walk to End Genocide - in conjunction with Jewish World Watch the exhibit went outdoors and was installed in trees in West Hollywood (video).
July 2012 -
San Francisco Power Meetings!
Responsible Sourcing Network - Talks to begin a partnership to continue to utilize The Truth Told Project to raise awareness and engage industries involved with this conflict mineral supply chain issues.
Bay Area Video Coalition - Managing Director Carol Varney lent her trained eye, words of wisdom, and praises for how far the project has come.
liveBooks - CEO Andy Patrick was not only was he the first supporter of the project, but he took an hour away from an extremely important meeting to offer strategies to continue to move the project forward.
August 2012 -
Human Rights Watch - Art With Heart (timelapse) event in Los Angeles.
liveBooks philanthropy blog features The Truth Told Project
September 2012 - has been much work to take the short rough cut into finished mode and preparation of the website for the an upcoming feature in American Photo Magazine! As well the project has applied for a space at Photo Week DC and is applying for grants in partnership with The Responsible Sourcing Network.
All this to say thank you so much for your continued support and I can't wait to see what happens next!
