tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86014568921597648522024-02-20T20:53:58.076-08:00Falling Whistles Austinfalling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-89024580131988824772009-03-04T09:14:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:17:16.701-08:00SXSW Event Benefiting FW!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmW6QD9Ulk9-8ZXrowKaf-H907DQTgY5WsEDhGSc8ZcU6Tf_qnmAp-mbRlHPo_j2HaeUGcSwa-U8Auzua8-M6OH08AH4qPL37TuTPbIN_ThLiTA26lvw7u21Y9Am4_dXE5YCSTVGsVSg/s1600-h/n53611969645_3947.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmW6QD9Ulk9-8ZXrowKaf-H907DQTgY5WsEDhGSc8ZcU6Tf_qnmAp-mbRlHPo_j2HaeUGcSwa-U8Auzua8-M6OH08AH4qPL37TuTPbIN_ThLiTA26lvw7u21Y9Am4_dXE5YCSTVGsVSg/s400/n53611969645_3947.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309382247777920242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Piryxtopia SXSW After Party Benefiting Falling Whistles<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by CauseCast, Piryx, and Fliggo<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Start Time: Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 8:00pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">End Time: Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 12:00am</div><div style="text-align: center;">Location: SpeakEasy Austin</div><div style="text-align: center;">City/Town: Austin, TX</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">REGISTER HERE: http://tinyurl.com/piryxtopia<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a charity benefit Hosted by Piryx and Causecast for Falling Whistles, a non-profit doing amazing work in the Congo, promoting equality, liberty, and freedom to all. Proceeds from ticket sales directly impact Falling Whistles. Sean Carasso, the visionary behind Falling Whistles, and his team will be arriving home from the Congo the day of the party. Join us on Saturday night to hear Sean's courageous story about Falling Whistles and how he is working to make the world a better place.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Music to be provided by: Ten Out of Tenn! http://www.myspace.com/tenoutoftenn<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Donations levels are as follows:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* General Admission: $20<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">* VIP Level: $50<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even if you are unable to attend the party, we highly encourage donations to this great cause — any amount will help Falling Whistles achieve its goals.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Link to the Event on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=53611969645&ref=mf<br /></div>falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-28853311553357341022009-02-14T21:30:00.000-08:002009-02-14T21:34:08.601-08:00THANK YOU!!!!!Thanks so much again to everyone who came out to BLOW last night!! We had a great time, met a lot of amazing people and danced our faces off.<br /><br />A special thanks to Esther Havens for showcasing her photography, O and Rachel for photographing the night, and Trevor Ray Thompson for doing our photo booth. To see some of the photos, go here: www.trevoray.com.<br /><br />And an ENORMOUS thanks to the volunteers, especially those who helped us prep throughout the week. We could NOT have done it without you and we are forever grateful.<br /><br />And a big applause to Lance, who was the brains behind the night. To have him plan an event for you, check out uglifeproductions.com. <br /><br />Thanks again everyone!<br /><br />Paigefalling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-22487331599440355632009-02-01T14:58:00.000-08:002009-02-01T14:59:07.564-08:00Volunteer Opportunities!Hey friends!<br /><br />Just wanted everyone to know about a few opportunities we have for you guys to volunteer if you're interested in helping out with Falling Whistles! Our event BLOW is coming up REALLY SOON (it's next Friday, Feb 13!!). And we still have a ton of stuff to do before the event. Here's what you can do and who to contact if you want to do it.<br /><br />Volunteer Sign Up:<br /><br />Tues Feb 3: TX State & UT PROMO BLAST #1<br />We're going to transform these campuses over night with side walk chalk, flyers, and whatever else we can think of! We need as many hands as we can get!<br /><br />If you're in the Austin area and want to help promote around campus, contact Katie G. at krgrosslopf@gmail.com or 832-858-3835.<br />If you're in the San Marcos area and want to help promote around there, contact Joy S. at jynnsev@yahoo.com or 956-212-4954.<br /><br />Wed February 4: Volunteer Meeting & Event Prep<br />If you want to work the night of the event, we REALLY need you to come out for this. We'll be meeting at 9:30pm at Lance's house (directions below). Also, if you want to stay late or can't make it to the meeting, we'll also be working on some prep for the event (building displays, painting, etc.) We really could use some hands for this! <br /><br />If you have any Qs about that, contact me (paige newton) at pnewton724@mac.com or 281-731-3194.<br /><br />Directions: From I-35, go east on 71. Exit Montopolis and turn right on Montopolis (might be called Stassney?). Turn left on Burleson. Turn left on McKinney Falls Pkwy. Left into Colorado Crossing subdivision. Right at the dead end. Go all the way down where it curves right and it's 3420 Sand Dunes Ave.<br /><br />Tues Feb 10: TX STATE & UT PROMO BLAST #2<br />We're going to transform these campuses over night (yes, again) with side walk chalk, flyers, and whatever else we can think of! We need as many hands as we can get!<br /><br />If you're in the Austin area and want to help promote around campus, contact Katie G. at krgrosslopf@gmail.com or 832-858-3835.<br />If you're in the San Marcos area and want to help promote around there, contact Joy S. at jynnsev@yahoo.com or 956-212-4954.<br /><br />Thurs Feb 12: EVENT SET UP<br />We'll be working throughout the day at Victory Grill to get everything set up for the event. Specific hours will be set, but please email me and let me know what times during the day you're available. Anything helps.. half an hour, five hours, whatever.<br /><br />To sign up, email Paige N. at pnewton724@mac.com.<br /><br />Fri Feb 13: EVENT SET UP<br />Same thing as above. :)<br /><br />Fri Feb 13: EVENT REP TEAM<br />The event starts at 8pm and goes until 2 am. Email me back if you can work the ENTIRE event or if you have some specific shift requests. These people really need to try to attend the volunteer meeting on Feb 4. <br /><br />To sign up, email Paige N. at pnewton724@mac.com or fallingwhistlesaustin@gmail.comfalling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-51662613348061300612009-01-26T16:45:00.000-08:002009-01-26T16:46:18.978-08:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paigeann/3229420979/" title="blow by paigenewtonphotography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3229420979_cd84eb34f9_o.jpg" width="700" alt="blow" /></a>falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-15481829105514285872009-01-26T13:20:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:22:28.138-08:00congo historyhttp://www.enoughproject.org/files/Congo%20Teach%20In.ppt<br /><br />ENOUGH has a great powerpoint that goes over the history of congo. definitely check it out if you're wanting to better explain to people the reasons behind the conflict.falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-70677388678019256082009-01-26T13:16:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:18:36.481-08:00training meetings for volunteers!Falling Whistles Austin will be holding an event on Feb 13 and we need volunteers!!! <br /><br />On January 26 (TODAY) we'll be holding the first of two training meetings for those of you who want to help us prepare for the event!<br /><br />It will be held at 9pm at Lance Ferguson’s house (3420 San Dunes Ave--- nearish the airport). We know it’s semi far away but the thing is we’ll be asking anyone who can stay after the meeting to help with constructing some of the displays for the event. We need as many hands as we can get so we’d really appreciate anyone who can make a night of it! <br /><br />TEAMS: <br /><br />1. Street Team- Starting from Jan 26 up until the event, we'll be pushing hard to make everyone know about it. Obviously. :)<br />2. Rep Team- These people will work the night of the event, mingling with the crowd and talking to people about what FW is. You might also be assigned another job (working the merch table, ettc)<br />3. Set Up Team- We’ll need people to come help with putting everything together at Victory Grill on the day before and the day of the event.<br /><br />If you can't make this training session, we'll also be holding one on Wednesday January 28. <br /><br />If you can't attend either one, let me know and we'll work something out! <br /><br />BUT IF YOU CAN MAKE BOTH, YOU'RE EPIC! :)falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-42435282052405034072009-01-15T15:13:00.000-08:002009-01-18T20:33:33.110-08:00Help Us Out!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS_J5x1ivm32fWiB_9z1LNbEEYrymhVGxPHWMSiQ0H8u32W3HnZa715RVRqyoqSh_Fp1mgH4Os0zU0rJnDQwLsF8cnAjfwjtmQ8DoLz9YW0ygYnQCY4faJt0Lt0FtpK4r3rhMbSl25Sc/s1600-h/logoFW.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS_J5x1ivm32fWiB_9z1LNbEEYrymhVGxPHWMSiQ0H8u32W3HnZa715RVRqyoqSh_Fp1mgH4Os0zU0rJnDQwLsF8cnAjfwjtmQ8DoLz9YW0ygYnQCY4faJt0Lt0FtpK4r3rhMbSl25Sc/s400/logoFW.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291662935186367186" /></a><br /><br />Hello friends!<br /><br /><br />Falling Whistles Austin is holding an event on February 13 at the Victory Grill in East Austin from 8pm-2am. The event will serve as a call for people to pay attention to what's going on in the Congo. It's also going to serve as a send-off for Sean and a few others who are returning to the Congo to further their knowledge on how they can better serve these children. We're also going to raise a ton of money and dance our faces off. <br /><br />There will be a few bands and DJs (TBA, but I promise it will be awesome) as well as a photography display by Esther Havens (http://estherhavens.com/) and a Trevor Ray Thompson Photo Booth (www.trevoray.com). <br /><br />Here's where YOU come in.<br /><br />We'll need people for the following:<br /><br />1. Street Team- Starting from Jan 26 up until the event, we'll be pushing hard to make everyone know about it. Obviously. :)<br />2. FW Reps- These -people will work the night of the event, mingling with the crowd and talking to people about what FW is. You might also be assigned another job (working the merch table, ettc)<br />3. People to do BOTH- I think you get it. :)<br /><br />Here's the catch. You need to attend at least ONE training meeting on Monday January 26 or Wednesday January 28. They'll be held at 9pm at a location TBA. If you cannot make one of the meetings due to a scheduling conflict, let me know and we'll work something out.<br /><br />Thank you guys in advance for all the time and effort I know you're going to put in!! If you have any questions, shoot me an email at fallingwhistlesaustin@gmail.com, pnewton724@mac.com or call me at 281-731-3194.<br /><br />Also, more info will be popping up on the blog: www.fwaustin.blogspot.com.<br /><br /><br />Paigefalling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-78251445688655168362009-01-13T13:23:00.000-08:002009-01-13T13:31:49.791-08:00Another Way to Describe Falling Whistles..As the boys out in LA work hard to formulate Falling Whistle's objectives, goals, and strategies, they're constantly developing ways to describe Falling Whistles. Here's the latest:<br /><br />Falling Whistles is a small story exposing the worlds largest war. Using the symbol of the whistle to call individuals to courage, we join local leaders inside Congo to build a Free World<br /><br />Positions: <br />To share the story of Falling Whistles as a small window into the war in DR Congo<br />To raise money to provide art therapy for war-affected children<br />To develop a long-term coalition to fight for freedom<br />To build a Free World<br /><br />Now go tell someone about it.falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-38627083120880777632009-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:002009-01-12T18:10:06.265-08:00mark your calendars.for february 13.<div><br /></div><div>that's all i'm going to tell you.</div><div><br /></div><div>for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>stay tuned.</div>falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-68766329911226831732008-12-24T12:16:00.000-08:002008-12-24T12:18:00.441-08:00Join the mailing list!!Just so you know one of the BEST ways to keep yourself in the loop with everything that Falling Whistles Austin (besides regularly checking this sweet blog) is up to is to JOIN THE EMAIL LIST. <div><br /></div><div>So email your name and contact info to fallingwhistlesaustin@gmail.com.</div><div><br /></div><div>K, bye.</div>falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-26332882699970989702008-12-18T12:46:00.001-08:002008-12-18T13:02:13.297-08:00FW Austin @ Give 4 Christmas Concert w/ TOMS Shoes & Sanctus RealLast night Paige Vincent and myself (Paige Newton.. yes, two Paige's) had a table at the Give 4 Christmas concert, hosted by TOMS Shoes at the Christian Life Church. Sanctus Real headlined the show and Carlos from TOMS plugged Falling Whistles to the audience. <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n4flhTv30yMGmtfQcNH_6UB4X26TbQro0VB1KGMXNTHDV6ZJCPgSVTKaHp6TKFlljB4x94mLkRbPYciwgYtRQvptRY8c5elR0QqrtQYr9JAECS60fSylU_jOwdYnkTLhTfpcKQjgzeU/s400/TOMS_LOGO.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281236829348958786" /><div><div>TOMS Shoes is an organization that makes life more comfortable through its ultra lightweight design and the company's commitment to match every pair purchased with a donated pair to a child in need...For more information on TOMS Shoes, visit their website at www.tomsshoes.com.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLZUpkmvbEgIZVg9a8-fFmCW7wc3_z_H0T8Q7Sp42MPU1gRRstVbusfnP-pjjz_5OgouPOlw7LSnuJhjRtLk2p2gwRaTM_c4SmqMp123nubOvLVr2IZi3y4bqIHMbVvgZu_O-DWXGZ0g/s400/tomscopy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281237970243420770" /></div><div>Thanks to TOMS for letting us be a part of the event and thanks SO much to those of you who purchased whistles and signed up for the email list.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCfl1ZHcKHm6xmwObXpSb0vEEtnkqefiOKb4aw_En5DUrKdhBJ7154eRf0UYc8i8vTNmOH07Ky_PchVZmOeS-gX-l3Co4F1YXMcvFIH2tul051E5-LV_ucmo6VQFAkb04y-aycV78cFA/s400/IMG_4216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281236383729875186" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ74KPEcfrTneLsJph6FQTtaSnE6BOMSIjBfEYd_pigaljyqD2jsrrib79i1QcsCl4yCC8AGGkP_LBACy2zB8iNjuQCFVrHA2TuxIBQ1lcFKqNPKCFuCRXKatKBb7yAcvaI9ZS4EtJ5jk/s400/IMG_4214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281236833424693906" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-31557490338621777832008-12-18T11:35:00.000-08:002008-12-18T12:24:26.337-08:00Solving Your Merchandise BluesDid you recently attend an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FW</span> event and fail to bring along sufficient funds for a shiny whistle?<div><br /></div><div>Have you read the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FW</span> story and decided you NEED a t-shirt but always miss our events?</div><div><br /></div><div>While visiting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fallingwhistles</span>.com did you notice there's no online store and curl up in a ball and cry?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Well I'm here to stop your troubles and provide a solution.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her name is Paige Vincent.</div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqzvCm-nvEA7SpzXdlESr1HCJSoHZnp-9QrjXVoZZuQO9eMKFw7NG8B5h8wvZGM2RWTXMw2OPH6thahSKTx4sUIj3u6yp_CVXYjLTxWiQQZwya6PY4YIiE9gDl5fDQFIc6Y9jvJPlLcw/s400/n1533270027_30042168_3564.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281220120425064578" /><br /><div>This is THE girl you talk to if you want to purchase any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">FW</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">merch</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>We're taking this whole merch thing to the streets... if you want to purchase anything, call up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">PV</span> and she'll meet up with you. At your house, a coffee shop, a dark alley, whatever your fancy.</div><div> </div><div>Yeah, we know it sounds sketchy but sketchiness should never barricade your pursuit of fashionable AND humanitarian clothing and accessories, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>So shoot PV an email: vincentp@mail.utexas.edu or call her up: 972-835-1200.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for the support. Happy buying.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-85907873463895490852008-12-18T11:06:00.001-08:002008-12-18T12:41:44.433-08:00Want To Help?Hey everyone,<br /><br />Just wanted to let you know some ways you can get involved here in Austin.<br /><br />1. Share the story!! This is the most important thing you can do.. Pass along the website, the blog, the pamphlet, whatever. Recap the story yourself. You have your own sphere of influence that we don't have access to so MAKE THE MOST OF IT! <div><br />2. Join the email list. Send your contact info to fallingwhistlesaustin@gmail.com to get updates and info on what we're doing here in Austin.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Subscribe to this blog!! The subscribe button is on the left of the page. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Buy some merchandise. We have whistles for $30 and t-shirts for $20. <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_TUCoS5WNs7PVE5ikO4B9rE7YKeoAYILMtgm1Qp5bxJuUQHOULYUsoGrImWF1Zhd2JCIqqWMe_YEYyPnMHHOwPkigoEBh9NhAtHGitnF0KTUEeeOYlgmHedaRetCU9jX7WafeFwPKwI/s400/n176800073_30401834_8853.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281231488970558386" /><div>(See the next post for how to purchase.)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>5. Host an event. Big, small, medium.. we don't care. It can be a meeting, a conference, a dance party.. whatever. As long as you're raising awareness and/or money for FW! And if you want, you can have Sean or any of the other FW staff attend your event. Ask us how.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, we want to make THEIR weapon OUR voice. Let's speak up for injustice and create change. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-25618992632853861702008-12-17T21:47:00.000-08:002008-12-17T21:51:43.497-08:00Falling Whistles AustinJust so you know.. this blog is specifically designed for people living in and around the Austin area who want to get more involved with Falling Whistles.<br /><br />We'll be posting more information on the Congo crisis as well as what FW is doing to help. Additionally, we'll be posting info on upcoming events here in Austin, as well as posting pictures, stories, etc. on such events. :)<br /><br />Feel free to comment, make specific requests for information, and become a part of the movement. <br /><br />Thanks for reading.falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-8719430030189281202008-12-17T20:58:00.001-08:002008-12-17T20:59:59.260-08:00Falling Whistles: The Story<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa_dXuSROfICHPwkfBytlL9IGFDfSDFvFzfT1KC18fTE9IqfSvCDNdCje0VP-GMDY6Apbp7exQWPLRAsvRGAvSF2QEiXIPsrtLjVEsALqOtaeVmOodoWcWj4ZCEMKdp310-v-8h9lxTM/s1600-h/n7917446_42660072_2860.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa_dXuSROfICHPwkfBytlL9IGFDfSDFvFzfT1KC18fTE9IqfSvCDNdCje0VP-GMDY6Apbp7exQWPLRAsvRGAvSF2QEiXIPsrtLjVEsALqOtaeVmOodoWcWj4ZCEMKdp310-v-8h9lxTM/s400/n7917446_42660072_2860.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280990397017226098" /></a><br />For those of you who haven't had the change to read the story that started this movement, here you go:<br /><br />As I’m writing you, the sun is setting just over the lake that is central to Goma. My computer screen is blurry and unclear. I cannot help the weeping that clouds my vision and falls on my keys.<br /><br />Bob Dylan said something along the lines of “People tell me it’s a sin. To hold so much pain and hurt within.” <br /><br />I suppose I’m wondering if they were right. <br /><br />We originally planned to spend the day tracking down the rebel leader NKunda. We had arranged an armed escort to take us into his territory. However after speaking with a Congolese military journalist who had just returned from that area, we decided to postpone the trip. He said the upcoming Peace Conference had infuriated the rebels and they had gone mad with drugs. He told us it didn’t matter who guarded us, the sight of our white skin would enrage them and they would fire everywhere. “Another day, but not this day” was his advice. We thought it prudent to take note. <br /><br />So instead, we caught back up with the 5 boys that had just escaped rebel armies. Busco, Bahati, Serungendo, Claude and Sadiki. We found them in a filthy cell at a military encampment called Titu. It’s essentially a holding prison. The boys had been forced to spend the entire night standing up straight. None of them were over 15 years old. None had ever chosen to fight. Yet they were being treated as enemies of the state. <br /><br />Yesterday each of them was giving praise to God for their rescue from the rebel army. Now they were wondering if the national army was any different. <br /><br />It’s a common problem here in Congo. There is more sexual violence here than anywhere in the world, but no signs that any one of numerous armies are any better or worse than another. All the soldiers rape. All the soldiers pillage. All the people suffer. There is no refuge. Not the victim-side-of-a-gun anyway. <br /><br />As we dug further, we discovered that the boys hadn’t eaten in 48 hours and had been beaten all night long. The soldiers forced them to blow up their cheeks and then they would punch them in. These boys, who have already been through a deep kind of hell, were trembling with fear. <br /><br />We went and bought them food, clothing, shoes, soap and a toothbrush. Those bare materials that grant us all small dignity. They fell on the gifts like wolves, smiling, laughing and praising God. The bones of their ribs showed through their rags as they ate. The bananas in their hands were the first non-rotten food they had eaten since they had seen their families.<br /><br />While we waited for the UN – who had promised to pick them up – we interviewed them one by one. Each had been abducted. Plucked from their homes, schools or farms. Each had been tied up and beaten. Each had been forced to kill. <br /><br />Sadiki had been dropped in a hole, deep in the ground. Nearly 300 boys were forced into the ditch for 20 hours of the day. They sat and slept in their own excrement. Slowly, they awaited the other 4 hours of the day when they found themselves tortured and trained to fire a gun. Only to be dropped again into their own filth. <br /><br />Many of us have heard the stories of child-soldiers. Invisible Children and stories such as A Long Way Gone have been groundbreaking in granting us glimpses into their lives. <br /><br />But here’s where the Congo story gets really disturbing. The boys captured by NKunda who are not big enough to hold a gun are given a whistle and put on the front lines of each battle. Their sole duty is to make enough noise to scare the enemy and then to receive – with their bodies - the first round of bullets. Lines of boys fall as nothing more than a temporary barricade. <br /><br />Those who try to flee are shot at from behind. The soldiers call it “encouragement” to be brave. Without a gun to protect themselves, the smallest boys are placed between the crossfire of two armies - forces that fought for reasons far beyond their ability to understand. With falling whistles, their only choice is to feign death or face it. <br /><br />Busco’s the oldest of 8 children. Many times he watched that number dwindle to some soldiers petty fire. His only wish is to go back to his farm, because he’s sure his parents need his help to raise the family. For quite some time, they have believed him dead.<br /><br />As the day went on, we all grew quite worried that the UN wouldn’t come to pick them up. Their hands and eyes betrayed their dread at staying another night, standing among these merciless guards. <br /><br />We started making some calls only to discover that the UN had passed responsibility of the children to Unicef, who had then been turned away at the prison 4 times. The soldiers wanted the children to stay for another night of entertainment and weren’t prepared to have them released. <br /><br />It took some frantic politicking with our newfound connections, but finally both the Unicef and the UN trucks were admitted inside the compound. We quickly loaded the boys into the trucks as the soldiers prepared to block our exit. Halfway through the camp they demanded the truck stop and empty out. Again, politicking and protesting with all the American-authoritarian-aristocratic-animated-attitude we could muster, the boys were finally allowed back in the truck and set free. <br /><br />Weeks ago they had each planned out their escape. Praying they’d be rescued from their mad dash out of NKundas camp. When the Congolese army picked them up, they thought their dreams fulfilled - only to be corrected by dark fists in the night. As we watched them leave the camp, we knew we were seeing their escape finally fulfilled. <br /><br />The burden of their lives weighs heavy on me tonight. I close my eyes and see only images of falling whistles. <br /><br />And I haven’t the damndest idea what to do about it. I have to share their story. Yet haven’t a clue how to pull it off. But I do know that this cannot, cannot go on. <br /><br />And I know we’re gonna need a lot of help. From a lot of you.<br /><br />There is a Peace Conference starting tomorrow, regarding decades of war and millions slaughtered. Yet I’ve seen no other westerners. No American media. No Mazungoos. Notin. <br /><br />We are the Land of the Free and the Brave and seem to care nothing that the brave here have never been free. <br /><br />But today was a start. Five are safe at least. It’s a beginning I suppose.<br /><br />miss you all.sean.falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601456892159764852.post-54770108575826929992008-12-17T20:45:00.000-08:002008-12-18T12:26:02.258-08:00What Is Falling Whistles?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_emI10SGTitMrfDNvxVHfa8w-s1haCZozbSEBf24BjXBqBw8Hkty8Au5BX6jV5Q4sfPSMrweNdhIRdQjqfDHlI0DaQkcOTOfF5CL1Zg0Bl5a5JU_AtrSKNd8fw0Gj-KAuog3IkKmtNk/s1600-h/vvJ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_emI10SGTitMrfDNvxVHfa8w-s1haCZozbSEBf24BjXBqBw8Hkty8Au5BX6jV5Q4sfPSMrweNdhIRdQjqfDHlI0DaQkcOTOfF5CL1Zg0Bl5a5JU_AtrSKNd8fw0Gj-KAuog3IkKmtNk/s400/vvJ.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281228991935980162" /></a>A cause dedicated to bringing aid and awareness to the children forced to fight in the rebel army in the Democratic Republic of Congo.<br /><br />During his travels through the DRC, Sean Carasso sent an email to a group of family and friends explaining his experience meeting a few of these child soldiers. This email eventually reached thousands upon thousands of people, many demanding for a way to help, a way to get involved.<br /><br />Thus, Falling Whistles was born.<br /><br />Join us in the fight to bring a voice to these children.<br /><br />More to come.<br /><br />FW-Austin.falling whistles austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00942737182365905610noreply@blogger.com0