RESOLVE the Issue

There are few things as powerful as a song and there are many different ways of portraying an issue or addressing a policy.

  The medium through which a story is told can be the difference between whether or not the story is heard.  It can be the difference between whether or not tens of thousands of youth across the United States are not only exposed to, but willing to advocate on behalf of tens of thousands of abducted child soldiers in Africa. 

Andrew Koji Shiraki has succeeded in advocating for such a cause.  Over the past few months, “Koji” has traveled to over 30 cities bringing together masses of youth that have lent their voices and their actions to the Resolve Campaign, a movement to end the longest running war - on child soldiers and small villages -  in Africa.

            Over two decades ago, Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) began their malicious rule over innocent civilians in Uganda, the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) and the Central African Republic.  Thousands of children were abducted, used as child soldiers and sex slaves.  Entire villages were destroyed, and close to two million people were affected by the LRA’s brutal attacks. To this day thousands of individuals are displaced from their homes.  It was not until 2006 that real recognition was made by the United States government of the dismal situation.  In 2006  the Resolve Uganda campaign was conceived, and four years later, the United States Senate unanimously passed the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. The bill was then signed into law by President Obama on March 24, 2010.

            “I congratulate Congress for seizing on this important issue, and I congratulate the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have mobilized to respond to this unique crisis of conscience.  We have heard from the advocacy organizations, non- governmental organizations, faith-based groups, humanitarian actors who lack access, and those who continue to work on this issue in our own government.”

                        -President Barack Obama

            While funding for foreign policy issues such as this is on the verge of being cut out of the national budget, Koji and the passionate individuals at Resolve were still able to use their art, activism, and words to bring to light an issue that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.  It is as simple as reminding kids that their voices are heard - that they are able to have a positive impact on this issue that is so often suppressed out of the weekly news cycle. 

            Time and time again, music scenes across state lines gather with a genuine love for expression of feeling through a precise combination of words that flows and fits perfectly into a captivating melody.  But prior to the start of each concert Resolve Representative, Brian Pappalardo, engaged the audience in conversation,  not only thanking the audience for their attendance, but also sharing his journey from a hardcore rock band to a Resolve Campaign representative.  Just like many of the individuals that connect with the Resolve Campaign on tour, Brian felt he was called to be a part of the team that wanted to bring an end to a malevolent and unjust war. 

After a short film in which Ugandan children and adults alike expressed their hope for peace within their country, Andrew (Koji) takes the floor and filled the room with songs, stories, and words that have continually proven successful in mobilizing individuals and encouraging them to be a part of this grassroots movement. 

For years, Koji has used his music as a vehicle of change and a platform from which he can inspire others to use their creativity and their voices to positively affect the outcome of this unnecessary conflict.  Thousands of kids across the United States have been active participants in this movement, forcing our representatives in the House and the Senate to draft a resolution that will put an end to Africa’s longest and most violent war.  The LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Bill calls for aid in rebuilding entire communities throughout the region, assisting families that have been displaced, as well as the apprehension of Joseph Kony and his top aides.  Currently, efforts are being made to ensure the inclusion of language in the FY2012 Bill that gives the United States Government the necessary funds and tools to accomplish these goals.

The idea of using music to unite youth and using powerful images and stories to create a generation of activists is unique.  It is something indescribable that can only be experienced first-hand.  Hopefully you are able to be in attendance at one of Koji’s  concerts or at a future Resolve Campaign event. 

Check out the Resolve Tour’s Blog at www.resolvetour.tumblr.com and the Resolve Campaign’s website at  www.theresolve.org. 

If you feel particularly inspired, write or call your member of Congress, reminding them how important it is to set aside sufficient funds for the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act.

Jack William Reiiley studies Political Science and Arabic at the University of Delaware. A talented musician, Jack recently served as a White House Intern and now works at a non-profit in Manhattan.