Communication and International Relations

Eastern Congo, Sudan, and Northern Uganda; three countries facing genocides of epic proportions. However, these countries and issues have been blind to the eyes of most media. Without media support, international problems like these remain invisible to the people and countries that can help activate change and make a difference in ending these injustices.

The Enough Project is a non-profit organization taking a stand by enlisting media to help stop inequalities that should not take another life. The Enough Project “provides updates and in-depth assessments about what is happening and what can be done to the media, policy makers, and concerned individuals.” This organization actively seeks a media forum in order to create change. As an example, in an effort to “pressure well-meaning governments,” co-chair of the organization John Prendergast has published many books and has been on “60 Minutes” a variety of times. He has also produced several HBO series and written many op-ed pieces. These contributions by Mr. Prendergast have been a serious attempt to enlist the media as a tool for opening the eyes of people who can make a difference.

Fight for the Right

By Hye Hwang

I knew there were online advocacy organizations. Just about everything can be done on the World Wide Web these days, including social activism. One of the key ways that media can influence our world is working as a global change agent. What I didn’t realize is that there is one more ‘layer’ to the fight. There are organizations whose primary purpose is to make online activists more effective.

720 Strategies (formerly e-advocates) is an organization that offers online tools for those seeking assistance in “political persuasion.” This group offers a variety of technology products and services to help activists achieve their goals. 720 Strategies offers data services, tracking, and a blog on their homepage for use by those seeking to organize or mobilize people around a particular issue. By using their own online products to reach activists/clients all over the world, they are able to model the technique for others. For example, their blog is a great way to get people involved in conversations and to start building networks.

It Takes a Global Village

By Pam McElroy

Youssif, a 5-year-old Iraqi boy, suffered horrific facial burns when he was grabbed by masked men outside his home in Baghdad and senselessly doused with gas and set on fire. His father went to the Health Ministry, and the prime minister’s office in Iraq for help but no one listened.

In desperation, Youssif’s parents told his story to the media. CNN and CNN.com first reported the story in August and by September, Youssif and his family were in the United States where a plastic surgeon was waiting to begin the first of many operations to restore the child’s face.

The media collaborated with The Children’s Burn Foundation, an international non-profit organization based in Sherman Oaks, California, who set up a fund for Youssif. The Foundation also worked with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad to get the necessary paperwork for the family to travel to the United States.

More than 12,000 CNN.com users from around the world donated over $300,000 to help with living expenses for the family and medical rehabilitation for Youssif. The old African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” can be modified in this case to read, “It takes a global village to save a child.”