Local Resident an Organizer of "Cover the Night" for Invisible Children of Africa

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Pictured is one of the posters to be displayed on the campus quad during Cover the Night.

CAZENOVIA, NY (04/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Members of Cazenovia College's All College Honors Program and Human Rights Club are recruiting their fellow students, faculty and staff members to join in the "Day of Silence," Friday, April 20, on the Cazenovia College campus. Pamphlets explaining the day of silence will be handed to anyone who asks a silent one to speak.

The silence will end with "Cover the Night," when posters will be hung throughout the campus telling the story of Joseph Kony and his reign of terror in Uganda and neighboring countries in Africa, the abduction of children, and their indoctrination as 'soldiers' in his "Lord's Republican Army.

Kathryn E. Wheeler, of Lockport, N.Y., a visual communications major at Cazenovia College, and member of the All College Honors Program, was deeply affected by the "Invisible Children" films, "The Rough Cut," and "Kony 2012." She says, "Although America is having its own trouble, being in a recession and everything, there are far worse issues going on that too many people are blind to. The "Kony 2012" video helps spread awareness faster, and gives a clearer definition of what is going on."

In addition to raising awareness, the students are also raising money, selling chocolate and asking for donations. They have plans for a long-term association with an organization that will create educational opportunities for children in the affected countries.

Brighid Docherty, Castleton on Hudson, N.Y., a visual communications major at Cazenovia College, and member of the All College Honors Program, says, "We plan to have sign-ups and chocolate sales on April 17, 18, and 19 outside the dining hall, leading up to the event on April 20, when those who have elected to remain silent will receive badges and brochures to hand out explaining their silence. They will also collect money to be donated directly to Invisible Children. The Honors Program and Human Rights Club students will break the silence with "Cover the Night," at 10 p.m. on the campus quad. Posters calling for justice for the "Invisible Children" will be distributed for participants to display around the campus."

Wheeler notes that "children are NOT meant to be soldiers and sex slaves no matter where they come from and where they live. Think of yourself, think of children of your own, or your siblings, or friends, what if your children, your siblings, your friends, were being abducted and tortured and killed? You would want someone to step up and help you stop the horrors. To make the world a better place, you have to start somewhere. And Invisible Children is a great choice."

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