In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda.s night commuters and child soldiers.

The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.

As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what.s happening in the world.

But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.

Our approach to humanitarian work is founded in the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. We learned early on it was not only important but essential to heed the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were surviving it. People who would know better than anyone what the greatest needs were and the best ways to meet them. What we came to find is that while there have been many efforts to address the issues that stem from living and fighting in such a long-lasting war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.

Their pleas have become our development strategy.

All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.

The people of northern Uganda.

Schools for Schools is a program that's bridging cultures, connecting people and impacting lives. Schools for Schools is a unique initiative that rallies students across the world to think of creative fundraising ideas to rebuild schools in northern Uganda, ultimately bringing 10 of the country's war-torn schools to a nationally competitive standard. Students and schools who sign up to make a difference are connected via an interactive online community where they can track how much money they've raised, how it's helping, and what others across the globe are doing to make an impact.

In its first semester, more than 580 schools signed up and raised over $1.2 million for schools in the conflict region. Second semester is now underway.

The Invisible Children Bracelet Campaign creates economic opportunities for people in Northern Uganda's IDP camps through employment and the facilitation of savings and investment, while evoking compassion and raising money around the world to support war affected children in Northern Uganda.

Finally, a bracelet that comes full circle.

More information on these two programs, as well as others, is waiting to be found at invisiblechildren.com

In the Spring of '08, we will be launching our fourth national tour.

Profiles on the leaders and staff of Invisible Children can be found at www.invisiblechildren.com/about/theteam

MySpace, Apple, Fall Out Boy, Geneva Global, Serving Hands International, Charity:Water, Wellspring International, International Justice Mission, Enough Project, Resolve Uganda, Creative Visions Foundation

More information on these partnerships can be found at www.invisiblechildren.com/about/ournetwork