Falling Whistles gives a small window into our world’s largest war. Originally just a journal written about boys sent to the frontlines of war armed with only a whistle, readers forwarded it with the same kind of urgency in which it was written and demanded to know –
what can we do?
The Falling Whistles campaign launched with a simple response – make their weapon your voice and be a whistleblower for peace in Congo. Read the story and buy the whistle. Together we partner with local leaders to advocate and rehabilitate for those affected by war. Share their story and speak up for them.
Together, we’ll become the voice of a growing coalition for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
Wait, there’s a war in Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to our world’s deadliest war since WWII. Over the last decade more than 6 million people have died, and nearly 1,500 people continue to lose their lives daily. Sexual violence is more rampant here than anywhere else in the world, and thousands of children are involved in the war. Why?
There are a number of reasons, dating back over a century. The conflict has been tied directly to the country’s vast natural resources. They are both a blessing and a curse, making Congo a country of great potential and a frequent victim of exploitation.
Today, minerals found in Congo are used in consumer electronics, including laptops and cell phones. While many benefit from the mineral trade, it is the Congolese people who bear the consequences of a conflict that sustains profitable mining enterprise.
A combination of unstable governance, a history of bitterness between local groups, and international interest in Congo makes this situation one of the most complicated on the planet. It is this complexity that has left the current systems in place largely ineffective. A new approach is needed.
Alright, so what’s your plan?
The Falling Whistles story reveals two urgent needs:
1. Children escaping the war-region.
2. Children forced to the frontlines of war.
The escaped children are often traumatized and have few options for survival. The result is that they are regularly pulled back into the cycle of war. In Congo we are developing partnerships with community leaders who are rehabilitating these children through education, art, sports, music, human rights education, vocational skills training, medical treatment and nutritional services. Each organization is working to give children the tools to be whistleblowers and stand for peace within the war-region.
Because of security concerns, we cannot expose the names of these organizations at this time. We are working toward healthy and sustainable relationships and look forward to the day when we can show you the physical results of your partnership.
To help the children forced to the frontlines of war, the war must end. The first step toward that goal is to change the way we advocate in the West. Sold out of pockets, living rooms, garages, concerts, warehouses and retail stores, the whistle gives you the opportunity to spread the word about Congo and speak up for peace. Wear your protest and elevate the conversation.
Here’s what you can do to help
I want to know more about my money. How are you spending it?
Your money is valuable to us and we take your partnership seriously. Check out our Congo Partners page
See our first Annual Report here
Since learning about the size of the conflict in Congo and reading the Falling Whistles story, our organization has been built on the shoulders of sacrifice from those who did what they could with what they had. The Annual Report shares that story, as well as our numbers from 2009. We will continue to publish reports like these on an annual basis.
Our goal is for every dime you donate to go directly toward solving this global problem, and we are moving steadily in that direction by pursuing donations specifically for overhead expenses. Thank you again for your partnership, we don’t take it lightly and will be putting your donation to good use.
If you would like to join a special circle of individuals committed to our long term growth, please see our ECHO PAGE.
How do we help?
We are currently working alongside Congolese community leaders to rehabilitate 267 war-affected children in northeast Congo. This program is entirely funded from whistle-sales. Your purchase works to restore their lives.
To learn more, visit http://www.fallingwhistles.com/how/
Are you a Non-Profit?
Yes, Falling Whistles is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Non-Profit. Our Tax ID# is 26-3069105.
You can see our letter or recognition HERE
Is my donation tax deductable?
Yes, it is. Please connect with donation@fallingwhistles.com for more info.
We are a growing coalition of whistleblowers. We don’t have all the answers, but we know that speaking up is usually the first. We are individuals of every color and creed pursuing freedom in the face of opposition, toward a goal many call impossible – peace in Congo. Most of us give what we can with what we have. These three give those talents direction…
Sean Carasso, Vagabond Scribe
An avid adventurer, Sean has spent much of his life pulling diverse communities together. After starting a number of small companies and grassroots initiatives, he traveled the world with an entrepreneur turned philanthropist, while volunteering alongside Invisible Children and TOMS Shoes. In late 2007, he journeyed into the Democratic Republic of Congo on what was meant to be a short stop. It was there he heard of children too small to carry a gun, who were sent to the front lines of war armed with only a whistle. The Falling Whistles campaign was born in response to a small journal entry he wrote that night. Sean continues to pursue a deeper understanding of our collective liberty and dreams of a free world. These topics are inevitably intertwined in his writing, speaking, and conversations.
David Lewis, Supertramp
A southern boy at heart with a free spirited childhood, David is native to the hills and rivers of northern Alabama. After studying electrical engineering and working for a chemical manufacturer, he hit the open road to rediscover his love for new places and absorb the vast cultures of his homeland. He spent the next couple years traveling America and inspiring young people to take an active role in the affairs of their world. When FW had no money, he again hit the road with two pieces of luggage and thumbs to match, doing whatever it took to reach a listening ear. David is charged with building a global coalition to stand for peace in Congo. With a rare dedication to individuals, he believes whistleblowing is done best when people realize their dreams and use them toward the greater good.
Monique Beadle, Advocacy Coordinator
Washington D.C. plays by its own rules. It is a city where complex laws, personalities and financial interests deeply affect our lives and the lives of our friends in Congo. That is why we have Monique. Born and raised in New Orleans, Monique is a third-generation Holocaust survivor. When she finished college, people asked what she would do with a Bachelors in Anthropology. “Go to law school!” she answered. And so she did, earning a JD from American University and becoming a member of the D.C. Bar. She has worked in Thailand and China as a champion for human rights and in the process has become an unashamed international law nerd. Monique has advised peace negotiators in Sri Lanka & the Philippines, won asylum for seven refugee women fleeing genital mutilation and forced marriage, and lobbied for the closure of Guantanamo Bay before the United Nations Human Rights Committee. With Dav unwilling to cut his hair, and Sean consistently on the road, Monique now spearheads FW’s legislative advocacy on behalf of the people of Congo. Her latest work includes leadership in a campaign to stop the illegal import of conflict minerals from rebel and military-controlled mines. When she isn’t pounding the pavement of Capitol Hill, you might find her in with her husband Joshua at their Bethesda home cooking bountiful Shabbat dinners. Bottom line – she cooks good food and is real smart. We’re honored to have her on the team.