Causecast

I’ve always believed that if every person was able to do what they were born to do, our world would be a very different place. I’m not sure why I believed it, I just did. As though the world was right on the verge of making sense. If only we could each find our role.

Tonight we’re throwing a party. A bang-out, knock down, moving and shaking kind of event, complete with a movie premier, denim sale, VJ performances, the best German food in town and great drinks. The bonus? All the money is going to our new non-profit, Falling Whistles.

Falling Whistles began as just a blog sent to some friends and family. Nearly a year ago I journeyed into the warzone of the Democratic Republic of Congo and discovered an illegal prison for children. There I was told that the boys too small to carry a gun are often forced to the frontlines, armed with only a whistle. The story is a small peak into the chaos of the world’s largest war. Coming home to my friends, we knew we had to do something. Something powerful. Two
thousand people dying every day and few know anything about it – we knew we’d have to tell millions. That was when we realized the powerful irony of the whistle. In DR Congo it is used as tool for war, but here at home it is a symbol of freedom.

We decided to sell the whistles alongside the story. Buying it supports the rehabilitation of war-affected kids. Wearing it gives you a chance to share their story. The world is changed by those who stand out. Whistleblowers. Their peers have used the term to insult, but history looks back and calls them courageous. Standing up when no one else will. Around the world the sound of the whistle means stop and pay attention. Speak up and say the same.

Tonight my buddies are doing just that. Each in their own unique, talented and most probably strange way. Alex Beh will premier his newest short film The Laundry. True to Alex, the film is original, off-beat, colorful and funny as hell. Our friends, The Steves, will be selling their newest line of jeans, City Of Others . If you haven’t heard of them, check them out. They’re making some of the most progressive denim in America. There will be guest appearances from a variety of DJ’s and VJ’s to keep the party kickin and the entire night will be hosted by our neighbors who just opened a seriously swanky sausage and beer joint. Challenged by the story of Falling Whistles, they offered the restaurant por gratis.

We said, done.

Most of my friends will never go to DR Congo. But they’re hardly powerless to respond. Each has taken this small story and is making it their own. Everyday they turn the boy-soldiers only weapon into their voice. Everyday they wear their protest. And I have to wonder – isn’t this the way it should be? Some of us sew jeans, others make movies. Some spin records, others cook food and some of us write words. Individually these talents have value. But taken collectively, toward a common purpose, these talents can literally change the trajectory of our world.

“If you came to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you came because your liberation is bound together with mine, then let us walk together.” ~Just some fella living through a war.

Come party with us tonight.
Come enjoy film, art, music and protest.
Come see the city of others on display.

Sean D. Carasso
Wandering Scribe, Falling Whistles

DECEMBER 4TH 2008 8pm

Check out the EVENT PAGE for all the juicy details!