Buying the latest iPhone may be a form of contributing to war in the Congo.
In the Congo, factions fight for rare materials in mines, which are later used to make electronics and other devices, which Net Impact tries to raise awareness for, said sophomore Chelsea Burbridge.
Net Impact hosted a Falling Whistles event to raise awareness of the war in the Congo on Tuesday in the Union Ballroom.
Burbridge, president of Net Impact, said the war in the Congo is the deadliest war today.
Activists for Falling Whistles wear whistles around their necks to show solidarity towards young children in the war who blow whistles in order to get the enemy’s attention, which usually leads to their death.
Burbridge says she feels passionate about Falling Whistles because she wants to make a difference in the world.
“I’ve always told myself if I can help one life, one little kid … to keep their innocence, then I think it’s worth it,” she said.
Some of the money from the Whistles goes towards helping positive influences in the Congo to promote peace, such as businesses, Burbridge said.
The event had booths, which included photos and TOMS shoes, as well as live music and a bouncy castle.
Burbridge said she wanted the event to have a welcoming atmosphere.
Sophomore Rodrigo Patterson, a member of TOMS shoes, said he’s glad organizations like his exist because they make the world a better place.
“I love that [TOMS shoes] is giving back to children,” he said.
Junior Justin Granley, a member of Net Impact, said the war in the Congo is an important issue because of the deaths and violence that result from it.
“I would rather have a person on this planet than a mobile phone,” he said.
Granley said he wanted the event to be relaxing while informing people of the conflict in the Congo.
Freshman Bryce Dotson went to the event because he saw it in Campus Update and thought it was interesting. He said issues like this interest him because he wants to help underrepresented people in the future.
“One of my goals is to go into politics. I understand there are many underrepresented minorities in the U.S. and around the world,” Dotson said.
Junior Bill Kennedy said Falling Whistles is important because there is strength in numbers, and with enough people anything can be accomplished.
“I want to show my solidarity with my fellow brothers and sisters,” he said. “It’s in our self interest to stop suffering.”
