When Megan Abato became involved with the organization Invisible Children her junior year of high school, she never expected to be serving as Auburn's representative for the nonprofit organization.
Abato, junior in early childhood education, became interested in Invisible Children after two childhood friends encouraged her to join.
"They were really passionate about it," Abato said. "And I was like, 'Wow. If they are that passionate about it, it must really be awesome.'"
Invisible Children was created in 2003 after three young filmmakers from Southern California traveled to Africa searching for a story to tell.
They found out and made a film about a 23-year-old war raging in northern Uganda, which has affected nearly 2 million civilians.
Because children were being taken from their homes at night and forced to fight, the war in Uganda differed from what the U.S. usually experienced during times of war.
"You think of war as older adults and men fighting," Abato said, "but this is 7- to 14-year-old children who are fighting."
With progress being made in Uganda thanks to Invisible Children, Abato hopes to see more of Auburn's campus involved.
The meetings, held every other Sunday, are laid-back dinners that take place in Abato's basement.
"We just get together and talk about what we want to do," Abato said. "There is no set plan. We just go with what we feel like."
Auburn is currently working with a school in Uganda that is benefiting from the efforts of Invisible Children.
Whether it is a bake sale to raise money or donation jars at local businesses, seeing the nonprofit's dedication and hard work is the most rewarding for Abato.
Abato invites any student to get involved.
For anyone who is interested, Abato suggests they contact her through e-mail or Facebook.
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