We’ve been lucky enough to be grow up with some massively talented, remarkable human beings.  Along the way, we’ve been graced with the presence of a few more. We’d like to introduce you to a few friends of ours and the projects they’ve started, propelled, contributed to, and inspired us through. We encourage anyone interested in getting involved. Please contact us, and we’ll love to get you plugged in. We believe that we possess an inherent purpose in the world, and finding it is often the biggest question we could face during our time here. Personal success often trumps altruism, but there are few individuals on a mission to reveal the truths they have stumbled on, and it’s that there is something greater for us all- something we can contribute to, and this race to be the best is a lonely one. 

“It always seemed strange to me that the things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, aquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and selfinterest are the traits of sucess. And while men admire the quality of the first, they love the produce of the second.” – John Steinbeck

This space is to celebrate what happens when progress and compassion meet. 

 

Skate 4 Cancer- Rob Dyer

When I thought about putting this page together, the first person I thought about was Rob Dyer. As the founder of the non-profit, or rather, global movement called Skate 4 Cancer- he embodies compassion. This very evening, I heard Rob Bell speak about purpose, about creativity and about the tragedy and horror that fosters great possibility. To have the audacity to believe greatness can breed from disparity. He said we can own many things, yet possess nothing. We can have the world- yet feel dep

leted, starved. Musicians possess their instruments. Athletes don’t just own their limbs, their veins- they possess them. People possess the hearts of others. Rob Dyer possesses far more than the calloused terrain his skateboard glides across. He radiates goodness in abundance, while the rest of us often only tap into those reserves for the promise of something that’s in it for us. The remarkable thing about ideas, is that if you believe in them, people will follow. People need leaders, Rob tapped into a community that was waiting for their voice. He knows something that we don’t know- he knows that goodness is contagious, that love spreads wildly.

At a premature age (although, I suppose theres no mature age for this) he lost his entire word, beyond the material, like the real heavy metaphysical, spiritual loss. The loss of loved ones. I often wonder what kind of energy manifests in the bleak times, you know-that hope that keeps you breathing. Whatever it was, it propelled him, he met tragedy with a redemptive smile and kept skating. Cancer is a disease that affects everyone. It affects me, it affects you- it affects the last person you spoke to, and the person in front of you in line. He decided that the purpose of his existence was to unite people in their collective struggle, in the importance of their stories, and hopefully- through education, awareness and some radical endeavours he would raise enough money to change the outcome of a few stories- and alter the cultural landscape along the way. The progress that he has made, and the successes he has achieved have spread across the entire geography of North America, lining most states and provinces, and soon to be across Australia and New Zealand with his upcoming skate tour from November-March. Rob is a friend, to many of us- and he wears that badge well, always welcoming, always humble, always smiling. 

Here’s a video from Rob’s spring tour across Canada. Check out all the videos HERE.

                        

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Invisible Children

There are movements that spark and fade. The very idea of a ‘movement’ conjures up this sort of giant fleet of people, sweeping over geographical boundaries and conquering whatever it is they set out to conquer. Often those pass, once Oprah moves on, or once being ‘green’ no longer feels like much of a virtue. But the kids are serious- Invisible Children have built something sustainable, they built it with the help of hundreds of thousands of believers in hope. You’d think that was a rare breed by now. But it’s the youth culture that stuck with it, they really thought there could be something to believe in change- it’s the only thing worth believing in.

 

The story goes- three filmmakers head to Northern Uganda and bring back an untold story of a 23- year long war where children were soldiers to a rebel leader named Joseph Kony who devastated not only northern Uganda, but an entire region on central East Africa.

They passed the story on by taking it on the road- with the help of hundreds of volunteers they called ‘Roadies’ who then told students, who started clubs, ended up raising somewhere around $4 million through bake sales and benefits, that built new schools for kids in displacement camps, who then visited said schools and paid it forward – and so it goes. That’s the short story- the long one includes Oprah appearances, Larry King and Pete Wentz, 100 cities, a few life-changing films, awards, thousands of lives changed- both North American and Ugandan. Invisible Children is audacious, driven, at times- out of their minds, but they’ve got the insight and innovation to propel themselves, to do what they say they’ll do, often surprising themselves in the process.

 

I was involved with Invisible Children both as a Roadie and in the office. My time spent their was transformative, difficult, frustrating, beautiful and unforgettable. It’s the people. It’s the character of these people. They are restless idealists, with a solid enough track record to afford them such attitudes. There is far too much life, too many stories to fully describe Invisibile Children as an organization, a community, a family- it is all these things. There is a class to it, a humility that is maintain despite finding themselves squarely south of Hollywood, and in the thick of Washington legislation, not to mention in the hearts of thousands of young people around the world.

Currently Andrea is on the Cal/Vegas tour- send her love via- adyer@invisiblechildren.com

Their latest initiative is to get Obama (of course, right?).  So help them out and sign the Citizen’s Arrest Warrant for Joseph Kony on their website along with the 30 000 people and 135 members of congress that have pledged their support. And while you’re there, check out their very-cool new layout. 

      

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Brooks Reynolds

Brooks may not be a global movement, but my amazement of this dear friend of mine spreads to the far reaches of both coasts, altering the lens through which we ourselves and the world. My use of such warm words is hardly due to the fact that we are friends, if history has taught us anything, it is that Brooks and I often disagree on nearly everything- so I bite my tongue as I type these words. His photography is ethereal- there’s a kind of soul that swims inside his photos. His versatility carries him outside the realms of capturing images, into new frontiers of motion and print.

He has completed his second music video, entitled ‘Cigarettes’ by Everlea- a radiant portrayal of a young girl who befriends a monster, with fantastic scenes of sparklers dancing on the beach.He thrives in simplicity, and through that- masterfully dreams up images to tell the stories of his subjects.

stills from the Cigarettes video by Everlea

His latest project-Mountains, is a magazine that is breaking new ground in an industry whose ground is weak and losing it’s grasp. He has a deep respect for the medium of print and is going about his own revival to sustain it in a unique way. The first issue profiles artists, writers, dreamers, visionaries, and believers- people who overcome their own mountains and prevail.   There is something beautiful about embracing (while fearing) those unclimbable summits. The end result is a stunning collection of travel photography and an album of friends. This is only the beginning of Mountains, and of what Brooks has to dream up and share with us all. I’m so proud to know him and continue to be inspired and challenged by him and the way he sees the world. Check out Brooks Reynolds BLOG and follow him for updates. Contact me for issues of Mountains, proceeds will be going to our friend Ashley Kirilow for her battle with cancer.

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Come & Live

Chad Johnson is a man not satisfied to just listen to the music- he wants it to grow legs. He wants music to become a catalyst for real change. He risked it all to pursue this calling, and his faith is a testament to what potentials can be reached through a community of like-minded people. I met Chad through a mutual friend Graham- who has been working behind the Come & Live mission since it’s inception. Based out of Nashville, Chad spent nearly the passed decade working for the Christian music label- Tooth & Nail and felt called to start his own label that is run as a ministry- to foster artists as missionaries through their music. When that invitation to artists was sent out, they were met with an overwhelming response and interest was gaining momentum without even a running website to their name.

It took an extraordinary amount of courage and dedication to see the early stages of running a non-profit music label until things really began to take off.  Under their manifesto they say, “If we believe that our lives and music define our mission, then we should be willing to share it all, not under any financial obligation, but plainly given away as a gift. It’s one of the smaller ways we know how to spell “love”. Our artists are missionaries, spreading the gospel and worshipping our Creator while giving all they have to love others. Therefore I command you, “You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor” – Deuteronomy 15:11

It is a beautiful principle built on love and compassion. Please follow them and get involved as this idea spreads and becomes a movement.

                    

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Falling Whistles

 

Falling Whistles began as a story about a friend’s journey to the Congo, and soon after- a campaign was launched as a response to the war, and a call to peace. Small children in the Congo are forced to the frontlines of war armed with only a whistle to alert the others, these children are often the first to die and their bodies are used as shields for the others. This horrific autrocity continues, although largely neglected by the global community. The concept for the whistle is to repossess it’s meaning. In most cultures, the whistle signifies someone who calls out for justice, there is a powerful and lingering sound that rattles when a whistle is blown- to acknowledge injustice. This is the concept that Falling Whistles builds upon.

“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.”

My friend, Sean Carrasso is perhaps the most well-spoken person I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. He could sell me anything, I’d buy it. He’s intentional, and hyper aware of the artificial environment in which we all function. Placing him in the center of it all- Los Angeles, he is called to embrace culture- by challenging and changing it. Without rejecting our obsession with art and beauty and music- through excessive consumption and domination, he accepts the culture in which we live in order to steer it in another direction that lessens the confusing and distant issues of the Congo. He simplifies it, and makes it a humanity issue, a duty of all global citizens. He leads this new movement with friends David Lewis and Jonathan Carr. 

He maintains humility in all the growing pains of starting a non profit, but has some really remarkable ideas that lend him noted credibility in the business of compassion. Working previously for organizations like Invisible Children and TOMS shoes, Carrasso is armed with a world of experience, youthful audacity and an old soul to combat apathy and empower others to utilize culture to change the world.

Read the story and be absolutely moved by the beautiful and devastating words of Sean Carrasso, and join in their mission to obliterate injustice in the Congo by purchasing a whistle of your own. 

 

 

 

 

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The Artists

 

As enamoured as I am around musicians I admire, I am equally fascinated with artists. It may be because my brain is not wired to draw figures, or be visually inspired to create things that are free to be interpreted as they are. I’ve always understood the finite. The words. The things that describe things. I’ve always had trouble ‘getting’ the art, as my friend Ross would scoff that I am terribly uncultured. This may be true. But I have a deep respect for the craft and for those who navigate within it. I’ve come to know a few of them and I’d like to share their talents with you.

Blaise Vincz

 

I first met Blaise while I shared a house with him as we both worked for Invisible Children. He’s the raddest dude ever, and also gets about a pound of coffee for free from Starbucks weekly that only makes me love him more. He’s so incredibly talented, and enjoys drawing stubby monster-looking men, or flying lumberjacks or generally just potatoe-shaped figures.

Our friendship really took off with the daily exchange of shifty eyes as I passed his desk- followed by his strange affinity for calling me ‘Naders’. I would often catch him taking daily photos of himself to send to him mom. 

I fell in love with his artwork after he started selling them on these wooden planks, and I couldn’t believe how creative they were. Anyway, when we started FWBA, I immediately asked him to draw up his version of ‘Friends’ and he came up with this. We’re still figuring out what exactly to do with it, but I think it’s the coolest thing anyone has ever made me. 

 

 

Blaise currently lives in Indianapolis, IL which is incerdibly inconvenient for the development of our friendship! He’s studying art, working at Starbucks, drawing badass tattoos then permanently having said tattoos drawn somewhere on his body and being just as stoked about ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ as I am. He also now owns and operates a vehicle. What a catch!

Check out his BLOG (that he will hopefully update soon!)

 

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Leigh Klemmer

 

 

Leigh Klemmer is a visual poet, he’s one of those anomalies that can simultaneously dream up an unbelievable website layout, have it to you by noon and whip up some pancakes while he’s at it- often cranking melodic post-hardcore jams in his room, or you know, just some Paramore- whatever he’s listening to, Leigh Klemmer is a pure artist. I met him through Invisible Children (it is a known fact that I am not aware of anyone who exists outside the realm of Invisible Children) and he would often tour with bands that would take us out on the road. I had the unique opportunity of sharing a wall with him for a good week while staying at his place just before I left San Diego. What followed was a ton of girl talk, not the band- but deep conversations about life and boys and such.

But don’t be fooled, Leigh Klemmer is one of the hardest working dudes I know in the industry, whether he’s on tour, playing music, or creating art- he does it all with a seamless perfection that is entirely unassuming of this east coast boy that will lend a hand to almost anyone who asks. He’s recently launched a very cool new website for his company AVALIIS- A Versatile Artistic Lifestyle Influenced Instinctively by Suffering. 

“It was once said that the honesty of art comes from the hardships and
trials of life. It is at this place where we are able to truly turn to a form
of expression that has no restrictions of limitations.”

His work is entirely original, and the roster of artists and companies he has worked for lends him enormous credibility within the artistic and music community. From Angels & Airwaves, New Found Glory, Jedidiah Clothing, Invisible Children, FBR, Paramore and others- he has helped revive artistic integrity by redesigning images and adapt to culture. Check out his site at www.avaliis.com

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Cameron Woodward

 

I wish I could explain Cameron Woodward to you. I really wish I could. Cameron is a volcano in it’s slumber, he is a canoe without paddles, he is a martyr with no cause. Cameron Woodward simply is. My most feeble attempts at an honest description would find us staring squarely at a 83 year old man who has seen better days behind the squinting eyes of a pale child, the body that Woodward currently occupies. His limbs can only disguise his freak wisdom for so long until they finally catch up with him. I met Cameron during my time at Invisible Children (again, I have no other friends it seems) and I hated him for a solid six months. He was rude and pretentious and self-indulgent and was absolutely enamoured by all the words his mouth could produce. But after those six months I looked at him rather tolerably as he offered me rides to work, (later a consistent group of late-comers would then call ourselves ‘The Late Crew’)

Anyway, the reason why I write about this eccentric intellectual is because he is a one-man show. Able to hold his own in conversations with theologians like Brian McLaren, and certain unnameable leaders of the free world on the front lawn of the White House, he can discuss politics like a real slimeball politician, and in the same breath speak of faith like a prophetic pastor. He’s a chameleon, like Woody Allen’s Zelig. He currently works for Invisible Children manning the interweb like a really savvy- with too many twitter accounts to count, and a fierce love for manipulated all the services that Facebook could offer for an emerging non-profit. He also pockets $3 a month from the TRI Campaign, kidding! but he must fantasize some days, right? Anyway, this is a dazzling example of his powerful prose at work- a story he wrote up on the fly in order to be considered as a Friend-of-Friend candidate. He’s considered our Friend of the week. Hooray!

ps- If you’d like to hold a piece of authentic Cameron Woodward artwork- check out his site- www.swapdoodles.com and get doodling. It’s real. I’ve seen the fanmail.

 

By: Cameron Woodward

It’s incredible to think that just three months ago the science community had no idea that this could ever have happened – I would never be caught with the idea that I could become, as they continue to call me, the, “Aquila chrysaetos.” 

There had been a scientific breakthrough at the University of Copenhagen only four weeks before my Bar Mitzvah – I was to become a man. Something along the lines of altering the Deoxyribonucleic acid in developed fish embryos and paring out specific sets of guanine and cytosine methylamine you could change the genetic composition of a homosapien. Anyhow, to bring this all back to the queens English, I am an Eagle – a real squawking, beaked, and burdened bird-of-pray. 

When the researchers discovered me, I was told I was the perfect candidate for the “trial of a life time” since I had been, as I explained to the researchers in the preliminary rounds of testing, exposed to an unhealthy amount of Asbestos fibers while vacationing in the Pocono Mountains years ago with a youth group from the Netzer Olami organization. 

It seemed like a great idea at the time, I was promised 10,000 euros for the first-round of completed studies and another 2,000 euros for every round of testing thereafter – At this spot, and before I go any further with this modest tale of mine, I am not just another typical Eagle. Not only am I now an endangered species, I do indeed have feelings and I don’t want you to think that just because I have feathers and a gizzard you can just up-and-say little nasty things to me. I won’t take it, I’m sensitive. 

So, now that we have that understanding between us, Ill get back to it – with the promise of potentially 12,000 euros, I happily agreed to accept the position at the University of Copenhagen as the in-house laboratory test subject. Little did I know, I would soon become a majestic featherhead. I needed the euros, I was almost 13 years old – and I knew there was no way my parents could afford a proper Bar Mitzvah. I was going to become a man – I needed to be introduced to puberty with style (looking back, I blame this all on MTV.)

It’s now been close to four months since I was turned into a beautiful bird-of-prey. The doctors keep poking me and ask me to tell them “How I feel” – I just want to be left alone to fly over fields, stretch my wings, maybe even, find a seal or deer carcass for a nice mid-day snack. It’s not kosher, but jezebel! I have really taken a liking to the gamier meats. 

Maybe one day, I’ll get out – but for now, despite all my rage, I’m still trapped in a cage.

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