Movement Spotlight: Norwood - Fontbonne Academy Students

Operation Broken Silence may be a small organization; but, with the support of our incredible movement found across the United States and around the world, we’re able to help our Sudanese partners make progress in their communities in some really big ways.

We want to share one of these stories from our movement with you today! Meet Megan Stotz, an educator at Norwood - Fontbonne Academy in Philadelphia, PA.

Some of Megan’s students recently worked on a media project about clean water access. She heard about the clean water project we were fundraising for in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan and reached out to us about getting involved. We introduced some real-world experience from the nonprofit-side of things to her students and they eagerly jumped into their own project and fundraising for ours! She says:

“The most interesting thing my students and I learned was the resiliency of the Sudanese people. After facing decades of turmoil and despair, the Sudanese people have not given up hope for a better future. Their hope was contagious and inspired my students to want to learn more, help in an authentic way, and be the next generation of global change agents.

What stood out the most to my sixth grade students was how they deeply comprehended the meaning of ‘Water is Life.’ My students connected that clean water provides access to improved health, safety, and education. They could identify the ripple effects in people's lives, especially children their age, when they do not have access to safe and clean water. One sixth grade student named Jake Donovan said, ‘This is more than a health crisis, it's a life crisis.’

This salient theme tied itself to the engineering prototype designs my students were creating. Their designs went from a simple water filter with no significant purpose, to a prototype of a water fountain using local vegetation as a filter that would be located near classrooms so students and teachers would have easy access to clean water. Another group designed and built a portable water filter for families to use when they are traveling far from their local village for either work opportunities or access to food. Without the awareness of the need for clean water my students wouldn’t have fully grasped the effect their water filtration would have on people.”

Together, the students raised $1,375 for the clean water project we are sponsoring in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan! This helped us close the remaining fundraising gap for the project. Here’s what Megan had to say about how fundraising benefited her students:

“There were so many aspects of the project that we loved! First and foremost, my students were able to see in real time how many hands make light work. From people donating $1 to $100, everyone's contribution made a difference. Each time we jumped over a goal my students would scream and high five each other with excitement.  Additionally, my students were able to follow the process of how an engineering solution gets into the real world. From identifying a need, building a solution with a sustainable design, then finding monetary resources to get the plan in action was an invaluable lesson. 

Hands down the best thing I did for my students this year was to get involved with Operation Broken Silence. The level of empathy my students felt and have maintained over the course of our class project was largely in part with working with Operation Broken Silence.

From their touching media pieces, to purposeful and sustainable solutions for the Sudanese people, my students knew the work they were doing was helping others. Being able to see the efforts of their plans be put into action was something I couldn’t have done with a traditional lesson plan. My students were also able to identify all of the moving parts within an NGO.  The realization of the importance of logos, websites, marketing, and fundraising, heavily influenced the work they put into their NGO and prototype design. These real world connections will have a lasting impact on not only their learning, but their life.”

Thank you to the students, Megan and her colleagues, and the families of Norwood - Fontbonne Academy for including our mission and Sudanese partners in your community. Some of our friends in Sudan will soon benefit from your compassion, and we are always encouraged when we see students helping others.

Get Involved

Operation Broken Silence has been working next to our Sudanese partners on the ground for over a decade. Our mission has always been focused on the long run, which is why empowering local solutions in the oppressed Nuba Mountains region is our top priority.

Supporting local teachers like Chana makes all the difference for students in Yida Refugee Camp. The fastest way to empower them is to make a quick one-time donation online, or setup a small monthly gift to help provide them the consistent support they need.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Start a fundraising page and ask friends and family to give!

Make a check payable to Operation Broken Silence and mail it to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900.

Give stock and mutual funds.

Donate crypto.

Operation Broken Silence is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

Watch: ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan briefs the UNSC on the Situation in Darfur, Sudan

Yesterday, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) presented an update to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) concerning the situation in Darfur, Sudan. You can watch Prosecutor Khan’s moving testimony above and find a brief summary below.

Trial of Ali Kushayb

In April 2007, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman, aka Ali Kushayb. The Prosecutor’s Office argues that he was a key commander and organizer of the pro-regime Popular Defense Forces and Janjaweed militias that launched devastating attacks on Darfuri towns and villages between 2003-2004.

Evidence suggests that Ali Kushayb personally participated in some of the attacks against civilians in the towns of Kodoom, Bindist, Mukjar, and Arawala between August 2003 and March 2004, where the murder, rape, and torture of civilians were committed. The prominent regime militia leader was captured in the Central African Republic in 2020, after fleeing Sudanese government forces who had turned against him.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan reported that his office is preparing to wrap up the case against Kushayb. This is a landmark trial, the first ever stemming from a Security Council referral and the first in relation to the situation in Darfur before the Court.

Regime No Longer Cooperating With The Court

Prosecutor Khan informed the Security Council that the Sudanese government has largely stopped cooperating with regards to the Court's other cases. ICC staff entering Sudan face growing administrative hurdles that are preventing them from pursuing their critical work. The Court still has not been allowed to set up an investigative office in country. “Over the last six months, unfortunately not one request for assistance has been executed by the government of Sudan,” he said.

Sudanese war criminals indicted by the Court also remain “at large,” even though their locations are believed to be known. Overthrown dictator Omar al-Bashir, also indicted by the Court, is in Sudanese government custody. Prosecutor Khan stressed that “a change in posture is needed” in Sudan, saying “And if we do not see a change of approach, I may have no option in the next report but maybe to commend certain other action by Member States in the next period.”

Background

The crisis in Darfur was referred to the ICC by the UNSC in March 2005 after the Security Council determined that the situation in Sudan constituted a threat to international peace and security. The ICC investigations regarding Darfur focus on allegations of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, Sudan since July 2002.

Since then, the Court has produced several cases with suspects ranging from Sudanese government officials, militia/janjaweed leaders, and leaders of armed resistance groups.

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Get Involved

Operation Broken Silence has been working next to our Sudanese partners on the ground for over a decade. Our mission has always been focused on the long run, which is why empowering local solutions in the oppressed Nuba Mountains region is our top priority.

When you give, you are supporting local teachers just like Chana, who are serving over 900 students a year in Yida Refugee Camp.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

• Start a fundraising page and ask friends and family to give!

• Make checks payable to Operation Broken Silence and mail to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900

• Donate cryptocurrency

• Donate stocks or mutual funds

Farewell 2022

Supporters and friends,

Where did 2022 go? Our mission went by faster this year than any I can remember.

As we prepare to enter a new year, I want to pass along the sincere gratitude of our Sudanese partners. Here are a few highlights that they asked me to share with you:

• Incredible progress is still being achieved at the Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary Schools, despite many families departing Yida Refugee Camp for their villages in the Nuba Mountains. Attendance at both schools is holding steady at roughly 900 students every day, classroom repairs were recently completed, and roughly 1,400 students at other schools in Yida received national exam preparation support thanks to you.

• With your help, we continue to make progress on the clean water project one of our Sudanese partners plans to complete in 2023. Final preparations are being made on the ground now as what should be the final donations roll in. When complete, roughly 7,000 people across five villages in the Nuba Mountains will have clean water.

This is but a small snapshot of the life-changing work done in our mission every day. None of this would have been possible without your generous support! Thank you.

A Strange, But Good Year For Our Movement

If there is a single word that can sum up the past twelve months here at Operation Broken Silence, it is strange. Like many small international nonprofits that are critical to the communities we serve, our mission faced strong headwinds outside of our control.

Inflation, the war in Ukraine, overblown fears of a recession, and cultural sorting in the United States posed significant challenges to our movement-building work. Many of our creative approaches that bore fruit last year gained less ground in 2022. Doors that were once open to us are closed, even as new ones opened. The usually quiet summer months were unusually productive. The busy end of year season has been a bit quieter than usual.

As I was recently telling one of our monthly donors, not much really makes sense right now. There is neither a rhyme nor a rhythm to our work. This doesn’t appear to be cause for concern though. The numbers are shaping up to be a fairly normal year, even though how we got here has been anything but normal. Reflecting on conversations with some of you during events and fundraising, I believe this is a testament to your dedication. Behind numbers are real people just like you.

Not only did we see some new faces join our movement, but our core supporters stuck with us. Membership in The Renewal monthly giving program was impressively stable. Our online fundraisers nearly doubled their impact, making up for lost support from shrinking faith institutions and family foundations that redirected support to Ukraine. And while bad weather plagued our return to in-person events, dedicated supporters turned out.

Again, you made this year possible. Thank you.

Looking Ahead

2023 will likely be another year of unpredictable and chaotic moments. Sudan remains in the top 10 list of countries at greatest statistical risk for mass killing. We don’t know how things will shake out in Khartoum with the vague new agreement. The political system in the U.S. is already gearing up for another heated presidential election. A recession is still a possibility, although we aren’t deeply concerned as recession predictions continue coming up short, the economy is humming along, and inflation is easing.

This season is one in which we can learn about the complex and sometimes harsh environment we are in. Our Sudanese partners have been doing this for some time now. Rather than committing to a hard plan in 2023, we will pursue a few key principles:

1. Be rooted in the basics. It is clear that making big plans and bold proclamations is not the best idea right now. Instead of anxiously fighting against forces far outside of our control, we’ll be taking everything one day, one week, and one month at a time within the context of what we have always done: serving our Sudanese partners and you to the best of our ability.

2. Be nimble. We jumped at several last minute fundraising opportunities this year that really paid off. Looking back, there were also a few that we missed. Next month we will streamline some of our internal processes to put some free time back into our leadership team. In the midst of uncertainty there is opportunity, and we need more space to seize every one of them.

3. Be and think small. We have no plans to expand in 2023. We will focus on sustaining and strengthening our core programming in Sudan and in our global movement. While we have the cash on hand to add a new full-time staffer, we currently have no plans to hire. There are still too many unanswered questions about the future and what are staffing should look like.

In summary, our focus in 2023 is making incremental progress. This perhaps doesn’t sound as exciting as previous years, but there is so much good work left to be done with what we already have in our mission.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year and the hope that comes with it, would you consider making one final tax-deductible donation to Operation Broken Silence? Donations are being matched by a private donor, instantly doubling your impact! Your gift will help one of our Sudanese partners bring clean water to roughly 7,000 people in 2023.

Like many of you, I’m excited for the new year that lies ahead. I hope these last few days of 2022 are restful and spent with loved ones. Take care.

Onward,

Mark C. Hackett

Executive Director

obsilence.org

Military junta and pro-democracy group sign agreement, but crisis far from over

Sudanese demonstrators in Khartoum demand the return to civilian rule. AP Photo/Marwan Ali.

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Supporters and friends,

Earlier today Sudan's coup plotters and civilian leaders signed a framework agreement in an attempt to end the junta’s illegal rule that has pushed the country to the brink of collapse. Signatories include the military, the Forces of Freedom and Change umbrella civilian movement, and a smattering of political parties, rebel groups, and tribal leaders.

The agreement signed today paves the way toward a supposed two-year transitional period that begins with civilian groups appointing a new prime minister. The military’s formal role is set to become a defense council headed by whomever the new prime minister is. Elections are supposed to occur at the end of the two year period.

Critical issues such as transitional justice, security sector reform, and plans to uproot and end corruption and state violence —all of which are critical to securing the buy-in of protesters in the streets— were not included in the agreement. Many pro-democracy Resistance Committee leaders, who have been critical in organizing protests over the last year, are already calling for demonstrations against this agreement. Some protesters are back in the streets as a result.

As we have said for years, agreements such as these are only ink on paper. They neither guarantee sustained progress nor ensure the safety of the Sudanese people. The military has a three decades-long history of breaching and destroying agreements just like these when they feel their power is even marginally threatened. At today’s signing ceremony, Sudan’s defacto dictator General Burhan warned that this dynamic has not changed:

“The army will go back to its barracks but the political parties have to aim for the elections, instead of ruling in the moment. We are committed to exit from politics and stop interfering in the political life and we expect the politicians to stop interfering with the army.”

So, what does all this mean?

Sudan has been ruled at gunpoint by the military and a plethora of brutal security and paramilitary forces since the generals overthrew a fragile transitional government in October 2021. As we mentioned several weeks ago, the abuses of the resurgent junta over the past year have been horrifying. Over 7,000 peaceful protesters have been seriously wounded by junta forces. Regime-backed violence continues to surge in the country’s oppressed hinterlands. The economy is in tatters and a third of Sudanese children cannot even attend school.

While we sincerely hope that this is a more permanent turning point to a better Sudan, we have serious doubts about this arrangement because many of the Sudanese people have serious doubts. Operation Broken Silence has always acted on the belief that it is up to the Sudanese people to determine the future of their country. Our secondary role as their determined ally and helper remains unchanged. There are now so many unresolved and worsening issues in Sudan that no single agreement can set the stage for fixing everything.

But any agreement worth serious consideration should address at least some of the core issues so there is more buy-in from the people. This one appears to have not gone far enough.

There is of course a real chance that a future agreement will address more issues. But that will require civilian leaders “interfering” with the army. Military and security sector reform is required for Sudan to move in the direction the people want and the head of the military is already shooting that idea down. It doesn’t bode well for the future.

But the courage of the Sudanese people remains unfazed, which means we must remain unfazed. They are still protesting. Their voices are relentless in the face of the junta’s intransigence. They are proof that a different Sudan is possible in our lifetime. And it falls to us to deliver the support they need to reach their aspirations.

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Get Involved

Operation Broken Silence has been working next to our Sudanese partners on the ground for over a decade. Our mission has always been focused on the long run, which is why empowering local solutions in the oppressed Nuba Mountains region is our top priority.

Building clean water infrastructure goes beyond ensuring basic health needs. Clean water improves security by keeping people closer to the safety of their communities. It empowers women by putting time back into their day. And clean water means children can go to school instead of spending hours searching for dirty water.

We’re taking on this water project because we listened to the people living here and because no one else will serve them. The fastest way to help is to make a quick one-time donation online or setup a monthly gift. Your gift will be matched by a private donor!

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

• Start a fundraising page and ask friends and family to give! These last few months of the year are the perfect time to fundraise.

• Join The Renewal, our monthly giving family that never stops fighting for change.

• Make checks payable to Operation Broken Silence, write Water in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900

• Donate cryptocurrency

• Donate stock or give from your donor-advised fund

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Thank you again for being a part of this movement. As we enter these final days of the year, I hope you will join us as we wrap up fundraising for this critical clean water project.

Onward,

Mark C. Hackett

Executive Director

Operation Broken Silence

Giving Tuesday 2022

Friends and supporters,

Thank you for participating in Giving Tuesday this year. Like many nonprofits, we’ve faced some serious fundraising headwinds this year from inflation, the war in Ukraine, and the cultural sorting underway in the United States. We went into Giving Tuesday with low expectations for these reasons.

But you surprised us! Your generosity and fundraising on Giving Tuesday brought in $8,300 for our Sudanese partners. Donations are still trickling in, including from many new faces in our movement. These are much needed funds that will be put to good use in the clean water, education, and healthcare programs we support in Sudan.

This was also an encouraging day for our team. 2022 has been one of the oddest years of fundraising and movement building we’ve experienced. The usually quiet Summer months were incredibly productive and the always busy Spring and Fall months were much more difficult to find progress in. Needless to say, being surprised with a mostly normal Giving Tuesday was refreshing. Thank you.

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The Giving Season

In this final month of the year, we have an incredible opportunity to help bring clean water to 7,000 people in the Nuba Mountains. Our goal is to wrap up fundraising for their clean water project by December 31. That means we need to raise $23,000 in the next 31 days!

A generous private donor is still matching gifts to help us make progress quickly. When you give, they give.

Reaching this goal will provide the missing building block needed to make progress after years of war. Clean water is the gift that keeps on giving, helping to get their schools, markets, and places of worship back up and running.

Join us by giving once or through The Renewal, our family of monthly givers. You can find additional key dates and ways to pitch in during this season of generosity below.

Dec 1- Dec 31: Friends & Family Fundraising

It’s not only the best time to give, but also the best time to invite loved ones to pitch in! You can start a fundraising page and send the link to friends and family asking them to donate.

Your page comes with the campaign video and information about the project. And with donations being matched the hard work is already done!

Dec 7: Holiday Brews at Wiseacre on Broad

For our supporters in the Memphis area, you are invited to this free gathering. It’s a great time to connect with fellow movement members and our team! 

The event is free but registration is required as spots are limited. Your ticket includes a free beer, good conversation, and a 50% discount code to our Soirée For Sudan event in 2023!

Dec 26-31: Year End Gifts

Operation Broken Silence is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of US law.

All online gifts must be made by midnight on December 31.

Personal checks must be dated and postmarked by December 31. Make payable to Operation Broken Silence and mail to PO Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900.

Checks from donor-advised funds must be dated and postmarked by December 31 and can be sent to our PO Box as well. If the manager of your donor-advised fund prefers electronic transfers, they can contact us for wiring instructions.

Dec 26-31: Year End Investment Gifts

Stock donations must be processed by close of market on Friday, December 30. Crypto gifts must be processed by midnight on December 31.

We strongly encourage you to make investment gifts before these deadlines to ensure brokers and blockchains have time to process your donation.

1. Select the type of gift.

2. Enter the specific investment and amount.

3. Type in your information and complete the form.

4. Confirm your gift and complete the instructions! 

You will receive a tax receipt at the email address you provide. Stock and crypto charitable donations are processed by The Giving Block and are nonrefundable.

To donate a mutual fund, download our Investment Fund Transfer Form and complete the process. Your broker will help with the electronic transfer.

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If you have questions about giving or would like to direct your gift toward a different project, please contact us for assistance.

Thank you again for bringing some much needed stability to our mission and Sudanese partners this Giving Tuesday. As we enter these final days of the year, I hope you will join us as we wrap up fundraising for this critical clean water project.

Onward,

Mark C. Hackett

Executive Director

Operation Broken Silence

The 13th annual Eden's Run 5K

On November 12, our supporters celebrated thirteen years of Eden’s Run 5K, a race helping to bring clean water to 7,000 people in the Nuba Mountains region of Sudan. This was our first in-person run since 2019 due to COVID-19.

It ended up being an unusually chilly day, so cold that most of our runners let us know they’d be sitting this one out despite previously buying tickets. Thank you to all of you who showed up despite the cold weather, and thank you to those who registered and gave through the run!

Eden’s Run 5K was made possible with a generous donation from Siskind-Susser Immigration Lawyers. Our friend Zack Jennings designed and served the passionfruit mimosas at the run. We would also like to thank the University of Memphis’ Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism, Fellowship Memphis Student Ministries, and our board members and volunteers for managing the run.

DOWNLOAD PHOTOS

Hit the button below to download your photos, or find them on Facebook.

GET YOUR PHOTO

As we continue to rebuild following a difficult few years, we look forward to growing Eden’s Run 5K into something new and great with you —our dedicated supporters— to benefit our Sudanese partners.

If you would like to join us on this journey, we encourage you to make a one-time donation or become a monthly giver to our Sudanese partners.

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About Us

Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.