Five Graph:OKC Holdout

Young Oklahoma activists have influenced international political policy first hand. Their efforts were officially recognized this May when President Obama signed the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act into law.

This law requires the Obama administration to develop a plan to stop horrific atrocities, namely against children, committed by Ugandan rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army. This passage comes in response to a political campaign spearheaded by young people around the world.

The rebel group, led by a man named Joseph Kony, has waged a civil war for 23 years in Central East Africa. According to policy based non profit Resolve Uganda, the bill, which would require United States involvement and provide recovery aid to ravaged parts of Northern Uganda, hit a road block in February when Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn placed a hold on its passage through the House. That is when young Oklahomans, mostly college students, rallied and held a peaceful protest outside of Coburn's office.

The protest lasted 11 days in freezing temperatures and gained attention throughout Congress. Finally, Coburn lifted his hold on the bill. This spelled success for the activists. Jessica Walizer, a student at the University of Central Oklahoma participated in the campaign and felt committed to their cause. "We were just ordinary kids who saw a need and fought for what was right. It is evident now that we are changing the course of history for the better," she says.

The Obama administration has 163 days left to come up with their official strategy. This could finally mean peace for Uganda and the neighboring countries affected by the LRA.