Co-founder of Invisible Children Jason Russell Kicks-off Creative Mornings San Diego

CreativeMornings SD at the Moniker Warehouse.

CreativeMornings San Diego hosted its first breakfast lecture at the Moniker Warehouse last month. For those of us who scored a seat in the house, we were treated to a helping of delicious pastries, donuts, and freshly brewed coffee. The highlight of course was the talk by Co-founder of Invisible Children Jason Russell.

Read some of my favorite quotes from his talk below and then sit back and watch the 30 minute video.

"Steve Jobs, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey have something in common. They were all mistakes. They were all unwanted by their parents."

"When I went on 17 shows in two days...New York, LA...all the top shows. This is what I was being asked... 'How did you make a video go viral?' Not one person from Anderson Cooper to Ann Curry to anyone I talked to, none of them asked, 'How can we help bring back children who have been rapped and turned into child soldiers?'"

"Dr. Martin Luther King, and Gandhi... thousands of people, they would have died for the internet. They would have been amazed. The would have said, 'You're all connected?' What are you going to do with the connectivity?'"

Jason Russell speaks on fighting through the ugly to find beauty within the creative process at CreativeMornings San Diego, January 2015.

Photobooth fun with my creative friends.

This month, CreativeMornings welcomes CEO of the Surfrider Foundation Chad Nelson to the stage. To get details or watch other lectures, make sure to visit CreativeMornings here.

Art Show Entry is Free, But You May Donate A Toy

Nearly one year ago this month I had this idea to collaborate with art makers from around the country to pay tribute to one of the most beloved film studios. And although that idea itself was enough to push me forward creatively, I really wanted the event to be an art show that was designed to bring awareness and funds to 3 charities (LiNK: Liberty In North Korea, Invisible Children, and Give Clean Water). 

On Saturday, October 11, I will be hosting an art show alongside several incredibly talented friends. The Pixar tribute benefit will take place at 9085 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. Drop by any time between 2-8:30 pm.

Entry is FREE, but everyone is welcome to DONATE A NEW TOY for children in need this holiday season. 

Interview with Jason Russell: Co-Founder of Invisible Children

There are three charities our show is supporting through the sale of art on October 11. One of them is Invisible Children. IC is an organization that seeks to end the violent acts of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) which include abductions and abuse of children who are forced to serve as soldiers in places like Central Africa. 

I recently had the privilege of asking Jason Russell, Co-founder of Invisible Children, three questions. Below are his answers.

3 QUESTION INTERVIEW:

1. The Pixar universe is full of characters we can relate to. Is there one particular character you identify with the most? Why? 

Edna Mode is my all-time favorite Pixar character. I just love that they couldn't find anyone else that could play the part, so they had Director Brad Bird do the voice. She to me is the most original and memorable character.

Edna Mode. The Incredibles, 2004. ©Disney/Pixar.

As far as identifying with one character though, I think it would be a toss up between Lighting McQueen and Woody. At times I feel like McQueen. I have a tendency to want to move super fast and sometimes make it all about me, while the Woody spirit in me is old school, analogue, and knows the value of true friendships.

2. What person, place or thing is inspiring you right now?

Hafiz's poems are inspiring me right now, especially this one: 

God and I have become
Like two giant fat people
Living in a tiny boat
We keep
Bumping into each other
And laughing.

3. Years ago you decided to step up and be an agent of change in the world. What kind of encouragement would you give to someone who believes that their efforts can't make a difference?

Jason Russell; Co-founder of Invisible Children. 

* There is no such thing as an act of love too small. 

* Follow your passion, the money will follow you. 

* Everyone at all times is asking the world these three questions: Do you see me? Do you hear me? And does what I say mean anything to you? 

- I learned this last one from Oprah. 

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To learn more about Invisible Children, click here. 

Call for Incredible Volunteers

We're now building teams of volunteers for our Pixar exhibition benefiting Invisible Children, LiNK: Liberty in North Korea, and Give Clean Water, on October 11. Your incredible abilities will help the success of this event. Click here to access the volunteer form. 

The Incredibles by Erin Hunting, 2014. 

Illustration by Erin Hunting. To view his stunning work, click here. 

Fundraising for Invisible Children

Artwork submitted into our Pixar tribute exhibition will benefit Invisible Children. Invisible Children is an organization that seeks to end the violent acts of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) which include abductions and abuse of children who are forced to serve as soldiers in places like Central Africa. 

Child soldiers of Uganda. 

IC is one of four groups we are fundraising for on October 11, 2014. If you are interested in submitting a show piece to aid in ending the conflict, make sure to complete this entry form to reserve your space in the exhibition by August 1st. Please note, completed works are not due until September 30th. 

If you wish to learn more about Invisible Children, please click here.