Boise, April 18, 2012 - Boise Police want to remind supporters
of the KONY 2012 movement who wish to participate in "Cover the night" this Friday to follow
just what movement's leaders are saying: Vandalism is
lazy and hurts the cause, so... keep it legal."
"We absolutely understand that some people passionately support
this cause. That's why we're setting aside a dedicated, very
visible spot for people who want to hang posters," said Officer Jim
Schiffler, the Downtown area Neighborhood Contact Officer for the
Boise Police Department.
"We also want to remind supporters that leaders of the cause
have said pretty clearly they don't want their movement associated
with vandalism. In fact, just the opposite, they've posted several
ideas for supporters that, if people actually do it, would be a
terrific help to their neighborhoods and the community." said
Officer Schiffler.
In Boise, the location set aside for Friday's "Cover the
night" event is the northwest corner of N. 8th and W. Main
Streets. On Friday, thanks to the Downtown
Boise Association, Capital City Development Corporation and with
permission from the Gardner Company, large sheets of
black plastic will be spread over the fence on that corner just
for "Cover the night". KONY 2012 supporters
who wish to hang posters are urged to use the dedicated site. This
site will be temporary.
"Vandalism is lazy and hurts the
cause".
Officers want to remind citizens that posting items on light and
power poles is a misdemeanor under Idaho State and Boise City Code,
with a possible fine up to $1,000. Illegally posted flyers are also
subject to immediate removal by the business or property owner.
Already this week several KONY 2012 posters were found illegally
posted to brick walls and light posts in the BoDo area. Those
posters were promptly removed by area business people who work hard
all year to keep Boise's downtown an attractive, safe and
vibrant neighborhood.
What is ""Cover the night"?
"Cover the night" is an event promoted by Invisible
Children, an organization whose mission states they use "film,
creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in
Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in
central Africa to peace and prosperity."
Via their web site and social media, this Friday, April
20th, movement leaders are urging their supporters to "Cover the night" to raise awareness of the
cause.
"Invisible Children does not condone any type of illegal
activity, including vandalism or trespass..."
On the "Cover the night" web site, KONY 2012
organizers urge their supporters to "keep it legal", and make a
positive impact on their community this Friday with activities
like:
- cleaning graffiti
- wearing t-shirts with the KONY 2012 logo
- picking up parks and vacant lots
- providing free car washes
- random acts of kindness
- showing appreciation to unsung heroes in the name of justice
for affected children.
The Invisible Children organization also urges
supporters to document their work on Twitter or Instagram with
#KONY2012 #service #[yourcity].
"It would be great to see efforts from Boise documented with
true service instead of something thoughtless or destructive. True
community service helps us all," said Officer Schiffler.