The Cell Out

The Cell Out

by | published on Oct 10, 2014

WEDNESDAY October 22nd 2008 from 12 pm to 6 pm WORLDWIDE The Cell OUT is an organized cell phone usage boycott from 12pm – 6pm on October 22nd to bring awareness of the Congo conflict over the natural resouces. Coltan, used in many electronic devices has caused many Congolese people to be killed since 1996.

WEDNESDAY October 22nd 2008 from 12 pm to 6 pm WORLDWIDE

The Cell OUT is an organized cell phone usage boycott from 12pm – 6pm on October 22nd to bring awareness of the Congo conflict over the natural resouces. Coltan, used in many electronic devices has caused many Congolese people to be killed since 1996.

Why?

  • Nearly 6 million people have died in the Congo since 1996 due to a scramble for Congo’s spectacular natural resources.
  • Coltan is a key source of the conflict in the Congo. It is a mineral widely used in numerous electronic devices such as cell phones and game consoles (Microsoft X-Box and Sony Play Station) and is mined illegally in the Congo by rebel militia and foreign forces then sold to multinational corporations.
  • The boycott is to bring awareness to the war in the Congo, which started in 1996 and continues to this day with 45,000 people dying each month till today. We would like to invite organizations on college campuses and in the community to support us in our endeavor to raise awareness about the atrocities taking place in the Congo.

What do I do during the Boycott?

  • TURN YOUR PHONE OFF from 12 noon to 6 pm on WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22ND 2008. No texting!!!
  • Change your voicemail to reflect the message below:
    “Did you know that Congo has 80 percent of the world’s reserve of Coltan, a natural resource that is central to the operation of our cell phones? As we benefit from coltan over 5 million Congolese have died in the deadliest conflict since world war two as a result of the scramble for coltan and other minerals key to the functioning of modern technology. Join us in solidarity with the Congolese people and turn your phone off for a day”
  • Participate in any Break the Silence event in your area!

What Can I do to help?

 

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