At SAIT, a curious onlooker passes by as first-year business student Ana James puts up posters of the controversial KONY 2012 campaign. STACY WONG PHOTO

Of all the causes and charities constantly vying for the attention of the public, one organization called Invisible Children has found a new way of conveying their message.

Invisible Children released a video March 5 and since then has become a viral sensation.

As of Mar 20 the video has had over 83 million views on YouTube.

The 30-minute video outlines what has happened in Uganda and other African countries over the past 26 years, concentrating heavily on the recruitment and use of child soldiers by the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, Joseph Kony.

The premise of the video was to make people aware of the problem, and then by extension make Kony’s name known worldwide.

Invisible Children seems to have accomplished that goal, with a significant amount of “Stop Kony” and “Kony 2012” groups popping up all over the globe to raise awareness  of the situation.

Thousands of people worldwide have banded together under this cause and are looking to support it in any way they can.

April 20 has been marked by the group as an event called “Cover the Night.”  The group is encouraging followers of the cause to cover their towns with “Kony 2012” posters and stickers.

A “Kony 2012” Facebook group has been created by some SAIT students, who have purchased an action kit and are encouraging people to join and plan events to support the cause.

Even if people aren’t sure what Invisible Children are doing, some still support the idea behind their cause.

Second-year electrical engineering technology student Davin Urness said he thinks the way they are spreading their message is intelligent.

“I definitely support them trying to bring this guy to justice,” said Urness. “I think they’ve manipulated the media really well.”

Along with the support there has also been a substantial amount of criticism.

Questions have been raised as to the legitimacy of the organization. Many people are calling it a scam and are criticizing the financial side of the organization.

Some accounts say that 70 per cent of the proceeds given to Invisible Children go towards salaries, travel expenses and filmmaking, while only 30 per cent go to the actual cause.

Critics of the cause’s followers have made posts over several social media sites, saying that people are simply watching the video and not doing any research into the actual organization or project.

There has also been some concern regarding the “Cover the Night” event.

First-year administrative information management student Elizabeth Salfi said she is worried about the whole event.

“I don’t like the idea of having a ‘Cover the Night.’ I won’t even be going out that night I’m so worried that it’s going to turn violent,” said Salfi.

She said she fears that should the police step and try and put an end to the ‘Cover the Night’ that supporters would be provoked into violence to defend their cause.