FAQ – How can I help?
Every.single.day you have conversations. Conversations with friends, conversations with strangers. Use the whistle to elevate common conversation. If you wear it, people will ask. We promise. Tell everyone you meet about what is happening in Congo, and about the growing coalition for peace.
Is that a rape whistle?
We are glad you asked. The whistle is a symbol of protest. A symbol designed to provoked questions. But since we are on the subject, did you know there are more rapes in Congo than anywhere else in the world?
Is Falling Whistles affiliated with any religious organizations or political parties?
We are a coalition of individuals from all creeds, colors and countries, demanding an end to the deadliest war of our time. We believe peace will require everyone – and so we welcome everyone from all walks of life.
Where are the whistles made?
The whistles are made at the oldest whistle manufacturer the world. They are located just an hour outside of London UK. We tracked the vintage whistle that Marcus originally gave Sean back to its manufacturers and we met the wonderful people of ACME. Together we have built a proud partnership in pursuit of peace in Congo.
Why is there a war in Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to our world’s deadliest war. Over the last two decades, more than 6 million people have died, and nearly 1,500 people continue to lose their lives daily. Sexual violence is more rampant there than anywhere else in the world, and thousands of children are involved in the war. Why?
There are a number of reasons, dating back over a century. The conflict has been tied directly to the country’s vast natural resources. They are both a blessing and a curse, making Congo a country of great potential and a frequent victim of exploitation. Today, minerals found in Congo are used in consumer electronics, including laptops and cell phones. While many benefit from the mineral trade, it is the Congolese people who bear the consequences of a conflict that sustains profitable mining enterprise.
A combination of unstable governance, a history of bitterness between local groups, and international interest in Congo makes this situation one of the most complicated on the planet. It is this complexity that has left the current systems in place largely ineffective. A new approach is needed.Read our History of Congo.
Where does the money from my whistle purchase go?
The money from whistle sales is invested into our holistic strategy toward peace in Congo. We call it The Wheel. You can see our first video explaining this strategy here in Peace Is the New Frontier. Your money goes in to five categories:
1. Education: We create educational tools to show the world what is happening in Congo.
2. Disseminate: We distribute those tools directly into communities around the world.
3. Congregate: We gather people around those tools to learn, grow and share in solutions.
4. Advocacy: We then channels those people into halls of power for long-term reform.
5. Rehabilitate: The resources, energy, people and money gathered along this process are then invested into Congolese visionaries who work to rehabilitate and rebuild their communities. You can see all of our partners and their work here.
You can also see our first Annual Report and subsequent 990′s here.
Is your work in Congo only for boys?
No. The conflict has touched the lives of every person in eastern Congo. Our partners work with boys, girls, men and women.
Where are your Congolese partners?
Our Congolese partners work in North and South Kivu provinces in eastern Congo. Check out their work here.
How often are children sent into battle wearing only whistles?
We don’t know. We heard the story of the whistleblowers from an escaped child soldier who was being abused in a military camp in eastern Congo. That story gave birth to our symbol and hundreds of readers wrote back asking – how can we help? We have been pursuing solutions ever since.
Are you a Non-Profit?
Yes, Falling Whistles is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Within that non-profit, we utilize many proven for-profit methods, such as sales reps, trade shows and commissions. Over the next year, we will be pursuing a hybrid organizational model, using a for-profit for sales and education and non-profit for advocacy and Congo investment.
Our Tax ID# is 26-3069105.
Click for our letter or recognition.
Is my donation tax deductable?
Yes, it is.
How do you advocate for war-affected people?
Our Advocacy Department speaks truth to power, channeling the voices of whistleblowers into their halls. We have supported the development of transparent supply chains in eastern Congo and helped build a coalition of 35 Congressmen, 16 Senators, 77 organizations and 24,000 people to get a U.S. Special Advisor sent to Congo toward ending the violence.
Some of our partners also work in Advocacy, such as Arnold with SOPROP and Justine with SYNERGY. We have funded their work and channeled it toward larger organizations and governments around the world.
Is Falling Whistles Hiring?
Are you a pirate? Because we only hire pirates. Email jobs@fallingwhistles.com for more information.
Can I volunteer with Falling Whistles in Congo?
No. We believe that the solutions to Congo’s problems come from those living within them. This is why we invest in Congolese visionaries who are rebuilding their own communities. Contact grassroots@fallingwhistles.com to organize a fundraiser to support our partners in Congo.
Where is your office located?
We are headquartered in the Arts District just east of downtown Los Angeles and have a small office in West Soho, New York City. Our field office is located in downtown Bukavu, Congo.
Can I donate gifts in kind (shoes, clothes, blankets, medical supplies, etc) to send to Congo?
We do not accept any gifts in kind. We support our partners on the ground with financial, technical and logistical support, and encourage them to support their own economy by purchasing supplies from local Congolese businesses.
What kind of metal is the whistle?
The whistles are brass and are plated with silicon and nickel-based finishes.
What are the whistle’s measurements?
The whistle is 3 and 5/8” in length. The ballchains, black, and brown leather straps are approximately 33” in length.
How can I sell the whistles in my store?
We are always open to new Retail Partners in peace. Please contact retail@fallingwhistles.com if you own a store or know of a retail location that should be a part of our coalition for Peace in Congo.
Do you offer price breaks for the whistles if I buy them in bulk?
No. The whistles are priced to be affordable for whistleblowers and to generate sustainable income to invest in Congolese visionaries and pursue peace in Congo.