- Why Bones? Bones are universal. Bones are strong. Bones symbolize our common humanity. And, they are poignant reminders of unnecessary and preventable loss. They are the physical evidence that individuals, people, ever existed. The bone laying is the intersection of art and activism, of education and action, and it will represent the mass graves that are the result of ongoing conflict as well as remind us that we belong to each other.
- Why Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo? The drought and famine in Somalia are urgent and pressing- while the current crisis has reached media headlines in recent months, necessitating a global response, it's vital to understand the chronic factors and conditions that has driven the nation to the position it is currently in. At the same time, the ongoing conflict in the DRC has been called the deadliest since World War II. It has claimed over 5 million lives and displaced 1.7 million. Conflict minerals and gender-based violence continue to drive tensions and issues, while a new generation of youth are increasingly taking it upon themselves to drive positive change.
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Will Students Rebuild spotlight other humanatarian crises? We know that Somalia and DRC are but two of many global crises (too many). While we’re starting here, we’re not ending here. If there is a different conflict that you want to speak out against, you can still join this campaign. Make a bone, tag it in honor of Sudan, or Burma or another region you feel connected with. Tell us what issue we should spotlight next- and why- here.
- Do I have to register? Yes, please register here. Registering ensures that the bones you create generate a donation for CARE. If you have specific questions, concerns or limitations, please contact us.
- Where do I send the handmade bones? Please mail your bone(s) and participant registration sheet(s) to:
One Million Bones/ Students Rebuild
P.O. Box 30426
Albuquerque, NM 87190
- Can I make the bones out of anything? What size? Any material other than real bone (or anything else that will stink or spread germs) is fair game. However, there are certain materials we discourage because they are not as likely to hold up for the installation. Please use your creative instincts, but stick to white and grey colored bones. Bones should be of moderate size--no more than three pounds, please! See our bone making page for more information.
- How does my participation impact projects on the ground in these complex environments? For every handmade bone we receive, the Bezos Family Foundation will donate $1 - up to $500,000! - to relief projects implemented by CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.
- I'm not located in the United States or Canada. Can I still participate? Yes! And if international shipping costs are prohibitively high, feel free to submit an electronic image: sr-photos@onemillionbones.org . Be sure to let us know who you are and where you're from.