Harry Potter – Activist For Good (VIDEO)

Harry Potter fans are doing more than screaming when Daniel Radcliffe walks into the room. Over 10,000 fans have formed The Harry Potter Alliance, a new kind of activism, using the online network of fan communities. Their motto is “The Weapon We Have Is Love.”

“There are so many of us who love Harry Potter and want to do more for our world,” says Andrew Slack, founder of the Alliance, explaining that he wants to fight the dark arts in the real world and have people break through their Muggle mindsets.

I think it’s working! So far, the Alliance has raised enough money to send five cargo planes to Haiti bearing medical supplies after the earthquake there, with three of the planes named Harry, Ron and Hermione. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, was thrilled, and sent this message:

To everyone who has helped raise such an incredible amount for the earthquake survivors in Haiti: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU……
Like many others, I made a personal donation to the DEC shortly after the earthquake happened; but never did I expect such an amazing response from all of you. You cannot imagine how awed, moved and humbled I am to know that planes named Harry, Ron and Hermione are going to be flying off to help. Jo

The Alliance has also been working for marriage equality, genocide prevention and literacy worldwide, and they’ve bought thousands of books for libraries in Rwanda and the Mississippi Delta.

Here’s the Alliance’s mission: “Just as Dumbledore’s Army wakes the world up to Voldemort’s return, works for equal rights of house elves and werewolves, and empowers its members, we: Work with partner NGOs in alerting the world to the dangers of global warming, poverty, and genocide. Work with our partners for equal rights regardless of race, gender, and sexuality. Encourage our members to hone the magic of their creativity in endeavoring to make the world a better place. Join our army to make the world a safer, more magical place, and let your voice be heard!”

Harry Potter fans are not just geeks in strange robes in love with children’s books – they are putting the ideals of the books into real practice.

Watch Andrew Slack enthuse about his organization:

Creative Commons - ursulakm

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jazz P.

10:29AM PDT on May 11, 2012

Of course, Harry Potter may just be a silly book and movie series to some people, but go back and read this again. You see? This "stupid little series" can make a huge difference in the way people think and feel.

send a green star

A Marina F.

9:53AM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

Love is the only thing that can conquer hate. It's good to see people organizing to work for positive change from inspiration sprung forth from a different passion.

Vivianne M.

3:01PM PDT on Mar 22, 2012

This is so awesome !
Wonderful written stories that inspire in the 'real world'.

I am a Potter fan too at almost 70 years old. never to old to see the magic of life.

Reyna D.

10:18PM PDT on Jul 21, 2011

Watch HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 2 here

http://newhdmoviereleased.blogspot.com/

or here ---->> http://v.gd/sOP9kJ

Tvshow T.

9:09AM PDT on Jul 16, 2011

Watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

http://goo.gl/2wMyj

http://uswatchtv.blogspot.com/

Suzanne B.

6:21AM PST on Dec 15, 2010

What a wonderful way to get young people involved in social causes. JK Rowling has worked long and hard, contributing a good bit of her "new wealth" to help women and children living in poverty and without hope as she was just a few short years ago. I love the Potter stories. As an adult I can read between the lines and understand that the very basics of good vs evil and love being the ultimate weapon are at the heart of the stories from the very first novel. Using those principles to motivate young people and make them aware of the plight of fellow human beings is both brilliant and admirable. A little mroe live in the world is always a good thing.

Elizabeth R.

5:43AM PST on Dec 8, 2010

Wow, I hated the books.
Huzzah for positive outcomes ^_^

Colleen M.

5:09PM PST on Nov 28, 2010

Artists such as JKR raise human consciousness for profound healing, progress and personal empowerment while too many politicians, clergy and assorted other authority figures - who should be leading people out of mediocrity and pain - only mislead,misguide, misdirect, misjudge, mis-use, mistake...

Nuno C.

2:24AM PST on Nov 26, 2010

Nice to know!
Other Alliances, or even this one, could show the love for animals and Forests too! Who knows?
Hope they hear me

Patt T.

10:18PM PST on Nov 25, 2010

Kudos to Andrew Slack and Judy Molland for chairing a global alliance like this and posting it respectively.Our young people need all the help available to understand and later deal with this sometimes crazy world. Thanks again!!!!