What's up Think MTVers!

We wanted to take a moment to share some information with you regarding a cause that is very important to us.

The economic crisis in Zimbabwe is worsening at an alarming rate.  At the beginning of 2008, Zimbabwe’s inflation rose to 4500%, the highest in the world by far.  Unemployment is over 85 %, poverty over 90%, and foreign reserves are almost depleted.  Over four million persons are in desperate need of food.  One in four citizens is HIV positive.  Coupled with severe malnutrition, thousands are dying every month.  To do something as simple as buying a loaf of bread is near impossible for most Zimbabwean families.  Combined with a consistent lack of potable water, power, perpetual regional drought, over all environmental degradation and the recent displacement of hundreds of thousands desperately poor from urban areas, the country is on the brink of ruin.

What a surreal dream the 3 nights of DISPATCH: ZIMBABWE was this past July! To unite such a large group of people behind this cause through our music is more than we ever could have hoped for! From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for making last July so special for all of us; 60,000 voices united around the cause, and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised--it feels like we, together, made a difference.

To find out more about why we got involved with the issue, how it's influenced us, and why it's important to get involved in the issues you care about check out these interviews we did:

How did the Dispatch: Zimbabwe event come about?

Why is it important for Dispatch to be involved in activism?

Why did Dispatch get involved in Zimbabwe?

How did Dispatch to get so involved in Zimbabwe?

How has Zimbabwe influenced Dispatch's music?

Why is it important for young people to get involved?

What should people know about the situation in Zimbabwe?

What can young people do to get involved?

Will Dispatch do a concert like this again in the future?

Our newly formed Dispatch Foundation will continue to help the people of Zimbabwe.  You can check out the progress and learn more at the Dispatch Foundation website: www.dispatchfoundation.org

Also, "DISPATCH: ZIMBABWE - Live at Madison Square Garden", the concert DVD/documentary directed by the award winning Danny Clinch, is being released to further our efforts to raise funds for Zimbabwe. 
A portion of proceeds will benefit The Dispatch Foundation, continuing to support the cause that initially brought us together.  If you want to pick up a DVD of this amazing event, head to www.dispatchmsg.com.

Thanks for supporting this incredible cause, and keep spreading the word and taking action on the issues that are important to you!

-DISPATCH