Paul Mitchell Schools and Distributors Support "Displace Me" Event

On April 28, 2007, more than 68,000 people left their homes and comforts to displace themselves for the displaced people of Northern Uganda—and Paul Mitchell was there.

Responding to a special conference call with Paul Mitchell Chairman and CEO John Paul DeJoria, Paul Mitchell Future Professionals volunteered their time and Paul Mitchell distributors donated cardboard for Displace Me, the 15-city event sponsored by the nonprofit organization Invisible Children.

"We’re asking everyone to sleep outside for one night in a silent vigil to tell our leaders that we demand action," explained Invisible Children Cofounder Laren Poole. “We’re going to make a cardboard village that night to mimic how these people live, so we may know for 24 hours what it’s like to live in a horrible situation where you’re afraid of being abducted or you live on $1 a day.”

Gloria Ellrich, a Learning Leader at Paul Mitchell The School – Orlando, rounded up about 20 Future Professionals, their family members, and friends. "Before the event we all went to Wal-Mart to buy sleeping bags, pillows, and even some candy to sneak in (we were only allowed to bring in water and crackers). However, when we got there we saw the true reason we were there. The people in Northern Uganda do not have money to get food. They sleep on the ground with no blankets, no pillows. A lot of the problem is that people do not know what is going on. To be honest, I didn’t know till the conference call."

Chianne Ellingwood and a group of Future Professionals from Paul Mitchell The School – Provo attended the Denver Displace Me event. “It was an amazing experience,” Chianne said. "I don't think any of us would trade it for the world."

At the Chicago event, Brittney Jackson filmed a documentary and played it for her fellow Future Professionals at Great Lakes Academy of Hair Design – A Paul Mitchell Partner School in Port Huron, Michigan. "Now they are planning their own peace event," Brittney said. "I never thought something I did could affect others and push them to be better."

"Invisible Children is taking care of a need that’s thousands of miles away in Africa because somebody has to do it," said John Paul DeJoria. "I think it’s brilliant that they’re not only doing it but they’re giving us the opportunity to get involved."