If you know about the horrors of genocide occurring in the Congo right now, you probably feel as powerless as I do. How on earth can we stop these atrocities from happening? Children serving as soldiers, rape as an everyday occurrence where women expect it, forced marriages, families ripped apart, displacement, and vast amounts of bloodshed—it’s enough to make one lose hope for humanity. We always say “Never Again” when it comes to such acts—such as during the Holocaust or the Rwandan genocide—yet the violence continues, as strong as ever.

And the sad part is, I’ve contributed to it. You probably have, too. If you’ve purchased a cell phone, home computer, or other piece of electrical equipment made up from one of the minerals mined in the Congo—where the mining itself is behind the chaos—the product likely helped to fund this genocide. With the Congo being so far away, and with the violence and danger so eminent, how can we in the United States help?

For starters, we can refuse to buy anything made from conflict minerals. You can learn about these conflict minerals here, as well as about more information on where to buy conflict-free products, the pledge to not buy genocide-funding products, and other resources. We can also simply stop purchasing new gadgets, period, and use recycled ones. You might not think it’s as cool, but we really have no need for such things; just a big want that’s completely unnecessary.

If you’re a music fan, you can also download the new RAISE Hope for Congo CD. Proceeds from the CD sales at iTunes will benefit the RAISE Hope for Congo Campaign in order to research, complete advocacy efforts, and raise awareness about the people’s plight in Congo. The CD features music from Damien Rice, Norah Jones, Mos Def, Bat For Lashes, Amadou & Mariam, and many more artists. They lyrics from these inspiring songs are connected by a common theme: empowering the girls and women of the Congo who are most harmed by the tragedies unfolding there every day.

Songs include from the 18-track album include “Not Immune,” “Angel Mom,” “Never Again,” “Lonely Soldier,” and many more poignant pieces. Listening to the CD and spreading the word about it is an easy and effective way to make the violence of the Congo widely known. The album can be previewed or purchased here.