Passion+Cause=Purpose

I just wish I could teach my kids this. It took me 28 years to learn.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2011/11/30/how-to-be-interesting/

Sustainable Fashion--A New Obsession

I have a slight obsession with any kind of sustainable fashion.  It started with Invisible Children MEND and has grown exponentially (both my obsession and the market for it).  I love that I can wear something that not only stands for something but is also impacting someone else's life in a sustainable way.  

Sustainability has become a priority for me when thinking about charity, non-profits, NGOs and humanitarian aid.  Very frequently, Americans send their money somewhere not really knowing where it is actually going.  Or we send large amounts of charitable contributions instead of empowering the people that these charities supposedly are supporting.  In the words of Ivan Illich: "To hell with good intentions [. . .] You will not help anybody by your good intentions." 

So here are a few of my favorites--not only are they fantastic, but I like to think of them as "Humanitarian Chic."

• MEND: MEND is an Invisible Children Program.  Bags are designed in the US and handmade in Uganda by ladies that were formally abducted by the LRA, most forced to be child mothers and wives of commanders.  MEND supports these ladies not just in giving them work in a society that might otherwise isolate them, but also supports them with a savings and loan community, functional adult literacy, and a social worker on site.  Although MEND bags are expensive, you get the name and now the fingerprint of the lady who made your bag on your bag.  If you would like to buy one at a discounted rate, spend some time with the wonderful ladies at MEND in Gulu.  I LOVE THEM!  

Rockin' my MEND bag in nyc

• Krochet Kids: Buy a hat, change a life.  Also based out of Gulu, women affected by the war are employed crocheting hats which are sold in the US.  Women are able to send their kids to school and support their families which is a cultural shift in Northern Uganda.  You can write the lady that made your hat a thank you note--just check the tag!  KKi has also started a program in Peru. Can be purchased at Unity.

Sportin' KKi kissin' a peacock

• Falling Whistles:  Quite possibly my favorite because I can wear it all the time and people ask about it a ton.  On an adventure to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sean Carasso heard a story of boys, too small to carry guns, being put on the front lines with nothing more than a whistle.  I wear my whistle to promote peace in the drc.  Proceeds go to programs on the ground, supporting the rehabilitation of war-affected Congolese children.  Wear your protest--be a whistleblower for peace.  Can be purchased at Unity.

• The Giving Keys:  Keys on chains with words engraved on them by homeless to help them get off the streets?  Sold.  And they're beautiful.  Best part?  It's a pay if forward deal--so eventually, I will have to give mine away to someone who I think needs to be liberated (or whatever your key says).  I already have a couple going to a few friends.

• 31 Bits: Also based out of Gulu (love), 31 Bits employs women to make paper bead jewelry to empower them to rise above poverty.  There are a ton of paper bead organizations around, most with the same goal and doing great things; however, I have a special place in my heart for 31 Bits because you can buy them at my nail salon, fingers and toes.

So, what do your accessories say about you?  I love knowing where mine were made and even who made them.  Not only do I look smart (Ugangalish for looking good, having swag), but I am sustaining communities at the same time.  So when you ask me where I got something or what it is, expect to hear a story.

full circle

Last June, I spent four days in nyc for the first time.  I had never been and took the opportunity while in transit to Uganda.  My time in nyc was well spent, exploring the city with Meaghan and Adam.  Meaghan, best vacation planner ever, filled our days with wonderful food and activities that didn't scream tourists.  I remember lying awake at night on the futon in our Chelsea apt. and thinking about how I was going to repack my bags to not have to pay the overweight fee to Uganda, budgeting how much more money I could logistically spend in New York, and the fact that I was about to embark on an incredible journey to East Africa.  My last meal was delicious macaroni and cheese at Pastis, but with my stomach churning for the next morning's departure, I could hardly eat it.  That last night--and parts of the entire trip--seem so surreal since I spent the next six weeks in Uganda.  I can hardly remember it and didn't really have a chance to talk about it when I returned.  In fact, I had even forgot it happened until I later saw pictures.

My third trip to nyc (in 6 months and in my life) was the culmination of everything that I have experienced in the last year.  I was traveling to nyc by myself (but to meet up with the loves of my life) to welcome 6 Ugandan friends to my country.  They had left Uganda probably with the same feelings I had about going, only to arrive for a short stay in nyc before they continued on to their life-changing experiences.  I wonder if when they return, they'll remember New York clearly, or if it will be a vague, distant memory.  

For me, this last trip encompassed my knowledge of New York (thanks Meaghan Whitney) and my love of all things TEX.  So much led up to this, that once I was there, sharing beers and laughs with Catherine, Jenni, Pablo and Joe seemed like such a relief.  Nothing though will ever surmount watching Otim Walter help Lacere zip up his coat, Rosemary's excitement of how large the busses are and they drive around even if no one is on them, Elizabeth's laughter at Banana Republic and her explanation of its true meaning, watching Otim Walter and Elizabeth order and eat Chipotle for the first time, explaining fountain drinks to Otim Walter and the idea of free refills and watching him laugh hysterically at Sister Act on Broadway.  

 

I so badly wanted to be a part of TREX and was disappointed that my current place did not allow me to be.  But I was and am a part of it more than I thought I would ever be--whether it was selling a massive amount of Agape ornaments or volunteering for the orientation.



When I first started traveling and came back to the US for the first time, I had said that I left my heart in Argentina.  After an incredible self-discovery in Peru, I knew that I had found my heart.  As cliche as it sounds, I know that I have given my heart to Uganda.  It is now a part of me and I hope that in some small aspect, I can be a part of it.