Advent Conspiracy

I was inspired by my church and advent conspiracy to do something different this year.

I am trying to buy gift for others that give alittle back. For example, gifts/companies that are supporting/employing women in disadvantaged positions both here in the states and abroad. I didn't want to share all of the info, in case any of my gift recipients are reading this blog. But I also wanted to share some of the sites that I really like, because let me tell you once I started on this quest it was like falling down the rabbit hole. The possibilities are endless.

So maybe consider buying one gift this year that gives back.

Or maybe no gift at all and instead donate the money you would spend on a gift, and give a special memory or your time instead (a la Advent Conspiracy). That is what Ronnie and I decided to do for each other, and I can't wait until our gift day, where we donate our money and go do something fun (I'll wait to tell you what it is, in case it doesn't work because our idea of what to do may not work out like we are hoping...)

But I digress, on to the websites:

World of Good a good (haha) place to start for lots of options, sponsored by ebay

Trade as one many different vendors and options to choose from, they have stories of the artisans for each item available

Night Light girls who were being exploited in the sex industry in Bangkok, given job skills and support, they make jewelry

Suubi women of rural poor neighborhoods in Uganda given job training and education, they make jewelry and bags (the bags are really cool bc they have the artisan's story sewn in the inner pocket of the bag)

Raven and Lily I love all of their products, very anthropologie style, but with each purchase you know that you are supporting a fair living wage for women in India or Africa

Punjammies Each pajama pants is created in an after-care facility for women who have been rescued, released or escaped from a life of forced prostitution.

Kauzbots I wish I had kids to shop for, the purchaser can choose a kause with it's representative kauzbot and 10% will be donated to that charity, a good way to teach kids about giving back. Also kauzbots works closely with their manufacturers in China to provide a good wage and positive work environment, they even document their most recent trip out there on their website.

Women's Bean Project this one is in the states, I think Denver, helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment, teaching job readiness and life skills for entry-level jobs through employment in their gourmet food production business.

Samaritan's Purse several organizations do this, where you can buy a dozen chickens or part of a cow for a family in need in honor of that person on your list who has everything