tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34203416561168987232024-03-19T03:01:02.014-05:00Solidarity Clothing/ GREENOLA BlogSolidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-22595502162494349682010-01-06T21:06:00.004-06:002010-01-06T21:22:12.401-06:00My Bolivian Journal, Day 2 + 3: His eyes light up when I said he could have a double.<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="stockticker"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="time"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I always forget how long the trip to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Bolivia</st1:place></st1:country-region> is… I arrived in <st1:city><st1:place>Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city> at <st1:time minute="50" hour="22">10:50pm</st1:time> this evening with a <st1:time minute="0" hour="4">4am</st1:time> start time. I am VERY tired. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Often I justify my decisions by reminding myself of a certain situation my father was experiencing at a much younger age than myself, the Vietnam War. At the tender age of 17, he was shipped to a foreign country to fight a war that he knew nothing about. I often search for that same courage and strength that he had to exhibit. The most recent example is my overnight stay on a bench at the <st1:city><st1:place>Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city> airport. I have this crazy feeling inside to experience the impossible, challenging myself to be in the most “out of the comfort zone” experiences. It is easy for me to find courage and put trust in the world around me. Being the slightly unorganized person that I am, I had a miscommunication with my ride and overnight stay in <st1:city><st1:place>Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city>, leaving me with roughly 8 hours overnight between my flights. I had two options, take a taxi into <st1:city><st1:place>Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city> and stay at a hostel/hotel (sounded too easy) or pull an all-nighter at the <st1:place><st1:placename>Santa Cruz</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place>. No question asked, the later sounded much more interesting, and was exactly what I did. I lasted 3 hours awake, 1 hour walking around the airport, and then decided to pile my three bags on the nearest bench lay completely on top of them, and rest my eyes for a few minutes. I fell asleep for 3 hours, waking to the sound of my flight boarding. In a state of total disorientation, I rushed through security and got into line only to find out that I had been standing in the line to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region>. HA! My Spanish mind had yet to be awakened. After proper direction, I boarded my plane to <st1:city><st1:place>Cochabamba</st1:place></st1:city> and was greeted by my colleague Jose upon my arrival. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_uX-7w2HVaVYMmPndRC39QiQtVzaFE_Tk6aTsHR2KAKZQtno_2BxBb05nXSZ156lSaPdAqDGMCwVzv1u4zZ9AO6IJbTWDL-ZOLeVaDh8IeAAZyY7BqV8D1We6DlnpR-TXdSf_BV7Hfxa/s1600-h/220px-Cristo_de_la_Concordia_02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_uX-7w2HVaVYMmPndRC39QiQtVzaFE_Tk6aTsHR2KAKZQtno_2BxBb05nXSZ156lSaPdAqDGMCwVzv1u4zZ9AO6IJbTWDL-ZOLeVaDh8IeAAZyY7BqV8D1We6DlnpR-TXdSf_BV7Hfxa/s320/220px-Cristo_de_la_Concordia_02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423829934623122482" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AHH Cochabamba, my love! This city holds such a special place in my heart. El Cristo welcomes me with open arms as the hot temperature immediately adds a rose color to my cheeks and dampness to my forehead. Jose welcomes me in the traditional Bolivian manner, a hand shake and kiss to each cheek. I am so excited to see him that I immediately pull him in for a tight, Italian/Irish/Polish (I am a great mix) embrace. Looking like I only had 3 hours of sleep on an airport bench, Jose recommends I take some rest. I am also informed that his uncle passed away and that he needs to be with his family. Jose is a remarkable man. I feel so lucky to be working with him. He lives a life of service to others, striving to be the best father he can to his four children and the children of his country. In <st1:country-region><st1:place>Bolivia</st1:place></st1:country-region>, many men escape fatherhood, leaving their women to fend for themselves and care for their children; Jose is a complete inspiration and ray of hope to this country. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">After sleeping most of my day away, I decide it is time to venture into the city for some food. In <st1:country-region><st1:place>Bolivia</st1:place></st1:country-region> there are lots of street kids, young boys and girls between the ages of 8-16 (probably older… I mostly see the younger kids) that are selling and begging in the streets. I always have a hard time looking into their sad eyes. These children are not in school. Often times they are orphans or are pushed into the street to help support their family’s income. I am told not to give these children money, so their actions are not supported and agreed. This is very hard for me. Whenever I see these children, I want to embrace them and tell them that they can make a difference, they can dream. I wonder why it is that I was born in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> into endless opportunities and these children are born here, fighting for their lives and the lives of their family. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am going to be honest; I do not like Bolivian food. HA! In the states I each many more vegetables than I do meat. In <st1:country-region><st1:place>Bolivia</st1:place></st1:country-region>, it is very hard to find a dish without some kind of meat and potato. <st1:country-region><st1:place>Bolivia</st1:place></st1:country-region> is the home of starches. I do find that ice cream is always tasty in all the places I travel. While in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Bolivia</st1:place></st1:country-region>, many of my meals are a simple ice cream cone. Today, the ice cream tastes even better. While walking the streets I met Marco, a young street kid who spends his day shining shoes. Marco approaches me, asking to shine my terribly kept shoes. “Marco my shoes are so bad. You will not be able to shine them,” I respond. “Yes, I have magic. I am really good. You need it,” Marco assures me while tugging my sleeve. How could I say no to this young child? “Marco, I need a friend. I just arrived here and I have no one to get ice cream with me. Would you like to join me?” A huge smiled fills his face, just as mine. We walk hand in hand to the ice cream store as we learn more about each other. Marco is 13 years old. He likes music, ice cream and thinks that 27 years old is RE<st1:stockticker>A<st1:stockticker>LLY</st1:stockticker></st1:stockticker> old. Once we arrive to the ice cream store I order a double and a single cone. His eyes light up when I tell him he can have a double. I sit and watch him, smiling as he happily consumes his cone. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle our worlds. In this moment, I am at home. Our lives can be so much more. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am now COMPLETELY exhausted. Tomorrow begins my adventures meeting with my current producers and visiting with new groups and artisans. I go to bed smiling as my heart fills with all the energies of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Bolivia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Peace,
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Jen xoxo
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-30297002207353899282010-01-04T20:05:00.006-06:002010-01-04T20:20:12.648-06:00My Bolivian Adventure, Day 1: Even Superheroes have fear.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_C0JoI5P9YoX4gsA_TezK_6xE0ZcQDjXJ62B7tWkGLpEO225R1c3mXxtJLptBWHPZ3tL3cZ7FFYlbXKKWUB2lg_F68n7sVep2SLZfNOokbjcyQ-zdDNgER2JMBbOON333n9fieXArc3c/s1600-h/REVOLUTIONIST.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423071594735804082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_C0JoI5P9YoX4gsA_TezK_6xE0ZcQDjXJ62B7tWkGLpEO225R1c3mXxtJLptBWHPZ3tL3cZ7FFYlbXKKWUB2lg_F68n7sVep2SLZfNOokbjcyQ-zdDNgER2JMBbOON333n9fieXArc3c/s320/REVOLUTIONIST.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday (Saturday) I had a great meeting with my mentor. Together we are a powerful team. He is a great voice of reason with the ability to connect people and encourage communities, and I am an energetic (sometimes naïve), spastic encourager and creative mind. We had a great conversation like always. This time, he ended the conversation with two questions: “Are you scared of the future? Do you fear anything?” I have to admit, I was taken back for a second. Often I move at the speed of light, never stopping to second guess my instinct, or movement. I never before stopped to think about fear. He has a great ability to calm my mind, and make me process things. I have gotten this question before, and have provided an answer (Most definitely, Heck NO!). But for some reason, this same question, coming from him, brought my mind to a complete stop. Perhaps it is the fact that I am now graduated (!), or that I am living on my own… maybe even it is because that now after our first (great) season, GREENOLA feels like a reality. I can’t really know for sure. For the first time, I realized that yes, I do have fear. In this moment of complete vulnerability, I have decided to share them with you.<br /><br /><strong>MY FEARS</strong></div><ul><li>I am fearful that I may have to get a “normal” job. </li><li>I am fearful that I will not be able to take my regular afternoon breaks to enjoy the fresh air with a long run. </li><li>I am fearful that I will not be able to travel as much as I do. </li><li>I am fearful that I may let down the 50+ producers I work with. </li><li>I am fearful that I will not allow myself to slow down, forgetting about my dream to have my own children. </li><li>I am fearful that I won’t become the business woman I want to be, creating a sustainable business that supports both my producers and myself.</li><li>I am fearful that I won’t make an impact in this world. </li></ul><br /><p>Now I know why I avoid being in that mental space called fear, it hurts and brings me down. </p><p>Yes, I have fears. I am not a super human, like I often like to portray. I have so much energy inside my body, so much passion driving my movements… I know I am just one person, one person who is going to make a world of change; If not through my own hands, through the hands of others long after I am away. Fear is ok, it is humbling. With out fear and challenges, we wouldn’t find the strength behind persistence.<br /><br />As I embark on my latest adventure to Bolivia… I have fear of saying the wrong words, as my Spanish is a work in progress. HA!</p><p>Join me tomorrow as I share Day 2: His eyes light up when I said he could have a double. </p>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-76007926878623497372009-12-09T22:34:00.000-06:002009-12-09T22:35:00.580-06:00<p><object id="Object2" data="player_mp3_maxi.swf" width="200" height="20" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><br /><br /><noscript><a href="http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-YouTube-Download.htm">youtube download</a></noscript><br /> <br /></object></p><p> </p>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-63310835278687691342009-11-19T21:14:00.008-06:002009-11-19T23:13:57.708-06:00Jen = College Graduate<span style="font-family:georgia;">Today I woke up as a college graduate (!). At the young age of 27, I beat my goal to graduate before the age of 30 by 3 years. HA! If you would have asked me a few years back if I would ever buckle down and complete this goal, I would have quickly responded, "no way! I was destined to travel the world as a free soul." Sure it has taken me 9 years to finish, and often I refer to myself as a "late bloomer" and a "really smart student." But being true to myself, I didn't take the traditional path. In these 9 years, I have traveled and experienced 9 countries, ran and finished 5 marathons, feel in and out of love, made great friendships, climbed four 14ers (Colorado's highest mountain peaks), managed a great team of people, learned how to snowboard, revived my creative soul with bed and breakfast stays in Taos, NM, became a homeowner, became a landlord, moved cross country in complete fear, took on learning Spanish as a second language, transformed a Fair Trade organization, started a woman's clothing line, and inspired myself to change the world. Never again will I call myself a "late bloomer." </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>My soul is a continuous blossom that grows more beautiful with each experience.<br /></strong><br /><br />To answer the pending question that many have been throwing my way, "how does it feel to be a college graduate?" This is such an interesting question... and perhaps my answer may not make sense to all. My answer: "Graduating school feels like I am entering a mud wrestling match." Here is why...<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">DISCLAIMER: I have never competitively mud wrestled, this is my description of how I would imagine it would be like. I am however, a credited source as I have jumped around in a few mud puddles throughout the years.</span></strong><br /></span><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">GRADUATING, by Jen Moran. </span></strong></div><strong><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong></div><span style="font-family:georgia;">After 9 years of schooling, today I woke up a new woman. In fact, I actually feel a little taller (does college make you slouch?). Graduation to me is like entering a competitive mud wrestling tournament. My fighting name is Jen, the Hen and I am chosen to go up against Lizzy, the Leopard. I show up to the match in my head-to-toe leotard not knowing what to expect, feeling a little uncomfortable but happy with my color choice of green (it brings out the color in my eyes, they will be sure to wow the crowd). I enter the ring. Lizzy is just beautiful, with a breathtaking costume. The crowd is in the palm of her hand. She struts, the crowd goes wild... My turn. I feel so awkward but decide to do an unchoreographed cabbage patch and end with my arms thrown in the air and loud, "grrr..." The crowd silences, shrugs their shoulders, but seems to accept my entry with a cheer. Ding! The match begins! "Uh, oh," I think as I look into this dark whole of uncertain consistency. "Is this mud soft? hard? will I hurt myself? Will Lizzy hurt me? Will I like mud wrestling? Will I win?" I wink to the crowd and jump in.<br /></span><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;">So how does this relate to COLLEGE GRADUATION? It relates in so many ways... Though I have started my own company while in school, often times I have used school as a security blanket, a safe place. At 27 I have finally embraced my awkwardness, realizing that sometimes the best way to break the tension or anxiety of a situation is to just be me and go ahead and throw a cabbage patch in there every now and again. I may not be as polished as my competition, or know the right moves all the time... but my authentic self and willingness to "jump right in" and have no fear will continue to propel me forward. I am not certain of what lies ahead... if my journey will be soft... hard... have my feelings hurt... hurt other's feelings... or if I will win. I do know that I will be successful.<br /></div></span><strong></strong><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>I AM ALREADY A SUCCESS.</strong> </span></div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-14873845396642259022009-11-12T12:24:00.002-06:002009-11-12T12:28:37.728-06:00GREENOLA Website coming SOON!!!!<div align="center"><br />I can't even tell you <strong>HOW INCREDIBLY EXCITED</strong> we are to launch our new site. We have been working on this for some time now (web-design is apparently not my calling). With the help of www.ElementEleven.com design team, we are creating something REALLY special.<br /><br />Let me give you a taste of what is in store!!<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbFVZ29yVQJp7MH-9VVCJ7zX8rBRq2g0GhrwpP8_qYu-r7hIJoiPSkbv9gbuggANhj2AAEg1xsDq7tjfCM0VZKP5c3g7MThWiG8sDch-LMvwUh3lJJNxTnAvCAYMcCVx2uIXdWqSy32UE/s1600-h/green_web_6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403285643180970146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbFVZ29yVQJp7MH-9VVCJ7zX8rBRq2g0GhrwpP8_qYu-r7hIJoiPSkbv9gbuggANhj2AAEg1xsDq7tjfCM0VZKP5c3g7MThWiG8sDch-LMvwUh3lJJNxTnAvCAYMcCVx2uIXdWqSy32UE/s320/green_web_6.jpg" /></a>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-85061960039097014002009-10-22T19:47:00.004-05:002009-10-22T20:13:37.913-05:00Empower yourself, Empower the world.Last Friday I was asked to speak at the Chicago Catholic Festival of Faith. What an event! I didn't know what to expect... there were TONS of people in attendance.<br /><br />My presentation was titled: <strong>"What is <span style="color:#990000;">FAIR TRADE</span>? How do we educate and develop just practices in purchasing <span style="color:#990000;">FAIR TRADE</span>?"</strong><br /><br />Again, didn't know what to expect... but man, what a great crowd. They asked such wonderful questions and have such big desires to bring Fair Trade into their organizations. One of the biggest challenges most faced is:<br /><br /><strong>"How do we educate on Fair Trade and show our communities that with little changes, we can make a big difference?" and "How can we bring Fair Trade into our organizations without paying more?"<br /></strong><br />Both are great questions. There is so much greatness in the definition of Fair Trade that often it is hard to explain, all the while making sense to our listener. I found this great video that shows that even little changes in our spending can contribute SO MUCH to alleviating Global Poverty.<br /><br />THIS IS A FANTASTIC VIDEO... JUST WATCH AND SEE :)<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8JfGki00T0c&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8JfGki00T0c&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />You can make a HUGE difference even by switching a few of your current purchases to Fair Trade items. To learn more, or find Fair Trade offerings near you, check out the following links.<br /><br />Of course I will list our two organizations first :)<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.solidarityclothing.org/">http://www.solidarityclothing.org/</a> (Fair Trade school uniforms, business attire)</li><li><a href="http://www.greenolastyle.etsy.com/">http://www.greenolastyle.etsy.com/</a> (Women's clothing and accessories)</li><li><a href="http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/d/Home/pid/175">http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/d/Home/pid/175</a> (Great resource and listing of Fair Trade organizations)</li><li><a href="http://www.chicagofairtrade.org/">http://www.chicagofairtrade.org/</a> (Local resource)</li><li><a href="http://www.milwfairtrade.org/">http://www.milwfairtrade.org/</a> (another local resource)</li><li><a href="http://www.greenamerica.com/">http://www.greenamerica.com/</a> </li></ul><p>Alrighty.... Peace out for now! </p><p>-Jen</p>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-37420071305377539912009-10-01T09:22:00.004-05:002009-10-01T09:27:59.723-05:00MILWAUKEE!! JOIN US THIS SAT. @ THE PUBLIC MARKET!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9FKzUe3lwqadYZMBrq7aB7OXJZYb_LF5xwkrBc-MlsATfLGoEz1mf7y2UVDXCrqTgg_u0prKpT5j6zPiVTvbDUfrF4Hg0PO2kY_galzYmyZ5L9JtISippPUz0iMTQN5IN7j0W4KDcp2T/s1600-h/milwaukeefairtradepicture"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 154px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387637714275615186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9FKzUe3lwqadYZMBrq7aB7OXJZYb_LF5xwkrBc-MlsATfLGoEz1mf7y2UVDXCrqTgg_u0prKpT5j6zPiVTvbDUfrF4Hg0PO2kY_galzYmyZ5L9JtISippPUz0iMTQN5IN7j0W4KDcp2T/s320/milwaukeefairtradepicture" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><strong>Celebrate October Fair Trade Month at the<br />Milwaukee Public Market<br />Fair Trade Bazaar!<br /></strong></span>Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009<br />10 am – 2 pm<br />Milwaukee Public Market<br />400 N. Water St., 2nd Floor<br /><br /><br />Shop at 10 local Fair Trade vendor booths, see a fair trade, eco-friendly fashion show at 12:00 and 1:00 and have the chance to be entered in a drawing for prizes every 30 minutes!<br /><br />Argan D’Or Argan Oil<br />Chartreuse<br />Fair Trade For All<br />Four Corners of the World<br />Minga Fair Trade Imports<br />Rishi Tea<br />Stone Creek Coffee<br /><span style="color:#009900;">Solidarity Clothing/GREENOLA Fair Trade, Sustainable Style!!!!</span><br />Sven’s European Cafe<br />Trails to Bridges<br />Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;">SHOP OUR NEW LINE: </span><a href="http://www.greenolastyle.etsy.com/"><span style="color:#009900;">www.GREENOLAstyle.etsy.com</span></a></div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-43710729065455805272009-09-29T17:41:00.002-05:002009-09-29T17:44:36.586-05:00WOWEE!! What a month!!! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5gLnq7Dqy3JAUUe9NiLuvmsRmR9SiYD3oT_RnSMU7HjL0LSP9toqj413uuA33fhyphenhyphenOItKePrM_36N6Fw2x8E7dyvoSzn1iqLowjLpjIBr_DftSlS_l-hQ-udxi1u13s2z6KFybKOVMXz8/s1600-h/RENEGADE.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387023987576138002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5gLnq7Dqy3JAUUe9NiLuvmsRmR9SiYD3oT_RnSMU7HjL0LSP9toqj413uuA33fhyphenhyphenOItKePrM_36N6Fw2x8E7dyvoSzn1iqLowjLpjIBr_DftSlS_l-hQ-udxi1u13s2z6KFybKOVMXz8/s320/RENEGADE.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">This month has been nutso for Solidarity Clothing and GREENOLA!! Check out some memories from the RENEGADE Craft show in Chicago, IL. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-34605615812023863582009-08-17T19:34:00.005-05:002009-08-17T19:43:30.228-05:00GREENOLA Fair Trade, Sustainable Style<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;"><strong>HOLLA!!!</strong></span> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Our <strong>NEW</strong> women's line is now on <strong>SALE</strong>!!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">CHECK OUT OUR Sustainable, Stylish Women's Clothing Line:</div><br /><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.greenolastyle.etsy.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;">www.GREENOLAstyle.etsy.com</span></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Good for YOU. Good for the PRODUCERS. Good for our EARTH.</strong> </span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">For wholesale inquiries, please visit: <a href="http://www.greenolastyle.com/">http://www.greenolastyle.com</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371097502907958482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyEltSt-1SO6CDSaQTAqAswNwJsajaKO2cpASnym_PBerBovWcMkgATccccVELV7VCy01ovMiyhj3MLT4F0vkilJwVW__9V7FXHObHKwpMCwFNIi14du-JJK07GSJPGoxfX9JpLi-4Kc4/s320/Together1.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371097171995206898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4waFF_LWtqnxVXSJNsmfXCcP0RTo1k0MC2MXJFpFuho989Ylv5cUD0VZHAqajHSngTxN6vD95BfzkLvsIVvu9sHe8tju6NdsjfGyoEG2AvOF8JNKCyt92NLZMcC8Z6hH4vPQmYyB7VJhp/s320/Together3.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-81155331300209455062009-08-07T20:46:00.002-05:002009-08-07T21:55:55.770-05:00My Bolivian Prayer<p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/59EMaqELO4k&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/59EMaqELO4k&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center"><strong>I BELIEVE IN BOLIVIA. I BELIEVE IN ME.</strong></p><p align="center">Words are influential.</p><p align="center">Song is influential.</p><p align="center">Art is influential. </p><p align="center">Love is influential. </p><p align="center"><strong>Challenge your self to influence.</strong> </p><p align="left">Often the questions, "What is my purpose here on earth? Who created me?" are present in our lives. The answers, I have none. I am not here to tell you what to believe, or who do believe in. All I can do is share my journey with you, and encourage you on your own journey. <strong>For me...Prayer is not religion, it is ACTION. </strong></p><p align="center">"What you see depends on where you stand. </p><p align="center">How you jump will tell you where you are going to land." -Bono</p><p align="left">My Bolivian Prayer is my cry, my reaching out of my arms to you. Look into my eyes and see the faces of the poor. See my face, a face of courage and hope. Touch my hand, feel the power of Solidarity. </p><p align="center"><strong>I DON'T EXIST FOR MYSELF, I EXIST FOR THE WORLD.</strong> </p><p align="right">Peace, </p><p align="right">Jen</p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left"> </p><p> </p>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-13139679965407165032009-08-05T16:54:00.003-05:002009-08-05T16:55:53.268-05:00TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE CHANGE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWAFu8h6yEHaS8ZOTnjTGGIrcoT7iausTDJ2r8SlTHmQ07bmsJBrVA2EDhJ5IQ1bhZF8jwWDf0z5zHWpg_vjs2dgkXxYOyMRNPET1Hm1GDasQt2wuU2w2GN8NK6h3hICD2Wg0J124ksJC/s1600-h/Profile.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 403px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366601449406839362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWAFu8h6yEHaS8ZOTnjTGGIrcoT7iausTDJ2r8SlTHmQ07bmsJBrVA2EDhJ5IQ1bhZF8jwWDf0z5zHWpg_vjs2dgkXxYOyMRNPET1Hm1GDasQt2wuU2w2GN8NK6h3hICD2Wg0J124ksJC/s320/Profile.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-87835566044535992392009-08-04T14:49:00.002-05:002009-08-04T14:56:14.357-05:00YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!<p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Pr_UO7PwCE&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Pr_UO7PwCE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center">I found this video to be very informative, and funny!! Oh, and the accents :) Love it!! </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Let's be bodies of CHANGE! </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Eat Fair Trade Certified products!</strong></span> </p><p align="center">Peace, </p><p align="center">Jen </p>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-25486939038278838642009-07-29T08:33:00.004-05:002009-07-29T08:40:31.926-05:00YOU are invited to join us @ OHIO FAIR TRADE EXPO<div>September 26, 2009</div><br /><div>John Carroll University</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.ohiofairtrade.com/">http://www.ohiofairtrade.com/</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dear Fellow Fair Trade Advocates,<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>YOU are invited to....<br /></div><br /><div>The Ohio Fair Trade Expo at John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH on Saturday, September 26th 2009 from 9am-4pm.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The day will include speakers and workshops for members of faith communities, high school students, college students, fair trade advocates,those interested in social entrepreneurship, and all others who want to learn about the Fair Trade movement in Ohio and beyond. In addition to speakers and workshops, the day will feature a Fair Trade market, bringing together 20+ vendors from across Ohio with a variety of fair trade gifts, clothing, and food & drink products. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The speakers and workshops for the afternoon session were designed with students in mind, specifically those working with social justice and/or Fair Trade Initiatives in their communities.<br /></div><br /><div>Presenters include:</div><br /><ul><br /><li>Peter Buck - Program Representative, Equal Exchange Interfaith Program<<a href="http://www.equalexchange.coop/interfaith-program">http://www.equalexchange.coop/interfaith-program</a>></li><br /><li>Katy Cantrell - Program Advisor, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Fair TradeProgram <<a href="http://www.crsfairtrade.org/">http://www.crsfairtrade.org/</a>></li><br /><li>Sam Carpenter - General Manager, Global Gifts<<a href="http://www.globalgiftsindy.com/">http://www.globalgiftsindy.com/</a>></li><br /><li>Carmen Iezzi - Executive Director, Fair Trade Federation<<a href="http://www.fairtradefederation.org/">http://www.fairtradefederation.org/</a>></li><br /><li>John Ryan - State Director, Office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown<<a href="http://brown.senate.gov/">http://brown.senate.gov/</a>></li><br /><li>Chris Solt - Regional Sales Manager, Ten Thousand Villages<<a href="http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/">http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/</a>><br /></li></ul><br /><p>You can learn more about the Expo and pre-register at:<a href="http://www.ohiofairtrade.com/">http://www.ohiofairtrade.com/</a>. Online registration will be available on the website during the first week in August. Pre-registration for students is $5 and Expo-Day registration for students is $9.</p><br /><p>WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE!! </p><br /><p>Solidarity Clothing will be selling products from our new GREENOLA line: <a href="http://www.greenolastyle.com/">http://www.greenolastyle.com/</a></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363876260458936482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2a-GLl-tkxpb9K5-Av5H6N9eBjtELFTqird6Y4xGuGE_bzEn5XMFpwzWPMQ3QL95w9W5HfP-YBnMc-AhyyL7hXmA6W8Z6VTQVQHBomWWb2r8jGfdytrWSOaTB56DD-CjhkaVhlGoZA_D/s320/collage.jpg" /><br /><p></p><br /><p>Peace, </p><br /><p>Jennifer Moran and the Solidarity Clothing team :)</p>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-75885389979859242812009-07-14T17:02:00.007-05:002009-07-14T21:21:08.615-05:00Another Introduction...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt5qLyUyUvJZQ3RaKXtwKHR-CRfxnaWxT0-yeuNoD3-a72zBnas4FXjuICZ-UVMHSM1pX3F-A4I5tmbQzICyC24q8zIJKD4rNHemUxGXJurj13wfDjUag79XssxHnVHz1MHiZVThap-pf/s1600-h/la+paz+085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358440861238336562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt5qLyUyUvJZQ3RaKXtwKHR-CRfxnaWxT0-yeuNoD3-a72zBnas4FXjuICZ-UVMHSM1pX3F-A4I5tmbQzICyC24q8zIJKD4rNHemUxGXJurj13wfDjUag79XssxHnVHz1MHiZVThap-pf/s320/la+paz+085.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77Rx3JvrkP-hMe8FkiowJpKHsVJl1OyOsjXiFrsnp_iZC6yenEnXWF6vT2URb-k7hvQphr2WoR86vORZ9EN5PC3KTPO6D1KikR2EdWdeYEoAFSCw2Yvm0VBDP7OScyuhu5MEX83W9kEKT/s1600-h/el+campo+2+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358440850719861106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77Rx3JvrkP-hMe8FkiowJpKHsVJl1OyOsjXiFrsnp_iZC6yenEnXWF6vT2URb-k7hvQphr2WoR86vORZ9EN5PC3KTPO6D1KikR2EdWdeYEoAFSCw2Yvm0VBDP7OScyuhu5MEX83W9kEKT/s320/el+campo+2+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My name is Karina and I am so excited to be interning for Solidarity Clothing and GREENOLA this summer. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am an undergraduate at Northwestern University studying Cultural Anthropology and International Studies with a concentration in Latin America.<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><p><span style="font-size:+0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Last fall, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Cochabamba, Bolivia for four months. During this amazing adventure, I became enthralled with Bolivia’s vibrant culture, its friendly people, and its complex sociopolitical landscape. While in Bolivia I saw many vivid and often heartbreaking glimpses of how poverty impacts the children, women, and men of this developing nation. Upon my return to the United States, I could not forget (nor did I want to forget) the names and faces of Bolivian children I met living on the streets, the stories of women searching for options to send their girls to school, or the conversations I had with parents discussing daily struggles to feed their children.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:+0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After returning to the states, I wanted to participate in sustainable changes in Bolivia so I searched for organizations in the U.S. that work with Bolivian people. Most of the organizations I encountered take a charity-type approach by directly giving money, food, and supplies to Bolivian people. Although this approach to poverty is valid and hugely important, I want to be part of a project that emphasizes participatory development and that recognizes the skills and abilities of Bolivian people by focusing on their assets to increase economic stability. I eagerly searched for such an avenue to stay involved in Bolivia and make a difference in communities I had grown to love.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:+0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I literally found the opportunity I was looking for on a crumpled napkin.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:+0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was sitting at a post-study abroad dinner at Northwestern when the woman next to me suddenly handed me a paper napkin on which she had hastily scrawled the name of a local organization that does work in Bolivia: Solidarity Clothing. After this serendipitous introduction to Solidarity Clothing and GREENOLA, I became increasingly intrigued by the concept of fair trade and began to explore its goals and impact.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:+0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The more I learn about the mission of fair trade, the more I become convinced of its positive impact in developing nations like Bolivia. I am thrilled to be working with an organization that focuses on lasting, bilateral partnerships between U.S. consumers and Bolivian producers. I think fair trade has so much potential to allow people market access and economic opportunities in dignified and empowering manners. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:+0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I feel so fortunate to be working with Solidarity Clothing and GREENOLA. In the process, I am excited to learn more about fair trade, Bolivian producers, and socially conscious consumerism.</span></span></span></p></span></div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-18636817662382791262009-07-01T15:09:00.002-05:002009-07-01T15:12:52.284-05:00Bolivia Still on Suspension :(<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Esto no es bueno!!</strong></span> <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">BOO! BOO! Evo Morales.. why must you act so silly? Think of your people! -Jen</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>Obama Continues Trade Preferences For Ecuador, Not Bolivia</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday that Ecuador would continue to enjoy trade preferences, while extending Bolivia's suspension from the program.<br /><br />In reviewing the countries' eligibility for the two countries' Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act, Obama declined to determine either that Bolivia had satisfied the requirements of the act or that Ecuador failed to meet the requirements, according to the U.S. Trade Representative's office.<br /><br />Thus, the suspension of Bolivia initiated by President George W. Bush last November remains in effect, while Ecuador will be able to continue getting duty- free treatment to most of its exports to the U.S. through the end of the year.<br /><br />While the decision on Bolivia was expected, U.S. business groups had hoped that Ecuador would also be taken off the program due to what they consider an unfavorable investment climate in the country. Both Bolivian President Evo Morales and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa are allies of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a constant critic of U.S. policies in the region.<br /><br />The Andean trade preferences have been in place since the end of 1991 to help four South American countries, also including Colombia and Peru, combat drug trafficking. The benefits have been renewed every year.<br /><br />-By Tom Barkley, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9275; tom.barkley@dowjones.comSolidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-51751192316540335352009-06-16T12:18:00.003-05:002009-06-16T12:32:33.596-05:00UWM to sign Anti-sweatshop policy!!!<div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347978723909285346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAMpDZ30pE1IQSDl0eR8zF2qlYXw8a1viQw0scPzTWas7AnfBxnuoJ6rHmnNwGVFYHjzrM5Xle0TAGVj3o8phSWsYygxTkJ0royfxVtTdZyxVM2wqGy9lNPJKkWuogsdFq5G5Ada734Sr/s320/uwmfashionshow.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoM9qKegv78Sj2tGOVll6Qvu6HWajREYA8VU7NIfjZEq_yHOOHbjMFUlP3cqZ0NgEdPU6Ym9IeZl_B4J-Lb2yFNnVmh3jQfON8yuNRnHMuC8lir6JVYDAzsfnzM7YeioXJl0vGOH0uJQo/s1600-h/uwmfashionshow2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347978729642644162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoM9qKegv78Sj2tGOVll6Qvu6HWajREYA8VU7NIfjZEq_yHOOHbjMFUlP3cqZ0NgEdPU6Ym9IeZl_B4J-Lb2yFNnVmh3jQfON8yuNRnHMuC8lir6JVYDAzsfnzM7YeioXJl0vGOH0uJQo/s320/uwmfashionshow2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jen's Comments: I met with Darius Alemzadeh (one of the student leaders behind Sweat Free UWM campaign) of UWM and was blown away with all the efforts of his group. This is another great example of how CHANGE is possible.<br /><br />Solidarity Clothing joined "Sweat Free UWM" for their celebratory Fashion Show. The event proved to be a success. Many students joined in to celebrate and learn about Fair Trade and Sweat Free practices. AWESOME!! (See the pictures above from the fashion show!! You can see more here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mkensc/)<br /><br /><strong><br />UWM to Sign Anti-sweatshop policy!!!</strong> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347979488972121202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oTZ3ragVCAIK4oDNHfJGmTAuS1E0g1L4X-xvY7bNEjfkeyVMBWwnaClX8yIOoxoh2gY6Eupbttd9BbYh3oYoI0J5jwTLH6Xqii_AOr2Hz8a_ZpLUozBbkVH1WZSq-SEibtT69KqQJZI8/s320/uwmfashionshow3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><br />By Erica Perez of the Journal Sentinel<br />Apr. 2, 2009<br /><br />Anti-sweatshop student groups at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are celebrating the university's decision this week to endorse a program designed to protect the rights of the workers who sew university logo apparel.<br /><br />Student groups have been pushing the school to endorse the Designated Suppliers Program, which requires university licensees to verify the source of their apparel from factories that pay a living wage and allow workers to unionize, among other requirements.<br /><br />This week, students got word from university administrators that they would sign on.<br /><br />An 11 a.m. rally planned for Friday will now be a celebration instead of agitation, said graduate student Dana Schultz, an organizer with Milwaukee Students for a Democratic Society.<br /><br />"It feels amazing," Schultz said. "A lot of dedicated people have put hours and hours into this. It seems like an easy thing for a university to do, but it's a commitment and it's putting the university's name behind something to ensure clothes are made responsibly."<br /><br />As part of the effort to get UWM to endorse the program, Milwaukee Students for a Democratic Society and the Milwaukee Graduate Assistant Association staged a protest last fall. In recent weeks, students hung a "sweatshop clothesline" in front of Chancellor Carlos Santiago's office. University apparel such as basketball t-shirts are hung up on the clothesline with facts about sweatshops.<br /><br />Some 45 colleges and universities across the country have penned policy statements in support of the program, including UW-Madison and Marquette University.<br /><br />UWM previously said it supported the principles of the Designated Supplier Program but felt "the program may pose legal, logistical, and economic issues as it is currently structured, concerns shared by other institutions and organizations.” The school stopped short of endorsing the program.<br /><br />Schultz got an e-mail from UWM Vice Chancellor Tom Luljak this week that said the university had agreed to sign on, a move that would make it the 46th university on the list.<br /><br />UWM appears ready to participate as a member of the Designated Suppliers Program working group, a body of representatives from colleges that support the program and are working to come up with revisions to the plan. Marquette University has a similar commitment.<br /><br />Schultz said UWM's new commitment won't likely translate into changes in who supplies university apparel. The hope is that UWM's suppliers would all be certified under the Designated Suppliers Program's strict standards.<br /><br />"If in fact all of our clothes are made from factories that treat workers with respect, then it shouldn't be a problem at all," she said. </div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-63384510025762909002009-06-16T10:15:00.003-05:002009-06-16T12:57:51.939-05:00Radio Head: All I Need.This video is AMAZING and impactful.<br /><br />JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN EXPLOITATION AND TRAFFICKING!!<br /><br />Not only does Radio Head have a mystic way with words, this video depicts the realities that some men/women/children face each day. Realities that can and should be addressed. A great site I found that provides great information and resources on how you can join the Fight is: <a href="http://www.free2work.org/">http://www.free2work.org/</a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cdrCalO5BDs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cdrCalO5BDs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-15692694738666416022009-05-25T14:09:00.002-05:002009-05-25T14:19:29.051-05:00Providence College in Rhode Island Declared Sweat Free!!We are so excited to have connected with the inspirational students of Providence College. With all their efforts they have been able to turn their college into a SWEAT FREE campus. YAY!! CONGRATS!!<br /><br />Providence student Jamie Doherty helped lead the campaign. She writes,<br /><br />"Our Sweat Free campaign group has been working for a year and half to get the bookstore to go sweat free by joining the WRC. Last year the focus was on educating the student body by showing a documentary and creating posters around campus. We held a boycott of the bookstore, attained the support of the faculty senate and finally got a meeting with the President just a month ago. He agreed to join the WRC and has begun the process of writing a<br />code of conduct for the school. Our goal now is to celebrate this victory and inform the student body of what we have achieved."<br /><br />AWESOME!! Solidarity Clothing is proud to have contributed to Providence College's successful event.<br /><br />"Our event was very successful. It went better than we even expected. It was a very hot day and we held it on the quad so all the kids were outside anyways and came over to tye dye. We sold out all the tee sweat free tee shirts we ordered, and everyone had a blast tye dying. More people kept coming up after we ran out! We had probably 250 people come by throughout the day. We had a speaker from United Students Against Sweatshops speak for about 20 minutes. I can't remember her name off the top of my head, but she gave a brief overview of sweatshops and the work they do. We had also been working to have clubs and organizations around campus sign pledges to purchase only sweat free tee shirts, (as the college's pledge is only for the bookstore) So far we have successfully gained about ten pledges from different clubs and hope to continue with that next year. At the event we raffled off all the donations we received as well as some gift certificates we purchased and everyone was so grateful and excited. It was a very exciting day. :)We were also concurrently advertising for an event we had a few days later- a woman named Norma touring colleges to talk about her experiences working at a a sweatshop in Honduras. She worked for Jerzees de Honduras, which is a factory owned by Russell Athletic. Russell recently closed Jerzees de Honduras in violation of university codes of conduct in an effort to destroy the union that the workers organized. Norma and others are touring universities to spread awareness of the issues and of Russell's practices. Her speech was incredibly moving and we had a very good turnout for that event as well. Overall it was incredibly successful and we're happy to finally be a sweat free campus.Thank you for your donations and your interest!"<br /><br />Thank you Jamie and all the other students at Providence College for creating positive change in the world!<br /><br />LOVES IT!!!Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-52085554714392929162009-04-27T14:45:00.003-05:002009-04-27T14:48:00.493-05:00DAY 5, My Bolivian Journey. "KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND YOUR PURSE CLOSE."<strong>Thursday, April 23rd, 2009</strong><br /> <br /> Today I made quite the observation, Bolivian dog poo is NOT the same as American dog poo. I woke up this morning at 3AM so that I could have 4 full hours to go over my business plan and financials due this evening for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DePaul</span>’s Venture Challenge. Call me crazy… this I know (I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t even want to think about the possibility of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> not working tonight; the possibility is quite high. You know, the power of positive thinking). Well anyways, after 4 hours and lots of Bolivian chocolate I had to run to the town to change some money and get some kind of exercise to make myself feel better about eating all the chocolate. The walk was great, Cochabamba has the best weather. I was practically skipping, smiling at everyone walking by, “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Buen</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">dia</span>!” Nothing could be better in that moment. And then it happened… all of a sudden I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldn</span>’t lift my foot. It was stuck to the side walk. I looked down. I had stepped in dog poo (!). This <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn</span>’t just any dog poo, it was Bolivian dog poo. This stuff is more potent that gum. You are probably thinking exactly what I thought at first, “No, that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldn</span>’t have been dog poo. You would never stick to the side walk like that.” I can assure you it was. Being the curious person I am, I immediately began a search for some more poo to confirm my observation. Sure thing, Bolivian dogs must be eating the craziest things. Not only does their “poo” look quite interesting…I believe this could be a new raw material source and market opportunity, Bolivian dog poo glue.<br /><br /><strong>DAY 5: La <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cancha</span>, keep your eyes open and your purse close.</strong><br /><br /> Today is La <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cancha</span> day with my college’s non-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">english</span> speaking wife and then lunch with two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fantastic</span> people and board members of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Puente</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solidaridad</span> (Solidarity Clothing’s partnering Bolivian non-profit). La <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cancha</span>, means “The Market” in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span>. It should mean “Small, over populated town.” This market is the craziest, fast paced, noisiest place I have ever been. Monica (the wife of my colleague) came to pick me up in (really) small car. The first thing I thought when I saw it was, “Oh my goodness… How the heck will I fit in there (I am 5’11”)?” Some how I managed to get myself in the car. My head was literally touching the ceiling. Immediately we connected, Monica is such a wonderful woman (and speaks <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">incredibly</span> clear <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span>). She drove us right into the middle of the market. HA! (laughing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">outloud</span> as the a visual appears in my head) One of the main streets was closed for road construction and there was this big yellow ribbon blocking the street. “Jennifer, get out and hold the ribbon up. We are going in, that’s the street we need,” she told me. Um, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>. I got out and held the ribbon up as she quickly drove under. I can’t even tell you how many people were yelling at me. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t even try to understand what they were saying. I just got back into the car as quickly as I could. “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perfecto</span>!” she replied as if she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldn</span>’t hear any of the curses. We drove a little way and parked (we were the only car on the blocked off street, such Royalty). Monica looked at me and said, “Keep your eyes open and your purse close.” Then she just started walking, never looking back. For as little as she was, man did she walk fast. We walked past meat stands, aisles of candy, bread, shoes, sunglasses, fabrics, you name it, it was there. Finally, as if it appeared out of nowhere we approached this hidden aisle of great Bolivian artifacts. Man where they excited to see me. “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pregunta</span> me! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pregunta</span> me! (ask me a question)” Flew at me from all angles. Though I felt completely overwhelmed, I found some beautiful jewelry, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">placemats</span>, and small artifacts.<br /><br /> After la <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cancha</span> I had a wonderful lunch with Carlos and Marie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Eugenia</span> (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Puente</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solidaridad</span> board members). These are two of the nicest, most admirable people I have ever met. They welcomed me into their home and greeted me with the fanciest lunch I had ever seen. I tried so hard to speak in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span> but my head was so tired from my time with Monica. All my sentences came out making <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">absolutely</span> no sense. They were so patient with me. I have learned that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bolivianos</span> are such loving, patient people. These two are no exception. Marie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Eugenia</span> made this wonderful avocado salad that I just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldn</span>’t get enough of. They were so pleased with how much of it I ate that they brought out two more avocados just to satisfy my love. These things were the size of my head! I have NEVER seen avocados this big. Just another reason to love this country, Bolivia. After a wonderful lunch I was ready to return to my hotel, submit my business plan (have it FINALLY out of my mind), and get my self ready to fly to Santa Cruz to meet back up with the doctors. I learned earlier in the week that I would be the “official Operating Room photographer” during tomorrow’s open heart surgeries (!!). Whose said that with 9 years of schooling I could have been a doctor? This artist, world traveler, business student, hippie, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">entrepreneur</span>, etc., will be in the operating room! My mother should be so proud.Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-80457106027130469062009-04-25T18:37:00.004-05:002009-04-27T14:59:49.217-05:00DAY 4: OH-La-La Cooperative.<strong>Wednesday, April 22<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span>, 2009</strong><br /><br />First I need to apologize to all of you for not getting this post up Wednesday (I especially need to apologize to my mother who has been religiously checking my blog to ensure I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>… Mother, lo <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">siento</span>), I am a few days behind on my posts. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">internet</span> connection I was using has not been the best lately. Wednesday proved to be quite the busy day. This was the day I was waiting for, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ulala</span> day. Not only is it a fantastic word to say (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ulala</span> is the word for the cactus flower here in Bolivia. It is pronounced: Ooh-la-la), it is a wonderful cooperative to visit. I also had to work on my business plan… Back in the US, I am a finalist in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">DePaul</span> University’s Venture Challenge with Solidarity Clothing’s other line, www.GREENOLAstyle.com. My final plan was due the next day, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Thurday</span>. I always turn in things at the last minute. Not because I procrastinate, but because I have to re-read it a million times.<br /><br />All the doctors left to Santa Cruz Tuesday night leaving me to fend for myself. I love this feeling… I THRIVE in this feeling. How better to challenge your mind, courage and strength than to submerge yourself in an uncomfortable situation (the uncomfortableness being my very limited <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span> vocabulary)? My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span> is improving each day and I am learning that a good giggle after a completely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ridiculous</span> sentence works quite well. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bolivianos</span> are so patient and don’t mind my favorite word, “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">despacio</span> (slowly).” I do have to say, I am surprising myself.<br /><br /><strong>DAY 4: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ulala</span> Cooperative.<br /></strong><br />This morning Jose (my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">colleague</span>) came to the hotel to pick me up. The hotel staff <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">wouldn</span>’t let me leave until I ate some breakfast (of course I would never tell them the breakfast always gives me a stomach ache). They are so wonderful and just love hearing me attempt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span>. I have worked with Jose for a little more than a year but never really had a good conversation with him due to the language <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">barrier</span>. I have learned so much about him in this last week through our broken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span>/broken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">english</span> conversations. This is such a wonderful thing. I feel so much closer to him, hearing his goals, and hopes for Solidarity Clothing. I know that together we will create such a positive change in the world. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with every thing I am doing; running two companies while taking five classes at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">DePaul</span> University. Never again will I complain when I this feeling approaches and I have to go to my three hour <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span> class every Friday. It has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">certainly</span> paid off.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ulala</span> Cooperative is one of my favorites. These women are true <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">entrepreneurs</span> who show so much pride in their work. Every time I visit they are quick to show me their new styles, asking how I think they can improve and increase their market. In my previous visits I have had a translator. This for some reason made the visits feel very professional and business like. This time, it was me and my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span>. WOW! This visit was truly amazing, AMAZING. I now am able to communicate with them (and they could actually understand me). Because of this, so much energy filled their bodies. Women who I thought were shy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">wouldn</span>’t stop talking. At one point we were all huddled around the table, shoulder to shoulder, laughing and all talking at once. I had a permanent smile on my face. They were so pleased that I learned <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">spanish</span> and could understand what they were saying. Nobody could ask me enough questions. They wanted to learn all about the US, my family, and the style women wear. I had them do a product sample for Lola-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">ola</span> (my love and golden retriever) with out them really know what it was (only because I really <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldn</span>’t explain it at the time of the request). The sample turned out fantastic and when I explained what exactly it will be used for, they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">couldn</span>’t believe it. “Who would buy a product for their dog? That is crazy,” they said. Ha! As you all know, we Americans are crazy when it comes to our dogs. I showed them a picture of Lola as I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">explained</span> the American dog market… pet hotels, manicures, grooming, massage, pet psychology, etc. Many hands were brought to their mouths in shock. As I was laughing at the reactions I noticed one of the older women in off to the side with what looked to me as a look of complete disgust. Oh, my laughing stopped. Maybe I offended her with my crazy American spending habits… All of a sudden she stood up and said, “I love dogs! This is very interesting. Tell me how we can get into this market. Show me your dogs. What sizes do I need to make? Let’s make sweaters. What colors?” We then went on to talk about dogs for a good hour. HA! Even when I was getting ready to leave she pulled me aside and said, “Please tell me the size of your dogs. This is a great thing.”Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-36501138727591930292009-04-21T21:25:00.004-05:002009-04-27T14:59:23.084-05:00DAY 3, Bolivia. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO CLOSE TO DEATHTuesday, April 21, 2009<br /><br />I had the hardest time waking up this morning. I had such vivid dreams last night as I always do when I am here in Bolivia. In my dreams I had such big hands and my face <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn</span>’t visible. This may sound strange… but I know EXACTLY what it meant. My hands are so much more powerful than my face… you can only do so much with a beautiful face; with beautiful hands, you can change the world.<br /><br />I don’t consider myself a “religious person.” I don’t go to church and I have a hard time following one religion’s views. I follow my heart, earth’s energies, my passions, and intuition. I know I have a purpose and I want to make a difference. Each time I come to Bolivia, I am reassured of my life’s path and that I am being guided (by whom/what… I can’t say for sure).<br /><br />Today we lost one of the patients in the operating room (I am traveling with <a href="http://www.solidaritybridge.org/">http://www.solidaritybridge.org/</a>, my partnering non-profit). I have never felt so overwhelmed with sadness together with such a strong presence of faith in my life. This patient was a mother of seven, less than 50 years old. She was on her path to death before we saw her; we hoped we could give her more time on this path so she could continue to be with her children. I have never been so close to death before. After she passed, I could feel her energy circulating around the room drawing all the doctors (Bolivian and American), her family, and our staff together as one force moving forward.<br /><br /><strong>DAY 2: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tata</span> Esteban Cooperative<br /></strong><br />Before heading to the hospital to be with the patients and help out the doctors I visited our cooperative, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tata</span> Esteban. Also know as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sipaskuna</span> (pronounced SE-CA-ME-SPA), the Quechua word meaning “young women,” <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tata</span> Esteban is located in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tiraque</span> a small mountain town of 2,000 in the heart of Bolivia. The young women, owners of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tata</span> Esteban, are alumni of a training center affiliated with the local church. I love visiting this small town and talking with these young, playful girls working at this cooperative. Each time I visit I see another young girl (between the ages of 14-25) in the cooperative with a newborn baby strapped to her back as she works. It is another classic case of a young girl impregnated by just as young of a boy who is unable to man up to the responsibility of a baby; she is then is left to take care of the baby by herself. Without the proper sex education and preventive measures available, this is an unfortunate reality for Bolivian girls.<br /><br />As we started to talk, again the biggest concern was work. They need more work. The American company they produce many goods for and we help coordinate, no longer needs their services. There has been many quality issues with their work and they haven’t been able to source the correct fabric. They asked for my help in getting one more chance. They need this work to support their cooperative. Together we talked about new styles, quality, and how we are going to approach this company to reassure their cooperative is capable of the company’s requests. We came up with a plan and have some great new samples coming back with me to give to the American company. Solidarity Clothing is also starting a new line, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">GREENOLA</span> (<a href="http://www.greenolastyle.com/">http://www.greenolastyle.com/</a>) and the girls and I had some great conversation around new products that allowed them to utilize their creativity and innovation. They are so funny… they were really excited to show me a new “dress” they created. This was not much of a dress, it was quite sexy. I tried to hold back my look of shock when they asked if I would wear it (Basically it was two panels that barely covered the chest area that flowed into a incredibly short skirt). As politely as I could in Spanish I told them it was too cold in Chicago for such a dress.Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-69805946541787199022009-04-20T20:58:00.003-05:002009-04-27T14:49:00.812-05:00K'anchy Cooperative, DAY 2Monday, April 20, 2009<br /><br />So, remember when I mentioned I realized I forgot something? I am very disappointed to say I forgot my camera cord… you will not be able to view my photos until my return. UGH! Oh, the suspense…<br /><br />Last night I arrived to my hotel in Santa Cruz at 11PM. Of course I was not able to go right to sleep; I had to figure out the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">internet</span> so that I could post my journal entry. I suppose I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t HAVE to… but I did tell my mother the only way she would know I was safe was to read my blog (this was to force technology on her, make her actually use her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> account, and to raise the number of viewers to my blog. Sneaky, I know). With a 6:30AM flight to Cochabamba today, the morning came WAY too early. I had a total of three hours of sleep. As soon as the plane began to roll, so did my eyes. I was out like a baby and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t wake up until we aggressively touched town in Cochabamba. I love this city, but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">geez</span>, every time I arrive at this airport there is a new challenge to face. We were unable to bring the medical supplies through security (!). We were told we had to leave the supplies (that were needed today for surgeries) at the airport until we return with a “doctor’s note.” It <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t matter that we had one of the top heart doctors in the US with us along with all his credentials. I mean, come on! Would this distinguished doctor come to Bolivia along with HEART VALVES for any other reason than to perform surgeries? Apparently they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t trust us (or someone needed to feel important). Long story short, after we arrived at our hotel we were able to send someone back with a note and the boxes were recovered. This was great news, since we had four <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bolivianos</span> waiting at the hospital for us today to begin surgery.<br /><br /><strong>DAY 2: Visiting K’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">anchy</span> cooperative.</strong><br /><br />When our small group arrived to our hotel in Cochabamba we were greeted by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Puente</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solidaridad</span> staff’s (my Bolivian partnering non-profit and Solidarity Bridge’s Bolivian staff) hugs and kisses. Immediately I was told they would not be speaking English to me (group laugh), and they wondered why my hair was no longer blond, and why I looked like I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">wasn</span>’t eating as much. In Bolivia blond hair is a rarity and a little more “meat” on your bones implies you are living a good life. I assured them I am living the life of my dreams and that I am trying to be healthier so I have better luck with a husband (every time I visit they wonder why at 26 years old I am not married. In Bolivia this age is really old. They worry that I will soon be too old for a husband). Of course I don’t share the thought that immediately races through my head each time this question is asked “Are you kidding! I am ONLY 26 years old!”<br /><br />We have a great breakfast and Jose (my college who coordinates all Solidarity Clothing’s orders) and I separate from the medical group and head to K’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">anchy</span> cooperative. Just a quick background… K’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">anchy</span> is the cooperative that produces the polo shirts, t-shirts and canvas shopping bags for Solidarity Clothing. I am especially excited to visit and share all the recent excitement surrounding our last order.<br /><br /><strong>K’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">anchy</span>:</strong> On the ride to the cooperative Jose and I discuss the many challenges we have been dealing with importing (Jose in broken English, Jen in broken Spanish). Each time there seems to be something new. After many confused looks and interesting sentence structures we are able to create a plan for future orders. We arrive at a half finished building which is now the home of K’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">anchy</span>. This is really hard for me to see. In the last year they were forced to move out of their previous building because the owner decided to no longer rent the space. I walk up the steps to the fourth floor of the building and I am greeted by the now 6 member cooperative (we used to have close to 12 members). The US <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">isn</span>’t the only country experiencing the hardships, lack of work, and price increases due to the current economic crisis. Bolivia has been hit just as hard. Solidarity Clothing is not the only organization providing work for this cooperative. Thankfully we have been able to keep our orders somewhat consistent. Unfortunately, the work load from other organizations has been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lessened</span> a great deal due to the economy.<br /><br />After our hugs, kisses, and hellos we all sit down to talk. This is where it got really emotional for me… Times are rough, and they are not happy with their current building. “How am I going to provide them work?” they asked. They amaze me with their commitment to each other and their craft. I want so bad to tell them it’s <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, we have more work coming, but I can’t. There is so much uncertainty. Sometimes I feel like so much pressure is on my shoulders. In a way, I am the one controlling their future. The harder I work in the US, the more work they are able to receive and the easier they are able to rise out of poverty. This is a lot of pressure… but I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">wouldn</span>’t have it any other way. The way I look at it is that these people are my family. Just like any family, we need to work together to survive, grow, and support each other. Never would I give up on them, and never would they give up on me. We talked about how we are going to get future orders and I shared with them the new marketing materials I recently distributed. It was great to see hope start to fill their eyes as they viewed the FANTASTIC photos of their shirts that were donated by a photographer friend of mine. “WOW!” They said. “How could we not get more orders with these photos?” We also talked about the recent Coleman Center order (<a href="http://www.cec.depaul.edu/">http://www.cec.depaul.edu/</a>) and all the great feedback I received. I realized that even though I may not be able to say everything I want to say, just me being here in Bolivia taking the time to visit with them gives them hope and confidence that together we will make Solidarity Clothing work. I need their presence, energies and reassurance just as much as they need mine.Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-61661957211750043132009-04-19T23:26:00.004-05:002009-04-27T14:58:28.827-05:00Bolivia, DAY 1. THE JOURNEY BEGINS.Sunday, April 19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> as recorded by Jen Moran.<br /><br /><strong>My Journey to Bolivia Begins:<br /></strong><br />Though this is my third trip to Bolivia, my excitement, anticipation and feelings of complete happiness are not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lessened</span>. In fact, as I was driving to the airport at 5AM this morning (!) my feelings were heightened. Perhaps these feelings stemmed from a quick thought of escaping the craziness of my life, the ridiculously early hour, the sleep deprived state I have been living in for the last year, or the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">venti</span> coffee I splurged on with hopes of making to the airport in once piece… No way man, it was the sudden realization that I will be returning to the country that allows me to share <strong>whole self</strong> and that has put so much passion, hope, beauty, and strength into my life.<br /><br />I invite you all to share this journey with me as I travel around the Bolivian cities of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba meeting with men and women entrepreneurs (just like me). Unlike me, they are not given all the opportunities that America has to offer. These men and women are living in dire poverty, fighting for their lives, homes, and their children’s futures. Follow me each day as I share stories, adventures, and pictures (if I can figure out how to upload them) of my journey.<br /><br /><strong>DAY 1: I swear I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">didn</span>’t pee my pants.<br /></strong><br />Today started at the early hour of 4:30AM. Last night I had the hardest time falling asleep as the excitement of my trip overwhelmed my thoughts (and the worries of forgetting something important. Just as I type this sentence I am realizing I did forget something. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">DOAH</span>!). I had my best friend over to help calm my mind and facilitate the packing process. I must not be the best company when I pack, he fell asleep the moment he sat on my bed. Ha!<br /><br />After 4 hours of sleep, I practically jumped out of bed at the sound of my alarm, ready for my travels. The plan was for me to drive to my brother’s house in Chicago, leave my car with him for the week (minus all the dog hair, his number one request) and have him drive me to the airport. We arrived (VERY) quickly to the airport where I met up with the three heart doctors I am traveling with from my partnering non-profit, Solidarity Bridge (<a href="http://www.solidaritybridge.org/">http://www.solidaritybridge.org/</a>). These doctors are truly amazing. They are all donating their time and expertise to perform as many heart surgeries and check-ups <strong>FREE OF CHARGE</strong> to the poor of Bolivia in this next week. They not only have magical, powerful hands, they also have magical, powerful hearts. Each one of us brought two full suitcases of medical supplies with us (AWESOME).<br /><br /><strong>ON THE PLANE:</strong> As mentioned before, I woke up way too early for proper brain functioning… so of course the first thing I did when I sat down on the plane was to prepare myself for sleep. Sounds great, right? Oh, it was… let me tell you. I was so tired that after I finished taking a drink of water prior to my comatose I failed to screw the cap on my water bottle tightly on before placing the bottle next to me. After about a good hour nap I woke to find myself in a complete puddle, pants completely soaked. Immediately I thought I had peed my pants in my sleep. But why would I still have to go to the bathroom so bad? As I sat there thinking about what exactly went down, I found the culprit, my water bottle. Sigh of relief… but wait, I still had to go to the bathroom. Do I get up and walk to the bathroom looking like I just peed my pants? Or do I hold it and wait for my pants to dry a bit, saving myself the humiliation? I had to get out of my head and ask myself, “<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">WWJD</span>, you know... What would Jen (the confident one) do?” She would stand up, and walk tall. Besides, all the cool kids pee their pants, right? And that's just what I did... (not the peeing pants part).Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-69756541127176668002009-04-18T19:33:00.002-05:002009-04-18T19:36:08.882-05:00Create a Fair Trade Flavor Contest!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62sDArT0HVYHXLBYVeXS12pn76b0baOQ9Ql87Qxm_agKKM16EEiAyspgUo5R8OlDHPBFaLPfcPKwjfzI84UW8y285i-Pq1cPX6AE4Mkbx9q-jMIYnJ3gvIJNHtWr_mrDKgR1lpu3LtKh9/s1600-h/benandjerry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326194774732069666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62sDArT0HVYHXLBYVeXS12pn76b0baOQ9Ql87Qxm_agKKM16EEiAyspgUo5R8OlDHPBFaLPfcPKwjfzI84UW8y285i-Pq1cPX6AE4Mkbx9q-jMIYnJ3gvIJNHtWr_mrDKgR1lpu3LtKh9/s400/benandjerry.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This is SUPER COOL!! mmmm.... I would choose a Fair Trade, Green Tea flavor with Almonds. My mouth is watering thinking about it!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Macadamia won’t be the newest Fair Trade flavor for long. Fans can enter their own funky flavor ideas using the ‘flavor generator’ on the company’s web site until the contest ends on May 26th, 2009. ENTER YOUR FLAVOR at <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.benjerry.com/" target="_blank">http://www.benjerry.com/</a>.<br />At the close of the global contest in June a lucky winner from each of the seventeen participating countries selling Ben & Jerry’s will be chosen to win a trip to the company’s Fair Trade cocoa cooperative in the Dominican Republic. On the trip, the grand prize winner and the winning flavor will be announced, and then appear on shelves as pints and in Scoop Shops in March 2010. <a onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090414006044&newsLang=en" target="_blank">http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090414006044&newsLang=en</a> </div>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420341656116898723.post-2830284996463406832009-04-11T21:55:00.001-05:002009-04-11T21:58:19.675-05:00We CAN change the world!<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ACkEM19FEho&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ACkEM19FEho&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>This movie is AWESOME!! Together we can change the world :) </p>Solidarity Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245793744756971279noreply@blogger.com0