I remember the exact moment Elevāt became reality. While riding in a car with my brother, Ben, I started sharing this crazy idea I had for helping ease poverty in some of the world’s poorest regions.
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When Mary fled Burundi, she had no idea that jewelry would save her life. With gunfire flying through the air, she left her job as a professor and gathered her three children. They left their home, trying to live on the run.
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We probably make hundreds of purchases every year. And, if you’re like me, a lot of those purchases are clothes. Often, I find myself drawn into a new collection, an upcoming promotion, or even just a cute scarf in the “perfect” color.
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For many of us, we have heard the phrase “fair trade” tossed around here and there at various craft shows, local ministries, non-profits, and even in nation-wide corporations … But wait. Do we even know what “fair trade” means? Do we really know why we should feel good after purchasing a fair trade product?
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Imagine you are fleeing for your life because you dared to feed peaceful protestors who were standing up for what they believed in. Death threats and gunshots force you to leave your home and your stable job as a university professor and go into hiding.
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Ever wonder where all the products come from in massive department stores? Or, maybe more importantly, where all the money goes when a product is sold? Wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly where our money goes and to know that it goes to a good cause?
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Most of the day I fill every spare moment on a screen with information pouring in, wolfing down food, events and experiences in mindless abandon
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I began working with Julie Johnson, Elevat’s founder, in University of Northwestern’s music department two years ago. Here I have been a spectator to a parade of beautiful bracelets, purses, and necklaces that have adorned the corner of her office.
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I have a knack for killing plants. As the Fall season grows colder, I can’t bear to throw away thriving plants so I bring them inside, only to watch them slowly fade, drop leaves and eventually die. Take these beautiful plants out of their optimum environment, and they no longer thrive.
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We trek back into the village where cars can’t go. The roads are muddy from the last burst of rain but the sun is out and steam rises up as we come upon shacks that are homes to a small group of neighbors.
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Intense. If I had to describe Thailand in one word, it would be intense; intense heat, intense flavors, intense crowds. During a recent visit to the country, a simple walk to the bus stop or train had me taking in tons of stimuli.
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