Ssubi beads and bags are handmade by patients of the Asili Health Center in Uganda. Using colorful recycled paper and natural fabrics, these artisans are working hard to transform their lives. Ssubi fills in the gaps by supporting projects that are less likely to be funded by large international organizations. Proceeds from the sale of beads and bags are reinvested in Ssubi’s ongoing programs. We’re with founder Laura Luxembourg, who wrote a poem for holiday gift-givers. “When you are shopping this year/For the folks on your list/We’ve got a tip you don’t want to miss./There’s bangles and beads and bags galore./Let’s make this the year that we really get smart/and shop with our brains as well as our heart.”
soul: The heart of it all. Soul is that deep-down essence that feels everything personally, connecting us with ourselves and others, and urging us to reach out and become a vital, contributing member of the global community. We introduce you to inspiring people and organizations who are making a difference so you can, too.
Holiday Gift Idea: Beads and Bags from Ssubi
Thanksgiving, Tradition and Change by Amy
Thanksgiving has always been my family’s holiday. We love the food, the time of year and the fact there is no religion or rules involved. For us it was about family and food, two of our favorite things.
Our Thanksgiving stories usually revolve around both. The stories begin in the morning with the turkey preparation. This was always done to the sound of the parades or football games on the TV in the background, my dad cutting the olives and bread for the stuffing – with a running commentary of how much and the size of the pieces of both, and my mother talking about how she used to love the turkey neck. By now we can all recite her part in unison, and usually do! … read full story →
Happy Thanksgiving!
We are so grateful for all of you, and wish you a happy holiday filled with family, friends and food.
We’ll be back on Friday with the first of our highly-anticipated holiday gift guides. Look for one each day from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, and make sure you’re signed up so you get them first. You’ll find lots of great ideas for unique, handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts that give back. Now that’s something to be thankful for!
11-Year-Old Miriam Mendoza’s Letter to “Sin By Silence” Director Olivia Klaus
I had the pleasure of visiting Miriam Mendoza the other night during her aMaze Journey workshop at the San Diego Girl Scouts Conference Center. I showed her all of the wonderful, encouraging comments about her poem, Speak Out, and she was so appreciative. She was also empowered by the letter... read full story →
An Open Letter to 11-Year-Old Girl Scout Miriam Mendoza from Olivia Klaus, Director of “Sin By Silence” Airing on TV Tonight
Every 9 seconds, a woman is beaten. That fact alone should be enough to get you to set your DVR to tape Sin by Silence when it makes its world broadcast premiere on the Investigation Discovery Channel tonight. This documentary about the survivors of domestic violence who are serving life sentences after... read full story →
The Women Who Weave by Ellen Agger, Co-Founder of TAMMACHAT Natural Textiles
I've already confessed my blanket obsession to you so let me now tell you about my secret fabric stash. I don't sew -- although I have made quilts for both my kids just so I'd have an excuse to buy fabric -- but I love texture. So I was immediately... read full story →
The F Word: Famine is the Real Obscenity
In the three months since we posted Join Susan in Helping with the Somalia Crisis, 30,000 children have died of starvation. How can that be allowed to happen in the 21st century?? Please re-read Susan’s post, watch the video from One.org below and get involved. ... read full story →
