AskWifey, The Chatterbox's Christie Crowder and I sporting our O Bracelets at Blogalicious.
No pomp and circumstance necessary
I'm not that kind of ambassador...yet (and only in my head).
If you hadn't noticed, TBS is sorta peculiar. I have a mind of own and simply do what I want. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. Whether it's a product review or tips and tricks, I very rarely hold my tounge. I rarely align myself with causes and make announcements about them. But recently, I was approached to become an ambassador for the Path To Peace Initiative. At first I couldn't believe that little old me was invited to participate but when I engaged in an informational chat about the campaign, I was more vested.
It's as simple as this: girl power.
One component of the Path To Peace campaign is the O Bracelet...(yes that O). Imagine this. A woman in Rwanda weaves a medallion for a bracelet and another brilliant, woman artisan in New Orleans creates the beading that secures the medallion which lends to a completed piece of wearable art. Isn't that awesome?! The initiative speaks to the power in economic development and partnership between women whether next door or around the world.
Recently featured in O Magazine, these bracelets are being sold in Macy's, the bracelets are the part of a project spearheaded by Willa Shalit nearly three years ago. Path to Peace developed an American market for Rwandan women’s crafts. It creates trade partnerships with artisans in recovering regions to bring the power of change to Rwanda and Indonesia. Shalit believes that women helping each other can change how Rwanda rebuilds its society, empowers women and sustains economic development beyond traditional development assistance.
Now ain't that grand?!
I was so pleased to receive my Path To Peace bracelet. Each bracelet has a handwritten note from the woman in Rwanda and the woman in New Orleans who pulled it together. There is something electrical and energizing that happens when I wear it.
Me sporting my O Bracelet!!! immediately after receipt
Photo credit: Lorraine Sanabria Robertson
If you enter a comment for this post, you will automatically be entered in a drawing for your own bracelet. All entries must be received by October 30, 2009 at 11:59 PM EST.
In the meantime, engage on Facebook and Flickr!
Those bracelets are beautiful and carry such a wonderful message with them. Congratulations on becoming an ambassador for this initiative! They chose well.
ReplyDeleteSo fabulous! I would love one!
ReplyDeletesavingforhome at gmail dot com
P.S. I love the black wrap dress!
love it, love it, love it! The bracelet is absolutley beautiful and the cause is even better! I want in :-).
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I just adore your blog- it always makes my day. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this concept. Wonderful and the bracelet is fabulous as well!
ReplyDeleteBTW Where did you get this wrap dress? FAB
ReplyDeleteWhat a great honor to be choose as Ambassador for a great cause! The bracelets are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bracelets...for an even more beautiful cause.
ReplyDelete~ L. J.
It's gorgeous. I don't have adventurous enough style to wear one. But my 76-year old mother does:). And she would wear it with pride and tell all her Santa Barbara volunteer friends about it, I'll betcha. And maybe even some Smithies...Not that I'm trying to rest on her laurels or anything.
ReplyDeleteThe bracelet is beautiful. Congratulations on becoming an ambassador! The program sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, your dress in that picture is to die for. I have a brown one just like it - proving that we are long-lost sisters and BFFs, and thus you should give me a bracelet. :)
ReplyDeleteNice bracelet, love the dress.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a great and fashionable way to make people aware of the injustices around the world. I would wear the bracelet with pride.
ReplyDeleteWhat a differene it would make if more of us made the time to make a statement. Global impact comes in all shapes and sizes. I would to wear this piece and be spokesperson for what it represents!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the typo's. Got a little excited. LOL
ReplyDeleteBroke Socialite, we love you. We love your style. And we love the fact that you support the #path2peace cause. Sorry i missed meeting you at blogalicious.
ReplyDeleteThe bracelets are beautiful. Good for you for supporting a great cause.
ReplyDeleteHow great! Beautiful bracelets, a beautiful ambassador for a beautiful cause!
ReplyDeleteBroke Socialte, from the women of Rwanda, we want you to know what a difference you're making. Love the bracelet with the black dress, definitely a fashion statement. Blessings from Rwanda and New Orleans,
ReplyDeleteThe bracelets are breathtaking and what a wonderful cause!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely going to put these on my gift list for the women I love this year.
I am overwhelmed by your comments and compassion for this cause! Please continue to keep them flowing.
ReplyDeleteTBS
Beautiful bracelet and you are rocking it fabulously in that picture!
ReplyDeleteYou look divine with your awesome O bracelet. Happy Ambassador-ing! ; )
ReplyDeleteCute. I want one!
ReplyDeletegreat bracelet...greater cause!
ReplyDeleteThats a fab bracelet on a fab person!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThose are gorgeous. Thanks for the chance!!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful and totally my style.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Congrats! #Path2Peace has found a dynamic spokeswoman with you! Path 2 Peace is such a wonderful ogranization. For the past few years we've been in love with the pieces they offer each holiday season at Macy's, and they are a great value, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with all of the above posts - beautiful bracelets, beautiful dress, beautiful spokswoman, beautiful inspiraton.
Thanks for sharing! These bracelets are awesome and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI love these bracelets -- and the cause! Thanks for sharing! erobin12 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI have seen these bracelets in person and they really are awesome! You wear it well.
ReplyDeleteSimply Fabulous. Would love to have a bracelet like that.
ReplyDeleteThose are so nice!!! I'm going to have to check them out at Macy*s. :-)
ReplyDelete"Little old me" what a wonderful cause you are sponsoring. It is such a touching story.
ReplyDeleteI simply want the whole ensemble!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win one.
ReplyDeleteI'm in...what a fabulous piece!
ReplyDeleteThese bracelets are just exquisite! Congrats to you on your new role as Ambassador and Kudos for spreading the word on such a worthwhile & inspiring cause.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly an amazing cause!
ReplyDeleteHugs and Mocha,
Stesha
i'm excited!!! here's my entry!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are GORGEOUS!!! I love great ideas.
ReplyDelete@curet1diabetes What I love with this initiative is the coming together of women to create something magical and empowering. We must continue to support women around the world to have sustainable income and to know that they are supported, valued, and appreciated as well. Thank you for spreading the news about them.
ReplyDelete