BeadforLife

I discovered this wonderful organization last Fall at a home show.  Several colorful strands of handmade paper beads were draped on a table and immediately caught my attention.  As I read the Mission Statement, I immediately felt connected to this organization:

"BeadforLife creates sustainable opportunities for women to lift their families out of extreme poverty by connecting people worldwide in a circle of exchange that enriches everyone."

BeadforLife is guided by the following principals:

1. Creating businesses and jobs through entrepreneurial development is a more sustainable approach to poverty eradication than providing aid. Rather than becoming dependent on handouts from abroad, members build their skills and long-term capacities through meaningful creative work.
2. Concerned citizens in resource-abundant countries care about the issues of extreme poverty and are willing to get involved.
3. Paying the members fair trade prices allows them to meet their daily economic needs.   Investing 100% of our net profits in community development projects for impoverished Ugandans allows for a long-term sustainable future.
4. Working together enriches all of us.

For more information on this wonderful organization, visit BeadforLife on the web.  You can also buy finished goods and loose beads from their online store.  I purchased a bag of mixed beads and am LOVING how they look and feel.  I'm excited to make things with them and share the story of how they were made.

You can even host a bead party to support the organization.  In the upcoming weeks, I will post pictures on some items I have made with the beads I received.  Thanks for reading!  Hope everyone is having a great Monday!