Last year, I was approached by Noonday Collection and asked to join a team of storytellers on a trip to Rwanda. Noonday Collection is partnering with the International Justice Mission in Style for Justice, a journey to Rwanda that will fuse fashion, justice, women and the overall power we each posses both in our voices and in the choices we make regarding our purchases.
I had butterflies in my stomach immediately–I mean, Africa! That’s so far away! But as I learned more about the trip and the mission of these organizations and after talking with my family, I knew it was something I wanted to lend my voice to; I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. My brother sealed the deal for me. He’s been to Africa several times, first in mission trips and eventually in business. “You never say no to Africa,” he told me.
So, I’m going to Rwanda.
I’ve featured Noonday Collection before here on the blog, but if you don’t know about them, you can read their story here. What started as an effort to help founder Jessica Honneger fund her son’s adoption from Rwanda turned into an incredible opportunity to create pathways out of poverty for the vulnerable as well as a way for women in the US to make a living. Nine different countries are now being impacted by Noonday’s mission, and hundreds of women have been employed–over 500 US ambassadors as well as artisans in other countries who are able to care for their families through the fair wages they now receive for their work. And their work? Is beautiful. The jewelry and accessories Noonday offers are exquisite.
There’s so much good being done in these countries thanks to Noonday and the International Justice Mission, and I am thrilled to join the other storytellers in spreading word of how we can pursue economic empowerment and justice for the poor.
Here’s the awesome part. One of you gets to come with us. One of you gets to go to Africa and meet the beautiful artisans and hear their stories and see the things that are happening and the ways that their lives are changing. Noonday Collection is choosing one reader and covering all their expenses for the trip. You have until May 28 to submit an entry telling us why you want to join us and then rally your social community to vote for you daily.
And even if you don’t get to come with us physically, you still get to be a part of this journey with us as we share it and discover ways we all can help empower each other.
Noonday Collection will also be giving away a $100 gift certificate and a signed copy of IJM founder Gary Haugen’s latest book, The Locust Effect to 10 lucky entrants, randomly chosen.
I’ve been reading The Locust Effect and, I’ll be honest–it’s a hard read. Not because it’s boring, but because there are so many stories of women and children in poverty that are hard to hear–things that would be easy to walk away from so that I don’t have to think about them. And this makes me even more excited for this trip. There’s a lot I don’t know, but I want to know–I need to know. And there’re so many ways we as women can help support other women, and it’s as easy as buying from companies that are making a difference.
I’m so excited for you all to be part of this story too. Come to Rwanda with us. In person, in story, in heart. It’s going to be an amazing adventure. I have butterflies again.
#StyleForJustice from Noonday Collection on Vimeo.
To read more about what Noonday and the International Justice Mission does, check out their links.
Going to Africa will change you forever. Excited for you. My husband recently visited Rwanda (we live in Uganda) & he said it was beautiful. Blessings to you on your journey!
Holy shit! AFRICA?? Are you kidding me? What an adventure & what a noble cause. Submitting my entry now. Oh…and it’s way more than butterflies for me just thinking about it.
Yay! So excited to meet you and be changed by Africa together 🙂
Wow!! What an amazing gift. What an amazing, talented group of women. Great cause, great message. Very proud of all of you . ” Those who spread sunshine can not help but keep it from themself.” The more we learn and understand each other the better we can help each other. This will be life changing and you are very brave. You are very blessed. Go forth and share your positive message.
Africa has never asked…
oh how I wish it would.
🙂
Thrilled to see you going on this trip!
Dear Miss Kelle, I’ve wanted to leave a comment after reading so many of your blogs but couldn’t really come up with the words that would express the depth of my feelings!(to say that I use this blog as a ‘self-care’ tool for myself still only scratches the surface)The same holds true for this one, but AFRICA!! I just HAVE to express and offer to you my WOW!, my vicarious EXCITEMENT!, my ENTHUSIASM!, my FAITH in this place(Rwanda)and the Spirit it holds for all those who Seek. My dear, I look forward to the future blogs this trip inspires for you.Travel well…
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WOW! I read all of your blogs!! The best of the best coming together for a great cause. Blessings on your trip!
You will love Africa! You’ll never be able to get it out of your blood once you go. I can’t wait to go back one day. It’s just so hard to explain that incredible continent to people who haven’t been. So happy for you and what an AMAZING organization to go with. I think Noonday is one of the greatest things going right now for women and families in hard places around the world.
I am unable to go with you as I have a nursing 3month old who refuses bottles. However this is quite an amazing opportunity and I will be praying for you and this entire organization. Go do good things!
Our pastor and his wife now do work in Rwanda 5 months of the year. What an incredible, exciting opportunity this is for you!!
Wow!! I’d love to go, but can’t be away from the fam. Good luck to all, amazing!!
Visiting Africa is an AMAZING opportunity! I am toying with the idea of applying to join you but have a couple of questions/concerns.
I work for a school that conducts quite a few service trips around the world–Africa, Dominican Republic & New Orleans are some from the past year.
One of the things we always examine in planning is the notion of “poverty tourism” (ie: not visiting a place to “feed our souls”, take pictures with the locals, etc.) It’s so easy for something with a positive intention to become exploitative.
I was trying to find information on Noonday and how much of what is made through the sales of the jewelry actually goes back to the craftspeople and couldn’t find any specifics. Would you be open to sharing that information?
I hope this doesn’t read as critical but it’s important to me in considering the opportunity to apply to join the adventure.
I’m so excited that you are joining the Noonday/IJM team for this trip!! You’ll have a great time!
@Jen- the beautiful thing about Noonday is that the artisans are paid up front for their work before the jewelry is even in the company’s hands and are paid many times over what their work would receive in their local market. They receive a livable wage and can provide for their families. I hope that helped answer your question! 🙂
My heart is screaming yes yes yes! Right now! I’m so doing this
As a Noonday Ambassador and mommy of Kirill, who happens to have Down syndrome, I was tickled to death you are going on this trip!!! I love it when worlds collide. 😉 Cannot wait to follow your journey!
@Jen,
I see Aimee answered part of your question, but you can direct specific inquiries here:
http://www.noondaycollection.com/contact-us.html
This is going to be a life changing opportunity for you and I am beyond jealous!! I would go to Africa in a heartbeat if things were a little different for me right now. Life isn’t lending itself to allowing me to try something like this at this time, but I’m sure it will be great!! I can’t wait to here more about it 🙂
Wow! So, 3ish years ago, a friend sent me your birth story of Nella, right after I gave birth to my first child. I could connect with you being a mom with an unforeseen birth. And I could just connect with you being a mom! I’ve followed you sporatically for the last few years…but immediately recognized your face and name when I saw you referenced on Jen Hatmaker’s blog for this upcoming Rwanda trip! HUGE SMILE! I love knowing that you are going and just cannot wait to see how God transforms your life through this, and uses you on this trip. Happy happy day to work for God all over the world 🙂
Sounds like an amazing trip, and sounds like this company is doing a lot of good. Here comes my little voice of doom, though: the trip and all its good works will happen regardless. Not really the voice of doom, I see me as the Lorax who speaks for the babies. And you have a baby at home who needs you. So you going on the trip is not necessary for the benefit of the poor whom the trip will be directly helping.
Dr. Sears, the attachment parenting and down to earth doctor, sees it like this: there are two lifetime opportunities here. The trip, for you, and the chance to have his whole babyhood in secure attachment to his mama, for Dash. Just to make the best decision possible, read these short words about it.
http://www.parenting.com/article/ask-dr-sears-leaving-baby-for-vacation
And if y are bringing Dash, I’ll pull an Emily Latella and say, “Never mind!”
Goodness, I don’t think leaving a year and a half year old for nine days violates mother/baby attachment. Kelle is home with her kids full-time and they are also clearly comfortable with other care givers when she’s away.
Thank you, @Aimee for the info. That’s good to hear. Can you (or @Kelle) share a bit more about the purpose of the trip? I was reading the description and it wasn’t clear exactly what the team will be doing or what the goal is (of the trip specifically, the goal of the company overall seems to be clear).
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Yay, so glad you said yes! I am also going to Rwanda with Noonday Collection…our trip is just a few days after you guys…desperately hoping we will overlap and I can hug all of you at once! I’ve just now found your blog and I’m really excited to keep reading it…it’s beautiful!
This is fabulous, and if I weren’t due to deliver #3 at the end of June, I’d be applying to go with you. Good for you for being a part of this trip and for helping bring awareness to this part of the world and for the impact women can have in changing the cycle of poverty. Go, Kelle!!
You’ll never regret Africa. It gets into your soul and never leaves.
Leeor is watching Anthony Bourdain’s piece on DRC right now and telling me to enter the contest. But our 3rd babe is almost 7 mos and it’s hard to imagine leaving him . . . even though I work full-time and essentially leave him daily (btw, your reader who suggests any separation damages attachment is invited to my house! my baby boy is quite securely attached to me even though I work outside the home). But maybe I’m just afraid to apply and put myself out there? We had the most amazing honeymoon in southern Africa. South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana…and we are dying to return to live and work one day. But this opportunity sounds amazing as well. Much love to you and your family!
Hi Kelle, a loyal lurker for years here. Your trip sounds amazing. I would recommend, for background, though I’m sure you will be reading loads, the following life-changing book “Shake Hands with the Devil”. The author, Romeo Dallaire headed the UN Mission during the genocide and was rendered powerless to do much of anything. He was haunted by the experience and spends much of his time now advocating for change and peace. He is a most amazing man, a national Canadian treasure and his words are worth unforgettable. Safe travels.
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The Noonday jewelry looks beautiful. But i do wish the website explained in detail the way the artisans are paid for their work.
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Kelle I am one of those lurkers who follow you but do not comment. : ) Just wanted you to know how thrilled I am that you are going on the Noonday Storytelling trip! I have been working with Noonday since the beginning and always dreamed of a trip like this. So excited to hear the line up of amazing women, authors and bloggers that are going in July! Thanks for saying yes to this opportunity and I can’t wait to read all about your time there!
I am just THRILLED that so many bloggers will be joining my Noonday family on this trip! There are lots of companies that are social-justice minded and have partnered with the people living in poverty around the world in order to make a difference. All we have is their stories and what we can interact with on-line, trusting that they are sharing the whole truth, trusting that they are doing what they claim to be doing. I love my Noonday girls because we all put our feet where our mouths are, where our hearts are. We get ourselves there and put our arms around the women and men we support. We hold their hands and listen to their stories because of how worthy they are of love and attention. Often we find out that we are the first to care enough about individuals in these communities to hear their stories. Noonday is so much more than a jewelry company that provides jobs. I can’t wait to hear YOUR stories, Kelle! YOU are representing all of us who can’t get our feet there…yet ;)It’s through your voice and your trip that we get to see the true impact Noonday has, beyond the numbers. This is the just the first trip, hopefully, of many with bloggers to all our artisan’s workshops, because they are worth it, increasing their business through exposure is worth it, connecting with those who are so often overlooked is worth it! I’m so excited for you!
Kelle– so excited for you to go on this trip! I think that investing the time in building relationships with others who promote justice & empowerment through sustainable employment, education and peace is so important…I have been an ambassador with Noonday for nearly 3 years…advocating for change within my community with how women can purchase with purpose and affect real change in the communities our artisans work. Being able to see for yourself and share this vision will be amazing!
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Oh my gosh!! This chance is really speaking to me!! I have forever wanted to travel abroad to be involved in something important and to help others! Even if I can’t come with you I am inspired to make a trip one day!
As someone who has volunteered, worked professionally, and advocated for Fair Trade for over a decade, I have to ask, are the products sold through NoonDay certified Fair Trade? I wasn’t able to find anything on Nooonday’s website about proper Fair Trade certification, or even if they are nonprofit. Without proper Fair Trade certification, the chance of exploitation of the artisans is incredibly high. Many for profit companies jump on the “fair trade” bandwagon because it sounds good and helps sell products, but like Walmart labeling things “organic”, it has very little meaning, weakens the cause of Fair Trade, and can be incredibly detrimental and damaging to vulnerable artisans who are already as risk for exploitation. Without the proper checks and balances to assure fair wages and human working conditions, I couldn’t ethically support this organization. I would also carefully research the organization and the concept of “volunteer tourism”: http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk and http://www.psmag.com/navigation/business-economics/the-problem-with-volunteer-tourism-64838/
The money spent traveling could make a much greater impact if donated to OxFam or Amnesty International. Please think about how your dollars and time can really be helpful, instead of an expensive form of “slacktivism.”
I apologize for my typos in my previous comment, I meant to say “and can be incredibly detrimental and damaging to vulnerable artisans who are already at risk for exploitation. Without the proper checks and balances to assure fair wages and humane working conditions”
@Jen, I get a bit flowery and overly emotive with my descriptions sometimes 🙂 Everbody has a story of who they are and what brought them to where they are, and I love getting to know them. Not everyone whats to share their story though, so you are so right that in any sort of a public format that should be protected. However, when it comes to businesses I feel like relationships get lost and individuals become data points. That’s what I meant by my earlier post. This trip is visiting a flourishing workshop that Noonday has had a long-term relationship with and I’m excited to get to know the individuals that make it work. I represent them, so I’d love to be there meeting them personally. If someone were representing me and supporting my business I’d want to meet them and hear their story. Inviting bloggers to accompany the journey is an awesome opportunity to expose Noonday’s business and the artisans’ work with a wider audience.
I’m so excited to hear about your trip! What an exciting opportunity for you. Cannot wait to live vicariously through you as you spread the word about international justice mission and ethical purchasing! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Kelle & Jen,
I write this with the sincerest hope that the comment will not be deleted and questions answered in plain english.
Noonday is a for profit business as such it does not need to divulge quarterly earnings, projections, endorsements. People asking for specific breakdowns of profit sharing, cashflow or requesting noonday to share their ‘special sauce’ recipe are asking far too much from noonday.
But being sponsored and taking a trip to raise awareness does on the surface appear to be self aggrandizing and back slapping as opposed to a vehicle for providing real change to the region.
From noondays website they state they work with 28 artisans and impact 8800 family members. My question is what is that financial impact? Is it $1 an artisan, $100? $1000?
As an organization who champions that they are providing ‘a living wage’, ‘a way out of poverty’ among other platitudes you would think the first and foremost claim would be the financial gains achieved for these people.
Second question, Style for Justice is billed as sending a group of story tellers to collaborate with those entrenched in poverty to attempt and break that cycle. Is there a reason that Noonday whether by choice or omission has not involved any storytellers of color or ethnic background who may better be able to relate stories for the region that they are traveling to?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kelle & Jen,
I write this with the sincerest hope that the comment will not be deleted and questions answered in plain english.
Noonday is a for profit business as such it does not need to divulge quarterly earnings, projections, endorsements. People asking for specific breakdowns of profit sharing, cashflow or requesting noonday to share their ‘special sauce’ recipe are asking far too much from noonday.
But being sponsored and taking a trip to raise awareness does on the surface appear to be self aggrandizing and back slapping as opposed to a vehicle for providing real change to the region.
From noondays website they state they work with 28 artisans and impact 8800 family members. My question is what is that financial impact? Is it $1 an artisan, $100? $1000?
As an organization who champions that they are providing ‘a living wage’, ‘a way out of poverty’ among other platitudes you would think the first and foremost claim would be the financial gains achieved for these people.
Second question, Style for Justice is billed as sending a group of story tellers to collaborate with those entrenched in poverty to attempt and break that cycle. Is there a reason that Noonday whether by choice or omission has not involved any storytellers of color or ethnic background who may better be able to relate stories for the region that they are traveling to?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jen, can I jump in to say what you do sounds amazing. I have been doing lots of reading recently about human rights in here developing world, especially women’s rights. I want to do something, but I don’t know where to start from my small corner of the globe. If you see my comment and could send some info, I would be really grateful. That type of thing is something that I could realistically do, and if it was beneficial to even person, it would make it worthwhile. I can send you my email. Thanks!
I went to Uganda in January, and we flew in and out of Kigali, Rwanda, so we got to spend a few days there too! It’s beautiful, I hope you enjoy your time there! It really, really will change you. In the best possible way. 🙂
Also, I just have to say one teeensy thing. I have skimmed a few of these comments, and I just hope to encourage you. When I announced my mission trip, I got some backlash as well. I got some “why can’t that money just be donated there? why do you have to go? where is the money going?” and I get that. I get that there are skeptics, and I completely respect that everyone thinks about things differently. But I have to say, if you feel peace about going, GO. God will use you, and maybe He’s sending you to do a work in YOU.
I know how hard it was to have criticism from my family, I can only imagine how it feels to get criticism in such a public fashion. I’m sure you’re used to it by now. 🙂 But just wanted to say, I think you’re awesome. I think this is awesome. And I think God will do awesome things through your trip. <3
Except, Amy, there are skeptics I see here who are asking some important questions. This is not just about Kelle feeling good. And I think if this organization is ethical Kelle will be able to set the record straight.
Is this a multilevel marketing company? Are the artisans in Rwanda being compensated fairly? What is the dollar amount? And what percentage of profits is that?
These are excellent points. i strongly agree with Jen(s), Alycia, Amelia and others. I am a “true fan”, Kelle 🙂 and for years I’ve enjoyed the inspiration, hope, happiness and thoughtfulness of your writing, both on your blog and in your book. I know you have a heart of gold, and I hope you will consider some of the questions here and look into the company’s marketing practices.
There are plenty of good points brought up by thinking people on Herr I think.. a lot of food for thought!
It’s not only responsible to thoroughly research a charitable organization before participating, it’s also plain old common sense, when done in a respectful manner, like I see is happening here. You’ve opened my eyes, girls!
Friends, Concerned Ones, Celebrant Ones, All of You Who Beautifully and Passionately Believe in Something—
I wouldn’t be going on this trip if I didn’t do my homework. Noonday Collection is not a charity, and they don’t provide hand-outs. They give a sustainable long-term solution to poverty by forming partnerships and offering dignified jobs at living wages. That’s what I want for all of my children—the opportunity to provide for themselves, to contribute, to make things, to meet people, to be a part of something. Not hand-outs.
The fact that these people are poor does not make them have a “pathetic existence” as one comment suggests, and no one going on this trip feels that way. These women are our equals. I look forward to learning from them, laughing with them and hearing their stories like I would meeting any other new friend. I have no doubt everyone else on this trip feels the same way.
Have you seen any of the submissions? I recommend watching them. I am humbled and inspired by the desire these women have to stretch outside their own places and experiences and connect and learn from people in another place—with respect and love and an understanding that we are equal but that we are there for each other.
I’ve never been beyond the borders of North America, and I never would have thought Rwanda would be the first place I’d be visiting. Though I respectfully understand that not everyone has to agree with all of my choices, I believe in this trip and these organizations. And that’s enough for me.
And can we please stop putting women in a box? We don’t have to choose just one thing! We can shop at Target and also support organizations that employ women in Rwanda! We can care about the environment and also use paper towel! We can have a great big curiosity about the world, feel propelled to make a difference, get involved in things that speak to us, follow our dreams, help others…and we can do it in ways that might not be the same as others! I love that fact, I want to dance in the streets to celebrate that fact and I wish you all well on your own journeys in finding out how your voice and love will be used as well.
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Wow! What an absolutely AMAZING opportunity!! It is wonderful to be able to use your talents to help others. I can’t wait to hear more about this exciting adventure!!
And, in regards to the above, I totally understand that people do that, but to proudly proclaim it while not actively trying to change your ways is what’s most bothersome.
I appreciate your not putting women in a box comment. Great to ponder. I can go all or nothing sometimes, and I appreciate the reminder that things aren’t so cut and dry.
I think the trip sounds amazing and hope you have a great time! Look forward to hearing about it!
Hi Kelle! What an awesome opportunity to go to Rwanda. Keep your head up, girl. Seriously, this trip is beautiful, your beautiful and I know the heart behind this is awesome! I’m a Noonday Ambassador, and fully believe and support what IJM and Noonday is doing. What an amazing trip this will be for you all! 🙂
I can’t vouch for this below company at all, just found their financial report online, but I would assume that Noonday would have all this financial info — they just aren’t open about it online. Also please note all the Fair Trade associations they proudly belong to. They are also in Rwanda. Just something to look at to note that some companies are more transparent in their artisan supporting finances.
http://cdn.serrv.org/downloads/AnnualReport_2012.pdf
Noonday Collection is not a MLM – multi-level marketing scam. The home office employs 17 people, and Pooter the dog, but he works for belly rubs. You can read their job positions on the site, but I’ll warn you, you will very quickly see what we mean by being story tellers! We care about the dignity of our people, their uniqueness, their stories. You’ll see it. There are now about 500 Ambassadors who represent Noonday and sell the jewelry included in its collection, of which I am one. Ambassadors make 20% of purchases made through them. There is no other level than these two – employed at the home office or an ambassador.
Can not believe the number of jealous haters that need to spout their venom on your blog.
I am so happy that you are going on this trip, I know that you will spread so much love and
show the villages that they need to enjoy the small things in life and that the rest will just follow. Give them a copy of Bloom, it is so inspirational.
Can not wait to see what chalk art you create for them.
Check out http://www.rwandanstories.org – my father in law is involved with documenting the lives of the Rwandans since the genocide, how they’ve healed, moved on, how things have changed and how they haven’t. It’s fascinating stuff.
@Jennifer Hanratty –
Hope you see this, there wasn’t any other way for me to get in contact with you. I’m not involved with the group Jen mentioned (although it does sound like an awesome organization), but I did just find out about an awesome women’s rights organization that I’m really excited about.
It’s called Women for Women; you can give a one-time donation or commit to directly supporting one woman for a year ($30 per month) as she goes through the group’s one-year program that teaches business and vocational skills training as well as health education. They focus particularly on countries that are either in conflict or are post-conflict, since women are disproportionately affected by violence. You can send and receive letters from the woman you sponsor and there are even limited opportunities to travel to meet your “sister.” It is one of the top rated women’s rights organizations by CharityWatch. I like that it fosters a longitudinal relationship with your sister, but also that it has solid evidence that the model is working – women who complete the program report earnings that are around 5x those in the same area who hadn’t been in the same program, so I think the benefit to these women and their families is very tangible.
@EPC – If you’re looking for a number you won’t like my answer, cause I don’t know. I do know that 2 years ago a group of Ambassadors and some customers pooled together and sponsored 11 women to go through sewing school in Rwanda, and that as of a year ago they started their own sewing workshop through micro-loans Noonday provided to get started. That’s the workshop the trip will be visiting. I know the names of most of those women, but some have left and some new women have joined. I know that some of them weren’t able to attend school and this sewing group was their only option for a job that they could work towards that offered a “high wage” for their area. <– their words not mine. I know they now can afford housing, some have upgraded. No, I don’t know exactly what that means but I’m looking forward to hearing more from this trip. Others are supporting sick family members, others are sending their kids to school because school isn’t free there, none of which they were able to do before they started this group. I also know that when sales of their bags weren’t sustaining their costs last year we helped redesigned a couple of the bags. We also then changed the packaging we use to deliver all the jewelry we sell to customers to include one of this group’s bags so we could ensure they have a steady workflow regardless of spending fluctuations with other pieces. I also know that we pay for the work in full regardless of whether it sells here, and have occasionally eaten the cost of pieces on behalf of these small shops that would fold under such a bust of a sale. Then we work with them to either redesign or pick up a different piece in the next line. So, I do know the “living wage” they make is significantly life changing… but this is why we do story telling rather than number sharing, because I think it makes a bigger impact and lets us have conversations about what really impacts poverty. There are great organizations that are addressing other aspects of alleviating poverty, we support creating jobs so people can afford to provide better shelter, medicine, food, cleaner water, and access to education for their families. This is also why I’m a story teller, or ambassador, rather than a sales person {I’m a special education teacher and adopting mom. I stink at sales, but I’m good with people ;)}
Kelle, I will be in Rwanda in July as well and hope to overlap and meet you. I love the sustainable relationships Noonday has formed with their artisans and am excited to see this in person to be able to better convey this and educate about the impact our purchases can make upon returning home. What a special opportunity you have to share these beautiful redemption stories with your followers. I’m excited to follow along.
Kelle doesn`t sell jewelry that is why she can`t answer your questions. She is a writer, a story teller, a motivator. Why would she need to sell jewelry to support her family?
I think Noonday picked her to tell the stories because she will connect and inspire these poor women and motivate them to achieve more. Look at how much she has done to raise the profile of the DS community, no one else has ever effected as much awareness as she has.
Can`t wait to read about your African adventures Kelle
“Some people are filled by compassion and a desire to do good, and some simply don’t think anything’s going to make a difference.” Meryl Streep
Thank you Kelle.
You will LOVE africa. I live in South Africa and its a culture thats amazing beyond your wildest dreams.
Enjoy every second
Wait a minute… Holly Scott, you’re having a bit of fun with those comments, aren’t you 😉
Read this blog and was so excited for you! Then read the comments and felt disappointed for you. I hope it doesn’t diminish this amazing opportunity or change how you share it. Love to you xxx
Thank you ‘Another Chance to Get It Right’. Will check it out tonight and see what options I have and how it can work for someone else. Thank you for replying!
Kelle, I have been a reader of yours since sweet Nella was born. I have only commented a time or two, but I have witnessed the controversy some stir up here. At times I have felt some commenters have brought up good points, sometimes I felt like you were under attack. Most of the time, you came off defensive and like you don’t take criticism well. I have always given you the benefit of the doubt though.
I am doing the same thing here. Giving you the benefit of the doubt. Because I admit, I too was not very knowledgable about these trips and how much good they do or don’t do. But these ladies have given me much food for thought, and presented some very interesting points and asked some great questions. I have learned a lot since following this thread.
I hope you have done the digging and learning as well. It seems like you were presented an awesome opportunity and grabbed it. But now you have been shown the other side of your awesome opportunity, and you can’t go back. When you know better you should do better.
As far as I can see, you have two options here. You could take the knowledge you have been given (in a loving way may I add – no one here is being a hater or spewing venom) and cancel your trip, deciding to invest your time and money into something that you can really make a difference in, closer to home or in Rwanda or somewhere else! Or you can go on this trip with these women, gawk at the lives the less fortunate live. You can take pictures of them and their children and come back to your nice home and blog about how life changing your trip was. You can post all the pretty pictures you will take. And while you may be changed forever, you will have really done nothing of value for these people. Their lives will not really be changed beyond your visit. And those of us who have followed you and been inspired by you will read your life changing story, but many of us will likely be disturbed by your willingness to look the other way, even though you have been shown a better way.
You have a chance here to do the right thing.
Kelle, I just have to say how brave you are to step out and stand for justice. It is a scary thing to actually do something — we will always worry, “did I do the wrong thing?” “Did I do enough”, but it takes courage to step away from comfort (or from behind a computer screen) to come face to face with what the reality is for those in the majority of the world. Development and creating a just legal system is something we take for granted, but is denied to most. IJM is working in countries to help them enforce the laws they already have so business leaders and in-country developers can change their lives in a way that is meaningful for their community. Sometimes it takes an extra voice, a voice for the oppressed to make sure that happens. Thank you so much for being that voice. For others reading, I would highly recommend the book When Helping Hurts for meaningful research in this area.
Hold a minute here. I thought we were suppose to see people for who they were and not how they looked. Yes, they are all white. Are trips now suppose to be politically correct and meet representation standards? Are only one color, one gender to help the same of their own types? So let’s just take that out of the mix right now. Stop making gender and race assumptions. Secondly, I’ve been to over 15 different countries and worked with non profits, and faith based groups. While participants do get a euphoric feeling and gain life perspective that is a byproduct. They expanded themselves. Blog commenters: do not judge a person’s intent of the heart. Poverty Tourism. Don’t jump on the trendy finger pointing. One popular blogger referenced this as what if millionaires visited suburbia and painted their houses, took pictures of their kids, and thought how unfortunate they were because they didn’t have escalades, and hummers. Well, that’s not even a real correlation. The conditions are drastically different. And if organizational watchdogging is the main concern (profits, wages, disclosures), in the quest for freedom of information, wow. Vetting and determining org quals can be accomplished in constructive ways. Focusing on the primary objectives at hand: Women’s empowerment can come from economic opportunities and education. The access to trades and job markets (& health care, and so much more) are not on an even playing field in all hemispheres. Step out of western utopia and realize this. It takes multiple approaches to make a dent. There is room at the table for many orgs and many approaches. The need is great enough it takes multiple players in this arena for sustainable solutions. While reading someone report about having the wrong shoes and jewelry and such – I remember spending a month in Mexico and some prim/proper lady getting sewer water squirted all over her argyle shirt. She freaked. Okay. But if she had stayed at home she may not have gained the gift of compassion and maybe the day she was passing out free lunches to children, maybe they could have found lunch elsewhere. But who are we to put limits on seed planting? On either the lady in the argyle sweater, or the child who was shown kindness. This is a real example. But we don’t know the intent of the heart, nor the impact of the seeds planted in those participating on BOTH sides of the equation.
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I apologize for the typos this just came pouring out and needed to be said.
Ok, so my heart is stirred. My eyes are pealed open. I am praying. Can God use me on this trip? So a group of 8 storytellers, moms, wives, women, living life and entering the culture of a different group of women. That gets me excited. Sharing life with others and loving them like Jesus. I see that as my potential role if I apply. I am a teacher and a mom, life experiences effect the folks around you, not just yourself. My question, will we/you be safe? From what I see online Rowanda doesn’t look that safe. Thoughts on that? Love to y’all.
Ok, so my heart is stirred. My eyes are pealed open. I am praying. Can God use me on this trip? So a group of 8 storytellers, moms, wives, women, living life and entering the culture of a different group of women. That gets me excited. Sharing life with others and loving them like Jesus. I see that as my potential role if I apply. I am a teacher and a mom, life experiences effect the folks around you, not just yourself. My question, will we/you be safe? From what I see online Rowanda doesn’t look that safe. Thoughts on that? Love to y’all.
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My question is for all of you who have a problem with her going. What do you recommend she do instead? Are white women not allowed to support people of different races and ethnicities? My understanding is that the purpose of this trip is to hear where these women were and where they are now because they have a sustainable income. Don’t they deserve to have their stories told just like the rest of us? I think they do.
I think it is healthy to ask the questions of Noonday that are being asked, but would you be satisfied with an answer or just continue to bash them? Instead of attacking what Noonday is doing, can you help them improve by giving positive feedback?
Also, multi level marketing companies mean that I make money off of all of the people who I sign up, and they sells they make. This is what companies like Arbonne, Mary Kay, Stella and Dot all do. Noonday is the same as them in that they are a direct sales company and purchases are made through Trunk Shows. They are different in the fact that they have Ambassadors no one makes money by recruiting/off their recruits.
Finally, International Justice Mission offers legal resources to those in poverty so that they can prosecute those who are abusing them, holding them as slaves etc. They have a worthy cause. Some of the women at the sewing shop have used their services and their perpetrators received justice. Those stories deserve to be told. Women deserve to know that there is hope even when they can’t see it. They need to know someone understands their situation and there is help. Isn’t that what Kelle has done for the Down syndrome community? She’s told families that they aren’t alone. She’s told her story so that others knew there was hope. Shouldn’t women in Rwanda have that benefit too? Just because they live in a 3rd world country doesn’t mean that they don’t have children with Down syndrome, or struggled with infertility, or had a miscarriage, or been abused. Women for women. Telling each other that even though we may look different we share SOME similar struggles. We are sisters.
I encourage you to at least follow Kelle on this journey and hear the stories she tells. You may be surprised by how you can personally connect with women from Rwanda. And after that if you still disapprove stop following her. I bet you’ll be surprised though.
Thank you for being vulnerable Kelle, and taking an opportunity to give women a voice who wouldn’t otherwise have one.
Are white women not allowed to support people of different races and ethnicities? My understanding is that the purpose of this trip is to hear where these women were and where they are now because they have a sustainable income. Don’t they deserve to have their stories told just like the rest of us? I think they do.
I promise you, they don’t care that a group of well-off americans hear about their lives. Instead why not fly them to the U.S.? The amount of money being spent to send 8? women to Rwanda would be way better spend on pretty much anything.
It doesn’t matter to the people making this stuff how much many sales are made. They are paid a “liveable wage” (no one has stated what this actually is) before any of the jewelry is sold. That’s it. They don’t get a percentage of the stuff that is sold. So this whole trip is to show people how spending your money can make a difference, but that’s completely false. The increase in sales will benefit the people running this company, not the people making the jewelry. So this is a prime example of using these less fortunate people in order to get more sales and make more money for themselves. It’s sick.
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What else can Kelle do? Well, she might just do a “thanks for opening my mind that some companies promising touchy feelies are scams in pretty covers,” and just move on from this endeavor and keep doing the good works she does first for her own family and then for special needs advocacy.
Or she can check out other Rwandan organizations for poor artisans like http://www.rwanda-nziza.com/Welcome.html which I can’t vouch for, but right there in their welcome page, they admit that Rwandan artisans are abused by foreign do gooder profit companies. Maybe go there with her family and purchase goods she can even sell on her own blog, no middlemen, just enjoying the jewelry that was made so far away, giving them a new market. Trade has been done this way since we were all living in caves.
Or she can get involved with a nonprofit organization backed by many oversight entities that is proven Fair Trade. There are a lot, all over the world, respected, that help by self determination and understand how to avoid hurting while they help. It is essential that the business done doesn’t set “suddenly successful” craftspeople up for murder or kidnapping which is so prevalent in insecure countries. There are organizations who are doing good work that she might want to align with.
One thing she shouldn’t do is to go on this foolish trip with this deceptive at best group. Does she have to listen to us “strangers on the internet?” No. She can be rid of us as patrons of her successful blog, and just continue to shepherd the “yes girls” only with her future endeavors. Lots of people touched by fame go that way. Who wouldn’t want only to hear how every move you make is fabulous? It’s highly addicting.
“You will meet strong, independent women like Grace, who survived the Rwandan genocide when she was seven and eventually graduated from Noonday Collection’s seamstress course. She is now supporting herself and her family through a satisfying, sustainable job with Noonday’s sewing co-op and says she feels she has been given a new start.
Our goal is to help those in our communities at home understand that what they purchase matters.”
So basically, it sounds like part of Grace’s job is meeting with these bloggers that Noonday flies there, telling them how great Noonday is and how lovely it is to have a job at all. You are making a GENOCIDE SURVIVOR TELL HER STORY AS A MARKETING PLOY. So that these privileged white women can go home, blog and tell their friends to buy Noonday jewelry because otherwise this woman would not have a job, pat each other on the back and congratulate themselves for making “meaningful” jewelry purchases. Without disclosing what fraction of the purchase actually goes to support Grace and her family. THE GENOCIDE SURVIVOR.
Kelle, this makes me sick. And I know I’m not alone.