#adaywithoutwomen

Happy International Women's Day!

I Marched in Seattle: What's Next?

Jenny took this photo of me nursing Fiona at the Womxn's March on Seattle last Saturday. If you haven't already, check out her thoughtful reflections on the march.

Last Saturday was an inspiring day for me. I marched with two of my best friends, my mom, my aunt, and my baby daughter. We wore our 30/30 Project "Healthcare is Human Right" t-shirts and gave away a bag full of them to fellow marchers with healthcare signs along the route. We arrived at Judkins Park in south Seattle at 9:30am and didn't start marching until nearly 1:00. By the time we reached the end of the route at the Seattle Center we were literally in the last 50 people (out of 130,000) to finish the march. It was a long day, Fiona was in her stroller for nearly 8 hours outside. I nursed her sitting cross legged on the lawn at Judkins Park on top of the stroller rain cover and then sitting on 4th Avenue with my back against the wall at Starbucks. And yet being a part of the march was energizing. Talking with fellow marchers, hearing the reasons people were out there, reading the empowering and clever signs that people had put together, joining with other Seattleites in song and cheers. It left me full of hope and enthusiasm.

But as I reflect back this week, and read several articles that gave me a lot of food for thought (here, here and here) I think the most important thing that I will take away from the experience is a drive to take that energy and continue to be engaged, using my voice, money and privilege to make a difference.

I want to be able to tell that little girl that I nursed on the side of the road that her mom stood up for what was right. That in the one of the darkest hours of our country's history, my children were there with me making a difference in our community, in our country, and in this world. I have been too much of a bystander already in the struggle for equality in this country.

Tonight I'm headed to my friend Brittany's house to sign postcards with friends to mail off to our representatives. Patrick and I are in the midst of deciding what additional organizations we want send monthly donations to that will be able to hold our government accountable or step in where services are no longer being offered. Our family will be marching again this year for causes we believe in. I am joining Jenny and others in educating ourselves about the intersection of race and feminism, and about practical steps we can take to recognize our privilege and stand with people of color in our community.

Now is the time to take action.

Marching in Seattle

I was blown away to know that MILLIONS of people around the world were marching on Saturday- as far away as Africa and Antartica! Teresa and I joined the march in Seattle, along with Teresa's mom, aunt, a couple of dear friends and FIONA!

After I got home from the march, I spent a couple of hours scrolling through social media, and was amazed to see the range of people from all different parts of my life who had been marching with me. One of my first babysitters was there, so was a young woman I babysat when I was in college! There were people I'd grown up with, women who have mentored me, friends who brought their mothers and grandmothers, pastors, church groups, doctors and nurses, stay at home moms, cancer survivors, sexual assault survivors, and so many kids! Just within the sampling of people I personally know who marched, I can tell you they represent a variety of voices and opinions, politics and religious views but regardless, they were all there together.

I marched as a way to recognize my privilege, and to stand strong with people who don't have the same privileges that I do. I marched to point out these inequalities. I marched because I can, because I'm thankful to live in a country where peaceful protesting is a protected right. And I marched wearing my "Healthcare is a human right" shirt, because that is something I wholeheartedly believe.

To the people who are reading this with curiosity or opposition, who voted for Trump, or just don't think American women have anything to complain about, I encourage you to read this. I also encourage you to reach out to me, or someone you know who participated and have a conversation. Really, you are part of the reason I marched, so people would see me and ask why I was there. To be completely honest, not too long ago, I would have been right there with you, wondering what people were complaining about and maybe even a little fearful of this thing that I didn't understand. As I've traveled across the country, and even to other parts of the city I live in, my understanding continues to change and my compassion continues to grow as I hear and see how America is a very different place for people who weren't born with the same privileges as me.

Like I said above, so many different views were represented in the massive sea of people marching. One of my friends who marched shared this on her social media today and many people I know who were at the march in D.C. have voiced that they didn't agree with everything that was being said by speakers there.

Here's a smattering of some of my favorite signs I saw along the way.

Of all the signs, this was my favorite and the most important. We can't just march and say we made a difference. We have to keep going.

"Many White Women Marched. Now What?" This is exactly what we should be asking ourselves, and answering.

Here's what march organizers suggest.


PS.  Shoutout to our amazing friend Brittany who knitted hats for us!

30/30: Malawi

I hope you all got a chance to check out the 30/30 Project, if you haven’t yet, I encourage you to take the time to read Teresa's post from yesterday about her family’s incredible story- how her mom, Julie, has been HIV+ for 30 years and the project that’s come out of wanting to commemorate her survival. Obviously, it’s a cause very close to Teresa’s heart, and mine as well and something we will be continuing to post about this month.

Jason and I just returned from visiting the area in Malawi where the 30/30 Project’s first clinic will be built. We got to meet and photograph some of the many women, men and children that this clinic will serve.

Malawi's Neno District is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited, with small villages of thatched roof huts on scattered about on picturesque hills. They look like something out of a storybook. However, the downside to living on beautiful hilltops- health care is at least a 2 hour drive away on incredibly bumpy and sometimes very muddy dirt roads and cars are few and far between out in these parts.

 Once it's complete, this new clinic will be run by Partners in Health in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and will bridge the gap in health care by providing services and medicine within walking distance for the many residents in this remote area.

PS. This morning Julie and Teresa's brother Ryan were interviewed on CBS's Morning Show, you can watch that online here. 

Photos all shot by Jason and via @jkoephoto

Why I Won't Shop at Walmart

"Oh, you're too good for Walmart?" is the response I generally get when I've expressed my preference to never shop at a Walmart. I promise you, my aversion to Walmart has nothing to do with thinking I'm above it. Who doesn't like great prices? But Walmart's prices come at a higher cost and as we are on the eve of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the season of shopping, I wanted to take a moment to speak out. 

Did you know that many of Walmart's employees are living below the poverty line?

This study, released in May by congressional Democrats, found that just one Walmart Supercenter in Wisconsin was costing taxpayers $900,000 a year. It's summary states:

When low wages leave Wal-Mart workers unable to afford the necessities of life, taxpayers pick up the tab. Taxpayer- funded public benefit programs make up the difference between Wal-Mart’s low wages and the costs of subsistence.

So while you're saving at a Walmart register, chances are your tax money is going to help Walmart employees stay afloat. 

To me, it isn't just about money, it isn't about taxes or welfare, it's about the principle, it's about people who are struggling to support their families and a corporation choosing do do nothing about it. 

Here's a story of Walmart employees encouraged to donate goods to be given to other Walmart employees unable to provide Thanksgiving for their families.  The article states that Walmart doesn't contribute on a corporate level. 

Comparatively:

"A half century ago America’s largest private-sector employer was General Motors, whose full-time workers earned an average hourly wage of around $50, in today’s dollars, including health and pension benefits" says to Richard Reich, former Secretary of Labor,  in this great article on his blog entitled "Why You Shouldn't Shop at Walmart on Friday".

Currently, around the country Walmart employees are attempting to take a stand, striking for better wages and I choose to support them by not shopping at Walmart. 

*If you shop at Walmart, no judgement is intended, I merely seek to share my perspective on an injustice I see. I realize there are other companies I could put on blast for similar practices, but I felt the need to write this post as I continue to see Walmart in the news not only for it's employees attempts to strike for better wages but also  it's CEO's stepping down after that whole bribery in Mexico scandal, and continued alligations of poor factory conditions where their products are made. 

Mandela Day

Happy Mandela Day!

In 2009 the United Nations ratified July 18th (Nelson Mandela's Birthday) as Mandela Day. The idea was for it to be a day to encourage people to take action to make the world a better place.  In honor of Mandela's 67 years of service, that you would give 67 minutes of your day today. 

From making a new friend with a different cultural background or volunteering at a school to donating things you don't need anymore or just recycling- the cause is really open-ended. 

Here are 67 ideas of things big and small you could do... 

Today, in Pretoria, South Africa, Nelson Mandela is spending his 95th birthday in  the hospital, while people all over the country celebrate his long life and good works.

So go, make the world a better place today!

I dreamed of Mandela's Africa, by tsevis, in celebration of Mandela's 95th birthday today.  

Hair-Raising Accusations...

Reading about the recent controversy with Locks of Love potentially having $6 million in missing donations is making me sad. I've always loved the mission of Locks of Love and it's one of my goals in life to grow my hair long enough to chop it off and donate it. This incident has reminded me that even organizations who seem entirely straightforward in their purpose, aren't always so.

Regardless of where you give, I encourage you to check out the organizations that you're supporting. 

There are multiple websites that focus on keeping charities accountable.  Nonprofit Investor, Charity Star and Guide Star are three I use.  I understand that charities cannot run without some overhead and administrative costs, but when the majority of that money isn't making it to the people/animals/cause that needs it, or worse- if it's unaccounted for, that's not acceptable. 

Hopefully Locks of Love will be able to straighten this out, I really do hope this is just some sort of misunderstanding and they really are doing the good they claim, but again, a great reminder for everyone to diligently check up on any organization they support. 

Image, JKoe Photography

Earth Facts for Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! Just for fun, here are a few facts about the planet we all call home & how we are using it...

• The Earth isn't round! It's technically an oblate spheroid. Basically that means it’s slightly flattened on the top and bottom poles. (source)
• Earth means "the ground." This name, which comes from an English/German word, has been used to describe our planet for at least 1,000 years. (source)
• You are one in 7 billion. The Earth's population is estimated at 7,078,000,000. (source)
• Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970. (source) 
• Energy saved from recycling one glass bottle is enough to keep a lightbulb lit or four hours. (source)
• The average American uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water a day. (source)

Photo of kids sweeping Union Square as a part of the first Earth Day celebration via National Geographic.

Sseko Sandals in Mexico!

Like Jenny, I'm loving my Sseko sandals! I have the silver ones and they seem to match everything. They were a staple for me on our trip to Mexico and I'm dying for more 70 degree days so I can sport them around Seattle. They were very comfortable to wear and seem to be very durable so I'm planning to order a couple of more straps and rock them all summer. 

So far I've just gone for the basic "gladiator" style tie but there are so many ways to style them I am excited to experiment. Thanks, Sseko, for hooking Jenny and I up with fabulous summer sandals!

My New Wardrobe Must for Travel: Sseko Sandals

It's official. I've found my new travel staple item, Sseko Sandals. Naturally, sandals that can be styled tons of different ways are the perfect thing to pack, they are super versatile and hardly take up any space in your suitcase.

Seriously, these were best things I brought on my recent travels to Australia, New Zealand and Solomon Islands. Depending on how you tie them, you can dress them up, or make them look super casual and you don't feel like you're wearing the same shoes every day. On top of that, I was surprised at how comfortable they were and I was on my feet a ton from running through airports to exploring cities, beaches and rural villages.

I'm even wearing them here, after the soaking wet boat ride!

I'm definitely looking forward to wearing them around Seattle all summer. I've already ordered straps in a few more colors to get even more use out of them.

Sseko is an amazing company and I encourage you to read Sseko's story here or watch the video below. The short, Jenny summarized version: This company is empowering women in Africa and creating opportunities for furthering education through fashion.

Oh and they also make beautiful clutches.

PS. Thanks to Sseko who sent Teresa and I sandals to try out a few months back. Winter in Seattle isn't exactly prime sandal weather so we've been eagerly awaiting a chance to break them out.  I know Teresa's wearing hers around Sayulita, Mexico right now!

March Madness: Go Zags!

You may have picked up that I'm not much of a sports enthusiast (actually, that's kind of an understatement). But in our house, I end up learning a lot about sports through osmosis because Patrick is a fan of pretty much every type of sporting/competitive activity this fine country has to offer. Mostly I just tolerate athletics but my two favorite sporting events are the Olympics and March Madness. Both of them require very little knowledge prior to beginning, have very specific start/end dates, and it's easy to root for your home team!

In the case of March Madness this year, my hometown team, the Gonzaga Bulldogs of Spokane, WA are a #1 pick for the first time ever! I have definitely never been this excited about basketball -- Go Zags!

My friend Andrew organizes a wonderful bracket every year that funds kids school fees in the village of Limilunga, Zambia. This year the goal is to fund 68 students (that's the number of schools in the NCAA tournament) for a full year of tuition. Let me know if you're interested in joining the fun, it's a great way to give back and root for your favorite team-- Win-win!

 Kids from the Limilunga Community School, photographed by Jenny & Jason in 2008 (via jkoephoto.com)

Change.org

Have you signed a petition on Change.org before? 

This current petition for Victoria Secret to make "survivor bras" for breast cancer survivors to feel beautiful, caught my eye today and lead me down a rabbit hole of reading other petitions on the site and victories that have been achieved. 

At the risk of sounding cliché, I just wanted to take a moment to focus on good in the world and look at positive changes that have come from the simple, grassroots action, of people signing online petitions. We all have a voice and while one person may not be heard, even a few other people joining in and pointing out injustice can get things done.

This petition got Verizon to change it's polices to help domestic violence victims cancel contracts without incurring large fees, helping them to hide from their abusers. 

This petition for justice for Treyvon Martin got over 2 million signatures and international attention. 

Cooking is for boys too with this victory for a gender neutral Easy Bake Oven. 

One girl started  a campaign that changed the "Bully" movie rating to PG-13 so target audience can see it. 

For more success stories, check out this great article from Nick Kristof on Change.org. 

And check out change.org for all sorts of great causes that are currently seeking signatures, like the"survivor bra",  this one asking Wal-Mart to stop selling assault weapons or this petition, asking Crayola to start a marker recycling program. 

PS. Featured above, I love this positive play on words necklace from Charming Initials on Etsy. 

Holiday Gifts that Give Back

Here are some great gift ideas that are not only cute but give back to some great charities. Win-win!

10 cute mugs from West Elm - each one funds a different charity. 

Punjammies -- bright and beautifully patterned sari-inspired pajama pants made by girls who have been rescued from forced prostitution in a holistic aftercare center in India.

14k gold bracelet from Kate Spade benefiting Women for Women International.

100% of the profit from Viva Glam makeup products from MAC goes to help women, men and children living with HIV/AIDS.

Krochet Kids beanie hats made by women in Peru and Uganda who are learning a trade to bring sustainable income to their families.

One of our favorite local shops, Glassybaby, gives a portion of the profits from special candle holders to different charities. 

Kiehls limited edition Creme de Corps benefiting RxArts which fosters artistic expression for kids in pediatric hospitals. 

Love these owls from West Elm that benefit St. Judes Children's Hospital.

PS. Celebrities making a difference through holiday giving and Jenny's fair trade gift guide. 

Movember is here!

So by now I'm sure you've heard of "Movember," in which thousands of men across the country grow mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, specifically efforts to combat prostate and testicular cancer. Well this year Movember has found it's way into my household and Patrick is well on his way to a full blonde mustache in his hopes to raise awareness and money. While I'm usually a fan of facial hair (ie scruffy beard), I'm putting up with this particular mustache for the sake of a good cause this month! If you're interested in supporting his efforts (he's competing against his colleagues!) click here. 

PS. The "handlebar" mustache to the left was from our trip to Prague two years ago, at least he's not growing that back! ;)

Clutches with a Cause

A while back Jenny and I featured Sseko Sandals as a great summer shoe that can be worn dozens of ways AND contributes to the education of young women in Uganda. 

Today we are excited to tell you about Sseko's new White Arrow Clutch Collection! This is not a sponsored post, simply something that we think is stylish and a cause we care about. All of the clutches are handmade in Uganda with rich tones of genuine leather and sturdy canvas. The collection comes in three different styles in Caramel and Espresso leather. 

The women who make these lovely pieces are recent high school graduates who work with Sseko for nine months to earn money to attend college. Below you can see some great photos of their university bound team members who have recently graduated high school. Read their inspiring stories here and learn how they are "choosing their own path," which is the theme of this fabulous collection. 

Fan Club

We're already huge fans of the intelligent, beautiful and talented Emma Stone but this little stunt with her boyfriend Andrew Garfield put us over the top.  After realizing the paparazzi was stalking their restaurant they decided to put their fame to good use by sharing about two non-profits that they believe in. Just in case you can't see, they wrote www.wwo.org, the Worldwide Orphans Foundation which helps orphans become "independent, productive members of their communities and the world," and www.gildasclubnyc.org, Gilda's Club NYC which is a support network for those with cancer named after Gilda Radner. LOVE them!

PS. Another inspiring story that made me smile. 

Win a GoodWeave Rug!

Patrick and I recently signed a lease on a little bungalow in the Wallingford area of Seattle, we'll be moving in October! The place has mostly hardwood flooring so I'm trying to find a couple of large rugs for the bedroom and dining area. When I lived in Washington DC I was introduced to a great rug company called GoodWeave that specializes in certifying beautiful rugs as child-labor free. Apparently, over 250,000 children are exploited in the handmade carpet industry.

And it's our lucky day because they are raffling off two gorgeous rugs TOMORROW! Enter to win by clicking here and buying a raffle ticket that's proceeds go toward providing educational opportunities to at-risk and rescued children. I entered for the beautiful Summer Ikat rug from Nepal pictured above.

PS. A great GoodWeave dealer in Seattle.

Summertime Sseko Sandals

How cool are these shoes?! Sseko sandals can be tied into over a dozen different styles so that you can wear them however suits you on any given day. Jenny discovered them at a wedding last week where all the bridesmaids were sporting them, aren't they cute and fun?

Wait, it get's better. They are made by women in Uganda who are in their "gap year" between high school and college and need to save money to pay for their tuition. Watch the video below to learn more about why there aren't many economic opportunities for women in this stage and how these shoes enable Ugandan women to get higher education.


Sseko Way from Sseko Designs on Vimeo.

They are offering free shipping until Monday on orders over $65 with the code "birthdaylove" so get shopping!

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!

South Africa is celebrating Nelson Mandela's birthday today through a day of public service. Around the world people will be giving 67 minutes of their time to help others in honor of the 67 years that Mandela has been fighting injustice. Will you participate? I wish I'd learned about it a bit sooner but I'll try my best to give back to my community today in some creative way.

The former South African President and life-long activist is a personal hero of mine and I wish him all the best on his 94th birthday. Love this video of children in Soweto singing Happy Birthday to Madiba!

The "Globals" Generation

Have you heard of the “First Global Generation?” I hadn't until I listened to an NPR broadcast the other day that caught my ear. Apparently it’s a new name for a generation of 20 and 30-somethings who spend many of their young adult years living outside of the US and have cultivated a sort of “global citizenship” that informs a broader world view. Many believe that it’s not just their role to attain the “American Dream” for themselves but also to make sure that all people have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. First Global's don’t want spend their money on things but prefer experiences. Owning a car or home does not provide a sense of security but ties them down to one place when they would prefer to be free to move about.

One of the interesting parts of the article was how much studying abroad has influenced our generation's way of thinking. More than 270,000 students studied abroad in the 2009-2010 school year. When I was at UW I studied abroad in both Havana, Cuba and Cape Town, South Africa and I can honestly say both experiences had a huge impact on how I have lived my life since. They gave me a desire to know people around the world, learn more about world history, think more openly about different ways of living, and help people who have not been given what I have.(The photo above is of Jenny and I in 2005 meeting Desmond Tutu in Cape Town and below is at an HIV/AIDS March to Parliament we participated in there.) 

I think it’s pretty exciting that my generation is interested in expanding their world view through travel and giving back through charity and non-profit work. Did you study abroad? Do you consider yourself a part of the "Global" generation? Are there dangers to such a lack of permanence in the lives of this generation? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.