We seek to:
Heighten awareness.
If we are not aware of what’s happening in the world, there is no chance we will be actively involved. Awareness is a pre-requisite for action. We believe there are many individuals willing to work toward greater justice, love, peace and freedom in the world if they only knew how, where and with whom to work. Increasing awareness through t-shirts, handmade goods, photography, websites, events and personal relationships is a way to increase action in the world.
Encourage ethical decisions in a globalized economy.
Whether we like it or not, we are a part of a global system in which our individual decisions on a daily basis affect the lives of other people all over the world. Therefore, in order to care for our neighbors next door and around the globe, we must carefully examine what kind of world we are "investing in" with the money we spend or don't spend. Saving a few bucks at a discount store or fast food restaurant could cost many more over time for the sweat-shop workers or migrant farmers who help produce the products we buy. We believe raising issues about where the goods we buy come from, and who produces them, is a form of doing justice in today’s consumer culture. There is a need to be just as concerned for the producer as the consumer. By selling t-shirts that are produced by individuals who are being paid a living wage at factories where they are treated with the dignity and benefits we would expect ourselves, we are contributing to a more fair and just system of commerce. And on the other end, the profits made on each shirt are helping individuals, families and communities to develop around the world. So from start to finish, this form of commerce seeks to benefit people rather than maximize profits.
Change the world.
The hope and vision is that selling t-shirts, partnering with development practitioners, and connecting with individuals throughout the world will build a relational and financial infrastructure that will help focus and sustain future work in transformational development.
We value and labor towards:
Justice.
We desire that those we work with will have a fair opportunity to make a living and to realize their worth as human beings. We also desire to show far more concern for those living on society’s bottom rung than the illusory bottom line.
Transparency.
We commit to be transparent about the use of donations and revenue, as well as the source of our materials.
Sustainability.
We desire sustainability for our business and for the people we seek to help. We seek to empower those we work with, not to create a dependence on our support.
Transformational development.
We desire to see people and communities develop through our work. This goal involves physical, economic, relational, educational and spiritual interventions, and its achievement will be evidenced in all these areas as well, with individuals, families, and communities finding identity, hope, healing and love in the living Jesus and increasingly experiencing God's intended Community together here on earth.