Focus on Possibilities or Dark Realities?

  

As most of you know, we were inspired by the books Half The Sky and Global Girlfriend when we made the crazy, but perfect, decision to start Buy The Change.  What really spoke to us in both of these books was a focus on each of us doing what we can, no matter how large or small, to become part of the solution.
The question that keeps surfacing as we go about the daily tasks of trying to grow this company into a world changing superpower is this “How much should we focus on the challenges faced by our artisans, which are sometimes horrific?” There is a dilemma here because we are firm believers in the power of creating a vision of the outcomes we want, rather than the problems we are trying to fix. We are torn between focusing on the possibilities trade and education can bring, how each blanket, bag or piece of jewelry offers opportunity for a woman, and the risk of not inspiring people to get on board by telling them the full scope of the issues faced by women and girls around the world.
Over the past two years we have become immersed in the issues women and girls face, things like, human trafficking, violence and extreme poverty, among many others.  Are the gruesome details of these stories the best way to motivate people or is the truth about the power of sustainable income for women enough? The more people we meet that are committed to being change makers, the more styles and methods we see.  What do you think is the right balance?  Please share your thoughts.
In Gratitude,
Kari and Shanan

P.S. Join us on our journey! We want every woman to have a happy, peaceful and empowered life. You can join us and support our cause in many ways: host a trunk show, spread the word about our mission and the importance of buying fairly-traded products, become an affiliate, follow Buy The Change on Facebook and Twitter, sign up for our mailing list, subscribe to our blog, and shop online!
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