Bits and pieces of paper are saving lives.
No, really they are. To 93 Ugandan women, recycled paper, fashion, and artistry have given these women a chance at what society told them has gone: HOPE.
I’ve been to Africa and the greatest thing I learned is sometimes—though well-intentioned and pure—helping those in need ends up hurting those in need. As Americans we sometimes assume we can solve anything. We sent a man to the moon. We found a cure for polio. We invented reality television. Basically, we think we can solve any dilemma with enough willing hands reaching into deep pockets.
But throwing money around isn’t helping the hurting. In fact, it’s arrogant to think our money will solve the world’s problem.
What I love about 31 Bits is a principled belief in building self-worth and sustainable livelihood using employment opportunities for women. By buying jewelry direct from each woman on a monthly basis, they are provided with an immediate, consistent, and fair income.
By selling these products in the international market, 31 Bits is able to generate a profit as well as provide the women with numerous development programs (English lessons, finance training, community groups, AIDS and health education, and vocational training). Each women is housed and educated until she has graduated from the 31 Bits program and attained a sustainable means of income within her own community.
Win the PB necklace!
What I love most about the designs is that it isn’t kitchy and doesn’t scream, Look at me! I’m a memory from a missions trip! I look cool! No, the designers work closely with 31 Bits to stay current with fashion trends, colors, and styles and have managed to own a presence in 90 stores internationally. The best part of this story is the creators/entrepreneurs are a couple 20somethings out of Costa Mesa, California. They are vibrant, passionate, and committed not only to the women in the program but to their business as well!
They’re new line The Haven releases today and it’s featured by the ever-stylish Promise Tangeman! [I think Promise can wear a trash bag and still look fierce!] To honor the creators in Uganda, The Haven was a line created to celebrate the community in which they live, work, and grow; a place to think creatively, dream big, find joy, build confidence, and be empowered!
Today 31 Bits and I want to give away two necklaces from their new line! That’s right, go out and spread the word. It’s simple:
- Leave a comment
- Pray you win
- Be nice to people today
- Look fabulous if you win the jewelry
Check out the promo video, click on their site, and have fun looking fabulous!
I would love to win!
I love 31 bits! I already own one of their necklaces, and yes, I am praying I win! 😉
I absolutely love this company! I've been to Uganda and fell in love with the people and the country. What a fantastic giveaway
I've been hearing little tid'bits' about this company, and will be learning more! This is exactly the type of company I love to support! Thanks Bianca!
I have always wanted one of their necklaces – they are SO cute!
I love this.
Thanks 31Bits & Bianca.
oh how i love 31Bits. thanks for being a radtastic blogger & for supporting and giving away wonderful things such as this! happy monday to you!
this would make an EXCELLENT birthday present for me 🙂
I love 31Bits! I've got a lovely bracelet already, and would proudly wear a necklace, too!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway opportunity!
so inspiring! i'm currently considering starting my own business, and would love it to have a purpose beyond just earning money. it's absolutely fabulous on so many different levels.
I love 31 bits! After spending time in Uganda I love what this organization is about!
I stumbled upon your blog from a RT on twitter. I absolutely love what this company is doing. I love your blog as well. Keep up the good work.
31Bits is such an amazing business. Helping women around the world to look fabulous and to empower them to rise up. Love this company!
Love the purpose, love the necklace!
I'd love to win!
I adore 31Bits! I visit them often at The OC Martmix and drool over their collection. Love the good work they do!
Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you point out one of the benefits is improving self worth; everyone wants to work and show they can contribute!
love this!
So rad!
How awesome!! Praying for this wonderful company and the women involved!
Awesome program and I love the jewelry too. Bought some for my daughters for Christmas 🙂
I wanna win but in all resiousness… where can I purchase the jewelry?
check out their website at http://www.31bits.com :o)
Oh…I hope I win a necklace. Love the purpose behind it….
FOUND IT!
I bought my best friend a bracelet and would love to own a necklace! (who wouldn’t want one!!!)
Praying I win 🙂 But if not, I'll just have to do some retail-therapy 😉
Bianca, thank you for your kind words.
Thank you for being an amazing sister/example in the Lord 🙂
I love the jewelry and the reasons they are doing this! Thank you for sharing!!!
Their new line is so beautiful & I love what their doing. Thanks for sharing!
Love their pieces!! Praying to win!! Thanks!
I love reading your blog…and i love that necklace 🙂
What a beautiful line! 🙂
I love their stuff!
So cool you are teaming up with them 🙂
What?! A giveaway?? So fun! Thanks 31 bits and Bianca!
thank you for sharing about 31 Bits Bianca. i love learning about people putting their faith into action. it convicts me and compels me to want to do the same. regardless of winning a necklace or not, i've bookmarked their site and will definitely be purchasing a necklace or two.
i think this is amazing…and i agree with you about
"As Americans we sometimes assume we can solve anything. We sent a man to the moon. We found a cure for polio. We invented reality television. Basically, we think we can solve any dilemma with enough willing hands reaching into deep pockets.But throwing money around isn’t helping the hurting. In fact, it’s arrogant to think our money will solve the world’s problem."
Thanks for sharing…and yes Promise Tangeman can wear a trashbag and still look fab…
How very inspiring!! Absolutely love all the jewelry 🙂
Awesome! Such a great company!
This is my first time hearing about 31 Bits and I'm so glad I know about it now! Finally something cute and affordable that supports a good cause! Mom and friends with birthdays coming up will be getting new 31 bits accessories!
I haven't been to Uganda YET but I do love 31 bits & what they stand for. The new line looks awesome!!
i'm always amazed at the creative ways people can find to help other people. thinking outside the box strikes again. it would be fun to win a necklace just to have the opportunity to tell the story behind it whenever someone asks about it 🙂
Love the necklace and the purpose behind it!
This is so awesome. As helpful as money can be it's nothing compared to hope and personal fulfillment!
Yay! 31 Bits jewelry is so cool! These necklaces are definitely on my birthday wishlist… (wink wink nudge nudge fingers crossed hope I win)
I was just recently introduced to 31 bits through Promise’s blog and think it is amazing! So are you by the way! Pray I win!
I love their heart for giving back. Love the new line too! I hope I win!!
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing, B.
I've been wanting to go to Uganda now so it's great to see this new
and different way to help the women improve &give them a better
future!
I never win these things, but I'm praying that that changes this time!
31 Bits has become my go to place for presents. I'd love to own one of their pieces myself.
A girl can never have too much 31 Bits, and can never do too much good in the world.
I love this! Awesome concept and the jewelry is so pretty! I need to 1. pray I win one of the necklaces and 2. save some $$ so I can buy one too! 😉