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!
Yay! I love 31 bits!!!
The world really needs more companies like this that represent love and promote such beautiful causes. I would totally love to rock one of these necklaces and be a part of this movement.
I would love to win the necklace. 31 bits is an amazing organization. Thanks for sharing!!
That jewelry is so FABULOUS! I'm praying! 🙂
That truly is an outstanding idea-teaching men to fish instead of just handing them food so they can sustain themselves…fantastic! Praying for the business to succeed. 🙂
Hi Bianca 🙂
Love this organization! Last month I met a teacher at my kids school that was wearing one of these necklaces and truly these are just inspiring pieces & art!!! I remember looking in awe…these are made out of recycle materials… These are just amaizing pieces! And to know the hands that have made each one of them is just an honor to sport one of these jewelry pieces! Thanks for letting us know where to find them;)
Love!
E
This is such a beautiful project!!! I'll be keeping a closer eye to them!! Awesome giveaway B! Thanks to 31Bits!
31 Bits has become a fast favorite of mine!! Love what they are doing and their jewelry rocks!!!
I love 31 Bits & the new HAVEN line is amazing!!!
Pick me! I've got a friend that would love it! Also, never heard of this company, but will definitely be buying gifts from there!
I love the fact that they are celebrating who they are and where they come from! I would love to win a necklace and if I do…I promise that I will look fabulos wearing it! 😉
I love their company and what they do! i'd love to win! thanks for hosting such a fun giveaway!
you have a certain best friend who's birthday is exactly one week from today. i'm just sayin…
ooo I would love this!
I love 31 Bits! I've been planning on holding a house party for months now and need to get on it! A necklace would be awesome to help promo it! 😉
This is so cool! I love the fact that these women get to feel independent by earning/working for this educational business, instead of feeling like they are getting a hand-out. Huzzah for the working woman on the other side of the world! Empowerment at its finest!
That is a blessing! Thanks for the chance to win it!
Nayi :O)
Awesome giveaway!! I saw these on Promise's blog last week!!
I would love to win! 🙂
How great! I love 31bits!
I love 31 bits! What a great work they are doing!
Love this! I met 2 of the 21 bits girls at the Ideation Conference & am so excited for the wonderful work they are doing. I've become a big fan!
I would love to win!! 🙂
I love 31 bits and all they stand for! 🙂
Love this post and giveaway! Their stuff is GORGEOUS. Thanks for doing this giveaway!
Bianca –
1. You always share GREAT things with us readers! Thank you
2. Dear Lord if this is meant for me I would be honored to wear.
3. I try my best daily to be nice
4. I would proudly wear…good bye Cookie Lee, LOL
love, love, love!
Love it! I may have to purchase some of these necklaces if I don't win, although an early grad present would be ideal 😉
i love you to {31} bits and pieces. amen.
I am SO in love with 31 Bits!
The Jubilee necklace is SO cute! I'd proudly wear one and tell everyone that I got it from Bianca and 31 Bits!
31 bits does amazing work. LOVE their necklaces, and would love to win one.
What a beautiful ministry! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
What an awesome cause! I’m proud to say I went to the same university that these ladies did. Way to go!!!
I love 31 bits and would love to sport the new line to raise awareness for a great cause!!! 🙂
I love this!! It's such a great business! Fingers crossed! 🙂
I love 31 Bits, and have been wanting some of their jewelry for a while!
Lovely! Would love to win! It will be a perfect accessory for my trip to Italy this summer! Oh and I would love to wear it when I am teaching to my students an tell them all about 31 Bits!
I just ordered their Ketch bracelet and I can't wait to get it! They are one of my favorite companies. Ever. Hands down.
You are so cute, Hannah! I love you.
Love 31 Bits!
I LOVE the new Haven line and this organization. I just got back from Uganda two weeks ago and I totally agree with people who think that they are "helping" actually hurting the economy in Africa. I think it's awesome that you are giving away necklaces and sharing the mission of 31bits… for anyone who is reading this I encourage you to check out another non-profit called LoveGrows… it's a newly formed non-proft that helps orphans worldwide and we are currently supporting 700 kids in Mityana, Uganda. Check us out and congrats to the winners of this contest 🙂
I absolutely love 31Bits! The ladies that started it are incredible, the jewelry is eye-catching, funky, and fresh, and it's just such an amazing approach to applying talents and interests to helping others. All around … love it!
Love 31 Bits! And Sseko Designs.. check them out if you haven't already! http://shop.ssekodesigns.com/
Aw, this is a great giveaway! I love 31 Bits and all of the wonderful things they're doing!
Love the 31 Bits!!! What an amazing way to spread the Good News and help out some hard working ladies! Blessings to you all who are involved.
I would absolutely love to win and, right now, I'm praying I do:)
31 Bits is a wonderful company. My hubby got me my first necklace for my birthday last month and I am in love!
I have fallen in love with this company. Another pastor's wife showed me her beautiful necklace and I have hinted around to my husband that it would be a great Mother's day present….I'm praying now!
Would love to win a necklace! Love me some 31 bits!!
~Molly P
I love Bits and have been wearing them for almost a year, I am fortunate enough to live near Vanguard University, where the girls got their start. Can never have enough Bits, I love it helps the ladies in Uganda.
Sheila