To The Market
Promoting and supporting organizations that provide assistance to survivors of domestic abuse has always been important to me. Back in my attorney days, a colleague and I helped a woman obtain a green card through a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petition. She was from Africa and brought to the United States as part of an arranged marriage. By the time we had met, she had suffered through two terribly abusive marriages and feared for her life because of one of her exes. It was by far the most eye opening, gut wrenching and yet rewarding work I have ever done.
More recently, a friend of mine introduced me to a new organization she works with that is dedicated to helping survivors of abuse, conflict and disease by providing an online marketplace for goods created by those women. The mission of TO THE MARKET | Survivor-made Goods “combines the powers of commerce and storytelling to empower the world’s most courageous survivor populations, in the belief that resilience is more powerful than suffering.”
The overarching idea is to help these women gain economic independence in order to foster future success. From To The Market founder, Jane Mosbacher Morris: “Economic independence is vital to the future of survivors of abuse, conflict, and disease. This economic independence will help to ensure that the survivors of abuse don’t return to their exploitative relationships; that survivors of conflict can forge a new life without relying on charity; and that survivors of disease can afford the care that they need. This can break a cycle of poverty and pain for their dependents.”
So the next time your online shopping habit kicks in, why not buy from a site where your purchases can mean so much more? And for all of my event pros, To The Market happens to sell items that fit nicely into a range of celebrations. There are gorgeous earrings that would make great bridal party gifts, colorful flats for a bride to slip into for the reception, home goods perfect for any newlywed couple, necessities for a new mom or mom-to-be, even tote bags that can be customized for wedding welcome bags. The possibilities are endless and the benefits are priceless.