2009
Compassionism :: The New aWEARness (part.two)
(read THIS first to better get this)
In an age of Compassionism, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to belong, to fit in. There’s nothing wrong with Shirts, Shoes, and Bags. What I’m suggesting is that maybe instead of settling for Compassionism, we can raise the stakes for what it means to wear one of these Shirts, Shoes, or Bags. In so doing, we raise the value of what those goods mean.
Here are a few thoughts on how ::
- Only give away shirts to people who GO to wherever it is the shirt is supposed to draw our attention to. Seriously. Have the best designers in the world make a limited run of 100 shirts, or hats, or fanny packs that you get for FREE when you GO. Whether it means going to Uganda or to volunteer at suicide prevention center. Turn my $10 into 10 hours or even better, 10 days and that shirt will mean a world of difference more to me.
- To get a Bag or Earings or a Bracelet, you have to GO and spend a day MAKING them. Go and give that rescued sex slave a day off and YOU make the conflict free jewelry that day. Then you would REALLY have a story! “Merry Christmas, Mom. I worked for four days with former sex slaves to make your Gift. Enjoy” Priceless.
- Make Micro Lending sexy. Make it hip. Something that all the kids are into. Kiva has been killing it here. They raised 4 x more money than the United Way last year without spending a single dollar on Traditional Marketing or Advertising. Heifer International have been plugging away at this for years at this. But my hunch is that you don’t have a Heifer T-Shirt. I’m pretty sure they make t-shirts. But if they did, they would be made out of Yak Hair.
- To get a pair of shoes, you have to give a pair (at least one pair…and not your crappy old pumas) not just buy a pair. Double and Triple my Return on Investment by getting me to give more than I get.
These are just a few thoughts. Not cynical nay saying but sincere and heart felt desire to see my Compassion transcend my Consumerism. To actually join with what God is actually doing in the world, beyond of my closet.
Your Turn :: What are some NEW ideas to help us move from COMPASSIONISM to Transformational Engagement?
