Sending a Message
There are 7 billion of us on the planet, and 1 billion of us go to bed hungry every night. The two of us are lucky. We eat well. The least we can do is be a voice for the ghosts of society who aren’t as lucky.
Spreading the word was a big part of last month’s camping/hiking adventure.
It’s amazing what happens when you wear a “statement” t-shirt. We learned during our 2011 advo-camping adventure, that people are very curious about clothing with a message. So, this year, we decided to wear advocacy shirts nearly every day. As was the case last year, it worked. We had to initiate very few conversations. People we met on the trails and in the campgrounds (heck, everywhere!) inquired about the meaning behind the shirts…
Our commitment to feed the planet so that the earth’s resources are sustained and so that everyone has a full belly.
Did you commit to eating less meat by picking from our small / medium / large challenge? If not, do it now! Here are a lot of reasons to do so. Also, we’re giving away a top-notch knife to one person.
Here is some more information about Oxfam’s GROW campaign. You’ll find ideas on eating less meat and four other core areas where you, too, can make a difference.
Take it from us, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being better.
With so much wealth and abundance in the world, no one should go to bed hungry.
Has all this got you in an advocating mood? Be sure to check out our post on our quest for marriage equality. We need your help.
love that t-shirt. We are huge supporters of Oxfam as well as programs such as Kiva that help people learn how to help themselves rather than giving them something they may not even need. Keep up the good work on spreading the word!
The problem is only going to get bigger as we expand from a world of 7 billion people to one of 9 billion people. More and more, it’s becoming less about sending food “over there” and more about what’s going on in our own backyards. Oxfam’s GROW approach is really solid – it offers lots of quality information and good tips for what we each can do.
Great point about wearing “statement clothing.” That seems like a really effective way to be an advocate and have conversations to inform and change minds without coming on too strong.
I experienced something similar when I saw dozens of people at the Minnesota State Fair wearing “Vote No” shirts opposing the gay marriage ban. That actually made more of a statement than if a few vocal people had held up signs and chanted.
I should probably mention – because I guess we’ve never really said it – that we don’t veer into becoming those annoying people who sort of awkwardly chase you down to talk your ear off. It’s a very subtle thing.
Out in the wilderness, everyone is pretty chilled out and you tend to get into a lot of conversations with people who are all Zenned out right along with you. Most people would inquire about us both wearing food t-shirts, and it goes from there. It’s fun to see that “I can do something” light bulb go off during the conversation.
I agree; great point about wearing statement shirts. I might have to get me a couple of those.
Do it!
I almost never wear statement clothing. My exception is for my personal favorite charity, http://www.theplf.org, which helps educate and feed children in Cambodia. Oddly enough, I’ve only had one person comment on the shirts and that’s because he could read the Khmer script on it (there’s English too, so that’s not why others have not commented). Maybe I need better t-shirts.
Great point that I hadn’t even thought to mention.
In our experience (having tried everything under the sun!), it is far more effective if you have a “unique” and simple t-shirt (see top picture!) as opposed to one that screams “look what I got for doing a 10k walk for charity.”
I’ll stop before this post turns into how to advocate effectively with your clothing.
Great post as always guys, and interested to hear more about your advocacy on this topic. It’s insane that 1 billion people go to bed hungry each night.
1 billion people! Nuts, isn’t it?
I’m holding out for the how to advocate effectively with your clothing post. . . .
We’ll work on it!
I bet a lot of people would say that if anyone could get people into an advocating mood, it’s you two!
Thanks, Abby!
Hats off to you guys for this noble gesture! We must feed someone daily and it gives so much pleasure and fulfillment to fill someone else’s tummy. You are inspirational