by Angela Melfi & Kara Valentine
Threads Worldwide Founders
Now → we dare.
We dare to dream of a world that works for everyone and we invite you to join us in making this a reality.
Before starting Threads, we thought of the harsh realities in the developing world as just that, harsh REAL-ities: this was the way that it was and the way it would continue to be. We didn’t know we could use our privilege and resources (both financial and human) to create REAL change. As Threads began to take shape we came to understand that we didn’t have to ascribe to this reality. We came to understand that we could dream of a different world – one that works for everyone – and then invite others into this dream to transform reality.
In the days of Covid-19, we are towing a delicate line around communicating the realities our Artisan Partners are facing. We understand the damage created by sharing in a way that elicits guilt and pity; feelings that create separation and overwhelm. We are also conscious that everyone is suffering in different ways in the US and we worry about being insensitive to the plights of our own communities.
Brene Brown said, “Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things.” The truth is that we are hearing many ‘hard things’ from our partners. Our partners in Guatemala told us this past week that Threads is a ‘lifeline’ for the women there. We were told by our partners in Bolivia that our payment made it possible for the women to continue working through April – after which the future is uncertain.
Along with our privilege comes a responsibility to be the partners that our Artisan Partners deserve. We made a promise to create a marketplace for their beautiful work and we are keeping that promise.
This is where you come in. We invite you to dare to dream with us. Dream of a world that works for everyone. Know that your order, your share of our social posts, your Showcases, you being part of our team – you are daring to see a new reality and the ripple is real:
We are ordering and sending money to our partners.
They are then spending in their local economies.
They are able to contribute to their communities in ways they would not be able to if they had to scramble for food: they are sewing masks, helping with errands, cooking food for their neighbors.
THIS is a new reality. Thank you for daring with us.
