Here We Believe: Positive Messages Raise Funds for Social Justice Organizations by Elisa Schmitz

Sometimes, you have to get out from behind your desk to find inspiration. If I'm feeling down, taking a walk usually changes my perspective and provides clarity and focus. You never know what you'll find. Today on a walk, I noticed a sign on my neighbor's lawn. I had never seen it before, but it immediately captured my attention and provided food for thought:

Here We Believe:

• Love is Love
• No Human Is Illegal
• Black Lives Matter
• Science Is Real
• Women's Rights are Human Rights
• Water Is Life
• Kindness Is Everything

After snapping a picture and continuing my walk, I thought about all the events that had triggered each of those beliefs. So much is happening in our world to divide us. This sign captured so much in just a few words and affirmed that we can't give in to negative thoughts. We need to focus on the positive and what we can do to make life better. Sometimes, that starts with just saying how we feel. 

And because, KINDNESS. IS. EVERYTHING.

A quick online search told me that the sign was created by Here We Believe, a website started by Becky and Camm, a couple in Evanston, Ill., to not only share a positive social message, but also to raise funds (50 percent of its profits) for organizations who fight for social and environmental justice. 

To date, Here We Believe says it has donated to more than 40 organizations, including Amnesty International, Black Lives Matter, Doctors Without Borders, Flint Water Fund, National Organization for Women, National Public Radio, Planned Parenthood, Public Broadcasting Service and many more.

"We are certainly not the first to put these sentiments together, nor are we the last, and we claim no credit for doing so," Becky and Camm say on their website. "This is our unique design, but these words all have their own life and stand for great people, ideas and movements. If you pay someone for a sign, shirt or mug, we encourage you to find products that put at least a portion of their proceeds toward worthy causes. Consider this your call to action!"

To learn more or to order a sign of your own, visit HereWeBelieve.org.

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