Brendan's Bracelets

 Earlier this year, my eight year old son Brendan and I were discussing “The India Girls” (the term we use for survivors in our house). He had been wearing his MadeBySurvivor's bracelet that read “Freedom” to school and mentioned that some other kids had shown interest in it. I thought about ways we could bring the bracelets to his peers, hoping that both the style and the cause would catch on. I offered Brendan a micro loan to purchase a batch of bracelets up front at wholesale cost. He understood he would need to pay me back, make a donation, and then be able to keep a portion of his earnings. I told him, this would officially make him an ambassador for the cause. We then talked about ways we could introduce The Emancipation Network to his class – I could share pictures and stories from my trip to India, he could design a flier and collect and track the money (insert math lesson here). With the teamwork of his fabulous 2nd grade teacher, we had designated one week for our presentation and sales.

A full classroom usually humming with energy, sat silent and wide eyed. We started with courage. We focused on qualities that were the same in all children, we touched on basic human needs, and we talked about the ways our countries and cultures can make us unique. I saw the children soften as I showed photos of my trip. Without harsh explanations or gory details, I see in their eyes, that they understand. It is not pity, it is genuine compassion for other human beings. They pour over the Rupees, my passport, my plane tickets, and giggle at the photo of a squat toilet. They are so alive with curiosity and concern, I want to sit among them all day and soak it in.

We bought out TEN's remaining stock of beaded, word bracelets. And in that one week, Brendan had sold out and collected close to $100. I was so moved by the generosity and open mindedness of the families that encouraged their children to participate. In a time when the community fundraisers seem endless and the financial burden of raising a family quite heavy, it was beautiful to see that $4 could teach such a grand lesson in global awareness and humanitarianism. Together their purchases made an impact. Starting with one child, then another, and soon twenty, there was a shift. This one class, on small Cape Cod, in a corner of the world so very far from buzzing Kolkata, India, shifted toward love. And moved us all a little closer to each other, all a little closer to Freedom.

Namaste,

Janell

I would officially like to dedicate this blog to Brendan. He has inspired his peers to proudly wear the words Justice, Love, Service, Truth, Hope, and his most favorite of all, maybe because his Mommy wears it, but probably because his beloved teacher does - Freedom.

I hope he inspires you too.