Philanthropy Friday: #DeedADay for 2015

Disclosure: I received a 100 Good Deeds bracelet from Everywhere Society to aid in the writing of this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed, as per usual, are my own.

As 2014 comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about resolutions. I’m not big on resolutions, but it seems reasonable to want to make positive change in your life in the new year. Why not commit to doing one good deed every day? It’s easy to do with a 100 Good Deeds bracelet.

An artist, author and advocate, Mary Fisher spent a decade partnering with vulnerable women in Africa designing jewelry. The women that made the jewelry were able to earn a dignified livelihood. After releasing her memoir, Messenger, a story of discovering joy in service, she met Thomas Morgan. Thomas, a filmmaker and father, told Mary about the 100 Good Deeds game he created with his family. According to the rules of the game, you have to go out of your way to help someone in order to do a “good deed” and the good deed only counts if the act remains anonymous. Mary’s response to this story was to create the 100 Good Deeds bracelet.

The 1GD bracelet is hand-braided from a fine nylon thread using a lucet tool. One hundred glass beads and one rubber ring are strung onto the braided cord. You wrap your 1GD bracelet around your wrist three times. Every time you complete your anonymous good deed, you move the rubber ring one bead closer to the 1GD button.

The 100 Good Deeds bracelet is meant to inspire you to do good deeds while also empowering the women who make the bracelet and supporting their families through earnings. Many of the vulnerable women who have been trained to make the bracelets are HIV+ and are from Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Rwanda, Haiti, Bali, India and the US.

When you receive your 100 Good Deeds bracelet, you’ll notice that the rubber ring is already moved over the first bead since purchasing the bracelet is your first good deed. The package is also signed by the woman who made your bracelet. Mine was made by Esther N in Zambia.

The 100 Good Deeds project is made possible by the Abataka Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 100% of proceeds from sales are reinvested in the 100 Good Deeds Program.

There aren’t a whole lot of reasons not to get yourself a 100 Good Deeds bracelet for the new year.

Will you buy a 1GD bracelet and commit to a #DeedADay in 2015?

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. Read past stories here.