Philanthropy
Henna has a global story. It's ancient use spreads from the Fertile Crescent, through Southern Europe, North Africa, and into the Indian Subcontinent, crossing mountains and seas. Henna Caravan wants to honor this history by continuing the tradition of henna as a tool to bring global cultures together. One way we'll be doing this in 2018 is to actively support three not-for-profit organizations through volunteerism, product sales, and sharing their story. Each has a special relationship to Henna Caravan, and we hope that you'll take a minute out of your day to learn about their programs and perhaps lend some of your time, talent, or treasure, to supporting these causes.
If you are a representative of a not-for-profit organization interested in collaborating with Henna Caravan on an educational or fundraising event, please email us.
The Malala Fund
What they do:
Malala Fund advocates — at local, national and international levels — for resources and policy changes needed to ensure all girls complete 12 years of school. The fund invests in developing country education leaders and organizations — the people who best understand girls in their communities — in regions where most girls miss out on secondary education. And they amplify girls’ voices. Malala Fund believes adolescent girls should speak for themselves and tell leaders what resources they need to learn and achieve their potential.
Why they inspire us:
Malala Yousafzai is a young woman who faces violence and oppression with advocacy, determination, and education. While she was an impressive activist within her home region, she rose to international attention after an attempted murder by a Taliban agent. Since then, she has used her voice to speak for those who have not been heard and to enact real and lasting change in communities around the globe as well as in her home country of Pakistan. We chose to feature Malala Fund because we believe wholeheartedly in the right of every girl to receive an education.
Direct Relief International
What they do:
Nongovernmental, nonsectarian, and not-for-profit, Direct Relief provides assistance to people and communities without regard to politics, religious beliefs, or ethnic identities. Direct Relief’s assistance programs focus on maternal and child health, the prevention and treatment of disease, and emergency preparedness and response, and are tailored to the particular circumstances and needs of the world’s most vulnerable and at-risk populations. This tradition of direct and targeted assistance, provided in a manner that respects and involves the people served, has been a hallmark of the organization since its founding in 1948 by refugee war immigrants to the U.S.
Why they inspire us:
When the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake tore through southeast Asia, we all felt shock, sorrow, and above all powerlessness. This was the first we had heard of Direct Relief, even though they are headquartered just 40 minutes up the coast from us. Within hours, Direct Relief had turned hundreds of thousands of donations into critically necessary medical supplies, delivered directly to local infrastructure throughout the devastated region. Since then, we've seen Direct Relief provide medical support in the US and globally. Their focus on prenatal and maternal care is especially important to us, as women are disproportionately affected by limited medical care in developing regions. What's more, with a fully endowed fund, every penny of our donations has gone directly to aid, not administrative costs.
THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN TENNESSEE
What they do:
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee exists to provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being, and to educate the public of the complex needs of elephants in captivity and the crisis facing elephants in the wild. The Sanctuary is currently home to 11 elephants retired from zoos and circuses, many of whom suffer long-term health and behavioral issues common to elephants that have spent their lives in captivity. The Sanctuary employs a fully integrated team of veterinarians and caregivers who provide high-quality care by using positive reinforcement and protected contact to safely meet the needs of each elephant in care.
Why they inspire us:
Many years ago, when Henna Caravan was just an idea, Jessica was working on logo designs. The Camel was in the lead. After all, what do you think of when you hear the word "Caravan"? But something didn't quite fit. Camels, while hardworking and with the most beautiful eyelashes, didn't speak to her soul. Jessica wanted to feel strong, grounded, feminine, and full of possibility. The Elephant represents strength, longevity, cooperation, wisdom, and, as a matriarchal society, is a symbol of women supporting women. She is the perfect mascot for us, and she has led us for almost 20 years! When we learned about the Elephant Sanctuary, we were immediately inspired to support their beautiful creatures and good works to give these incredible animals a loving home.
