Before sitting down to write this week's blog I went to see how long I have been writing and I was so surprised to learn that I started the blog about 15 months ago and have been consistently writing for about a year now. I have to be honest that my main motivation for starting the blog was to improve the SEO (Search Engine Optimization for those who are lucky enough to not have to know what SEO is). However, I have to say it's become much more than that. Not only do I actually enjoy writing these little posts for you but gosh, people actually read them which is a real surprise to me. Every time someone tells me that they read one of my blog posts a surprised expression comes over my face.
Some weeks the ideas just roll in easily but other weeks it does take a bit of motivation and searching. This week has been one of those weeks. Not because I don't have ideas really but more because there is just so much tragedy happening in the world and the news is just spilling in daily with more and more stuff for each of us to navigate and understand. I am seeing so many folks struggling to make sense of world events and finding ways to keep their heads up and stay informed without getting overwhelmed. Writing a blog to sell things just seems so um what is the word...meaningless ...unnecessary...tone deaf.
I feel it too. I have been feeling it and I have been struggling right along with you to find ways to make sense of things that are happening. The one truth I continue to return to over and over again is that no matter how many dark things happen in the world there is always magic to be found and celebrated. So in the spirit of finding and celebrating magic I would like to take some time this week to share with you the commitments I made when I started this little business and the ways in which those commitments manifest each day.
At Pink Moon Goods, we stand firm in our commitment to anti-racism, anti-hate, and social justice. We proudly believe that Black Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, Immigrant Lives Matter, and that all women have control over their bodies. We support survivors and strive to dismantle systems of white supremacy that endanger the lives of People of Color. Our solidarity extends to the LGBTQ+ community, and we actively seek vendors who share our values of inclusivity and celebration of diversity.
In our storefront and online platforms, hatred has no place. We uphold ethical standards by sourcing products from vendors who prioritize fair labor practices and sustainable materials. Our dedication to reducing waste extends to our packaging and daily operations, enriching the lives of our customers through education on ethical stewardship of the Earth.
One of the ways that we support this mission is by contributing to community organizations that align with our commitments. Here is a list of organizations and events that we host to support those doing important work in our community.
Created as a way to help the Dayton LGBTQ+ Center raise money to renovate a space in their building for a youth center while enjoying a discount at some of your favorite Dayton shops and restaurants.
YWCA Dayton GALENTINE'S DAY Pay-it-Forward
Valentine's Day can be tough, especially for those rebuilding their lives after leaving abusive situations. With our GALENTINE'S DAY Pay-it-Forward initiative, you can make a difference. This pay-it-forward event gives our customers an opportunity to do something nice for the women living at the YWCA shelter. For one week in February we discount our chocolate bars and YOU buy them to donate to the shelter. We lovingly wrap them and deliver them to the shelter on Valentine's Day. Look for details during the month of February on our social media accounts or event page. Every contribution helps provide sweet treats, love, and support to those who deserve it more than they may realize.
YWCA Dayton HOLIDAY MARKET FUNDRAISER
During December, shop with us to support the YWCA Dayton's Holiday Market. 10% of all sales during the first week of December will be donated to purchase items for residents to gift to their families or themselves. We believe everyone deserves beauty in their lives so we shop with the intention to provide the most beautiful items we can to enhance the lives of those in need.
This contribution gives us an opportunity to "walk our walk" by supporting other local vendors and shops with our contribution. This year we were able to make purchases with the following (mostly) local/small businesses:
WE'MOON's WOMEN IN PRISON PROGRAM
Supporting incarcerated women through Mother Tongue Ink's We'Moon Women in Prison program is one of our favorite ways to show that we care about everyone. For every We'Moon planner or wall calendar purchased at Pink Moon Goods, we donate $1 to help cover shipping costs. Your contribution brings inspiration and empowerment to our sisters behind bars.
DAYBREAK Dayton
Daybreak is a compassionate and dedicated organization committed to transforming the lives of young individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. With a rich history spanning over 40 years, they have become a beacon of hope, providing essential services, support, and resources to those in need. We donate items that help make the transition into independent living for youth successful. We also contribute to staff events that promote wellness and self-care for those on the front lines of helping these youth.
GEM CITY ACTION
Gem City Action is a grassroots volunteer run organization dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable Dayton by advocating for human rights, supporting marginalized groups, promoting social justice, and creating safe spaces to strengthen and unite the community. We have hosted food bank drop-offs, sell items whose profit is donated to the organization, and donate small sums of money for specific purposes such as their current adventure of raising money for a Free Store.
As well as these major giving events we continually contribute to local raffles for teachers, WYSO Public Radio, and the Wright Library Summer Reading Program. We always vet any organization to be certain that their ethos align with ours and that they do not contribute to hate or discrimination in any way shape or form. We support folks who like us are striving to create equality, progress and freedom for all!
There is a lot that we can not control in the world. But there is also something that each of us can do to improve the communities we are in. I know that at times it feels overwhelming to figure out what steps you can take to make a difference. I encourage you to keep looking for the magic and understand that you have an important role to play to keep it alive in the world. As my shop helper Angie said this morning, "we can laugh and cry at the same time." We are here for both.