Changes are coming!

Hi there!  Guess what?  Things at Zimbags are changing this year.  We are excited to start sharing these changes with you soon.  Keep your eyes open for new and exciting things.  

The image above is just one hint at the awesomeness ahead.  We have also joined Twitter!  Come follow us to learn about what's happening with Zimbags.  

It's 2012 -- Zimbags 5th year in operation, celebrate along with us this year as we grow and change.
 

We Heart Jumo!

Do you have a Facebook? I'm going to venture a guess that you do. Well, now you can follow an issue or project (like Zimbags!)

Jumo was created by a Facebook co-founder and makes it easy for you get involved in changing the world. Jumo believes "together we can speed the pace of global change." We like that.

The idea is simple. You find, follow, support.

How can you sign up and start following causes that interest you? It's easy.

1. Go to jumo.com.
2. Sign in with your existing Facebook account or create one.
3. Search for the issues and projects that interest you (like Zimbags!)

4. Stay informed with updates, donate your time or money or skills, and get involved in a community that cares.

Jumo mean "to come together" in Yoruba. With so many people on Facebook so much of the time... we think it's pretty great that they are looking for ways to connect people over important issues.

So while you are clicking around on Facebook today, how about joining Jumo and following Zimbags.

Happy Friday!

-The Happy Bag Elves

The March for Love.

Every year the people of WOZA march on Valentine's Day in peaceful protest. This year was the ninth year and over a thousand people showed up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to march for peace.

From WOZA's website:

"AT 10am, five simultaneous protests began in different locations in downtown Bulawayo. One thousand eight hundred women and men, members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) turned out for the ninth edition of the Valentines Day protests, the biggest protest since WOZA these protests began in 2003. The target of the peaceful protest, the offices of The Chronicle newspaper with the objective of testing if there is free media or state propaganda remains entrenched. The huge mass of singing protestors completely closed off 9th avenue for over 30 minutes.

The second group arriving at The chronicle at 10:15 am 12 Feb 2011.

The men and women aged from 17 to 93 years old, sang songs as they marched and handed out hundreds of red roses, specially prepared Valentine Cards and the Woza Moya (Come healing wind) Newsletter bearing the top ten point on constitutional reform and on the Inclusive Government. Although different songs were sung by the marching formations, one song was featured at The Chronicle offices - ‘Why are Zimbabweans populating other countries - why is that?’ The chorus answers was mentioning the instances of political violence in which people have died forcing people to flee to other countries for their better survival.

A police vehicle arrived on the scene and three plain clothed officers (in striped dresscode, so easily recognisable) went into the protest demanding cards and newsletters. They then started to make their way to the front of the protest making for leaders Williams and Mahlangu but fortunately it was at that point that the protest dispersal slogan was being shouted and people were turning away to go home. Williams and Mahlangu were swept along with the dispersing masses. All that was left was for the three officers to gather up the placards, cards and red roses left for them.

A police BMW vehicle attempted to disperse another protest just after they began by dangerously driving through the protest. Police Officers of the Riot squad came upon some dispersing members at Jason Moyo Avenue and jumped from their vehicle to try to quicken the dispersing activists. A vehicle full of Riot police was also seen at the bus terminus after the protest monitoring the movement of commuters.

The singing of songs was so well coordinated that several bystanders thought WOZA should form a choir. Another bystander commented ‘please can they say their message well so maybe things can change in Zimbabwe’. Many cars hooted and stopped to get their copies of cards and roses."

-The Happy Bag Elves

"My Rights. My Struggle." Amnesty International Exhibition

The "My Rights. My Struggle." exhibition is a testament to the extraordinary bravery and determination of ordinary Zimbabweans defending their rights. Originating in South Africa in 2008 and visiting several African countries, the exhibition compellingly illustrates the continuing need for action in Zimbabwe.

Amnesty International first brought this photo exhibition to the United States in early 2009 and is now available on line. Listen as human rights defenders describe in audio interviews the challenges they confront. Hear what keeps them motivated in the face of such adversity. Allow their voices to inspire you to speak out as well for an end to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.

Check out the stories of these incredible Zimbabweans and how they have fought for their rights.

-The Happy Bag Elves

Product We Heart...

Hey there -- did you notice the new tabs at the top of the blog? There is now one called "Products We Heart." Check it out to see eco-friendly, fair trade, and pretty things we love. We want to spread the word about people and companies that are doing great things to change the world for good.

If you have a product you think we'd love, leave us a comment or email us at contact@zimbags.org.

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This week we love Priti nailpolish.

...Priti has many meanings in Sanskirt such as any pleasurable sensation, with love, out of

satisfaction, affection, attraction, and happy. Women everywhere can now help keep our planet Priti- and look good while doing so...

The best part about these nailpolishes (besides being beautiful)? They are eco-friendly. They are non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty free. With Priti, luxury and eco-friendly go pretty painted hand in hand. Normally nail polish has a noxious odor that you know can't be good for you and nail polish remover is even worse. But not with Priti.

There are so many beautiful colors to choose from and they even have a line for children.

Some of our favorite colors:

(Sergeant Cherry Trees, Blue Dawn Delphinium, A Time's Roses, Lady Derby Hyacinth)

What happens when your nails are all chipped or you want to change to another color? They have thought of that too. Priti has soy-based, non-toxic, 100% biodegradeable nail polish remover.

And if you thought it couldn't be better, they also offer a program for recycling your polish. Check it out here.

That's what we love this week, how about you? What do you love this week?

-The Happy Bag Elves