Everywhere Agency is a social media, content and influencer marketing firm. This is their Heart of Haiti blog post archive.

Everywhere society spotlight leticia barr

The Everywhere Society Spotlight is on Leticia Barr!

Is it presumptuous to say that if you’re in the blogging community and haven’t heard of Tech Savvy Mama you’re most likely living under a cool, dark rock? Maybe. But if you haven’t heard of the woman behind it, Leticia Barr, you best start digging your way out because you most certainly are.

Leticia made her way onto the blogging circuit after spending her earlier years as a tech teacher passionate about technology integration and school administration. If you ask her about the campaigns, companies and cause initiatives she’s worked on, she’ll likely be modest and elude to a few. In reality, her website bio boasts a body of work that would impress even the most seasoned of techies. From her consulting gigs with the likes of Comcast, LeapFrog, Scholastic, UPS, Microsoft and Disney to her Tech Savvy Parents column on Parents.com to even her work on the American Cancer Society’s ‘More Birthdays’ campaign, it’s evident that Leticia keeps more than her toes in the water. And somehow, she manages it all with the biggest and brightest smile on her face. A smile that supersedes even her mouth! Tyra Banks may have coined the phrase ‘smiling with your eyes’ but Leticia has perfected it.

Beyond the hard work, good deeds and long hours, Leticia maintains a level of sincerity and compassion often lost on a world that has gone digital. In the absence of face-to-face contact, many of us (dare we admit it?) have lost touch with genuine connectivity. Suffice it to say Leticia most certainly has not and we think that calls for a collective, “I’ll have what she’s having!”

Her participation in Everywhere Society campaigns has been boundless. When our client, Cox Communications and TV host John Walsh launched ‘Cox Take Charge’ – a nationwide effort to educate parents and their children about TV and internet safety - they were in the market for a social media correspondent with expertise in the area of tech, child internet safety. We knew Leticia was the right choice. They enthusiastically agreed.

Just as her expertise and professionalism lend themselves to our corporate initiatives so does her compassion appeal to our cause campaigns. She has worked with us on Macy’s Heart of Haiti– a trade-not-aid initiative that we have grown to nurture beyond the realm of its social media presence – since it began in 2010. She continues to be one of its most committed advocates. Leticia has traveled with us to Haiti four times. As a devoted member of our #Bloggers4Haiti group she leaves nary a story nor a stone unturned.

What’s arguably Leticia’s most admirable quality (but feel free to ask about the others because we’ve made a laundry list) is her desire to learn and to teach others. We suppose that’s why she became a teacher turned mother, turned blogger, turned philanthropist, turned consultant, visionary, columnist - the list goes on. And so could we.

This month, we’re so pleased to announce that we’re turning the Everywhere Society Spotlight on Leticia Barr of Tech Savvy Mama (and so much more). Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do. We’re not just saying it…we couldn’t do it all without you!

proud hopeful resilient

Haiti: Proud, Hopeful & Resilient

Soapstone artisan Chena Jilles with her family.

By: Lexi Severini

When I was told that I would be heading to Haiti this year for our annual trip, I was elated. I’d been researching the country and its art for nearly two years while working on the Macy’s initiative, Heart of Haiti. I felt excited and nervous, grateful and somehow, undeserving.

People will tell you over and over again that going to Haiti will change your life and as much as you’ll try to absorb that, internalize it and prepare yourself, nothing quite prepares you for that moment when your soles mark Haitian soil.

Certainly the level of poverty and the evident lack of order that exists just outside of the airport overwhelmed me. The stray dogs and shoeless children, the tattered clothes and endless line of street vendors all spoke to an obvious truth – that Haiti is still in great need. However, looking closer, I saw that beyond the obvious, there is something that each Haitian exudes – pride.

I could spend the length of this blog post telling you about Heart of Haiti. It would be easy to write about the incredible craftsmanship of the metal artisans in Croix-des-Bouquets or the vibrant colors and unique designs on papier mache that abound in Jacmel. I could share details of our trek to Leogane through a dried riverbed and tangled tree roots into the woods where we met gifted soapstone artists. And while all of that is undoubtedly important, I would rather share with you the story of the hope and fortitude that exists in Haiti because truthfully, each person I encountered in Haiti was proud, hopeful and resilient.

Haiti’s Department of Tourism has declared the country ‘Open For Business’ and the global response has been one of skepticism. I think that if a country’s people are a measure of its potential than Haiti deserves more respect than it’s received. Yvette Celestin – a Heart of Haiti tobacco leaf artisan in Jacmel – invited us into her workshop, which consisted of a tent, a table and a small handful of chairs. Her home was comparable in size to that of a modest master bathroom you might find here in the states.

Despite her circumstances, she’d taken it upon herself to cook an entire feast for us to thank us for visiting her studio and home. We were presented with piping hot lasagna, grilled goat and chicken, fresh fruit and ice cold Coca-Colas.

The delicious Haitian meal, artist Yvette Celestin put together for our group.

How she managed to have the Coca-Cola so cold without refrigeration is beyond me. It occurred to me that this meal was not cheap and a Haitian member of our group confirmed that this was a very generous gesture. For a woman whose dining room doubled as her living room, kitchen and bedroom, this level of generosity was inspiring . We were all humbled with gratitude.

Street artists selling their canvas paintings.

Leaving the hotel grounds and walking through local villages we passed many people in obvious need yet not once did anyone ask us for money. Instead, we were offered beautiful pieces of art for sale. From paintings to sculptures to metalwork, we found ourselves surrounded not by beggars but by businesspeople. They didn’t wear finely pressed suits or shined shoes, but that doesn’t change the fact that they were doing their best to display their craft and make an honest sale.

On the final morning of our trip I learned that Marco, our impossibly upbeat, positive and punctual driver, had a very sick wife whose diagnosis was anything but promising. I asked him why he didn’t tell any of us and how he could keep something so upsetting to himself, he simply replied that this was his business and he does not let his customers see what’s behind his smile. He explained that no one wants or needs to hear about the troubles in his life. “You are here to enjoy your stay” he said, “my purpose is to take you to and from where you need to go.” Quite candidly, he was expressing that he would rather keep this to himself than worry or burden us. I sympathized and admired him so much for that.

It was then when it hit me how selflessly proud the people of Haiti are. Whether sharing a Tap-Tap on a hot day, cooking a feast and opening up their homes to strangers, turning the notion of the poor being beggars on its head or humbly overlooking the devastation of a personal situation to fulfill a professional obligation, the people of Haiti are proud.

It seems we are all constantly identifying the troubles in our lives, so quick to unleash the woes of our days out into the universe. I challenge everyone who reads this to take a bit of advice from my accounts in Haiti. We could all benefit from a strong dose of gratitude.

growing, giving, growing up giving, guide to give, children, philanthropy, charity, charitable giving, heart of haiti, macy's

Growing Up Giving: Everywhere & Macy’s Heart of Haiti Create a Guide to Raising Charitable Children

This holiday season, Everywhere and Macy’s Heart of Haiti have decided to bring parents and children the gift of giving. Heart of Haiti – an initiative that aims to create financial sustainability in Haiti by sourcing artwork from local vendors and selling them through Macy’s – promotes a belief in ‘trade not aid’ but also recognizes the benefits of being charitable. Together, we have compiled a spirited guide filled with rich visuals, insightful passages and useful advice from our community and networks on how to raise a child who is enthused about philanthropy.

Thanksgiving kicks off a season that encourages each of us to show thanks, generosity, kindness and good intention. As we all slowly get back into the swing of things after the holiday, we are reminded of cherished times shared between family and friends. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays we encourage you to take this opportunity to explore how you can mentor the children in your life.

With information from UN Foundation Study Women Give 2013, contributing anecdotes from parents and inspirational quotes, the Growing Up Giving guide is the perfect resource for any parent, teacher or caregiver seeking to instill a sense of philanthropy in our younger generation.

The Growing Up Giving digital magazine is easy to navigate, quick to read and 100% shareable! For more information about how you can start conversations about charitable giving or to promote this message, contact us at www.beEverywhere.tv.

 

 

Weaving a Story of Hope

Consistency is a luxury Haiti was never blessed with. What has persisted is the instinctual, innate ability of Haitian people to turn something seemingly ugly, into an incredible work of art. One could imagine that paint actually flows through the bloodlines of the Haitian people. Their colorful aesthetic pumping from some reservoir deep within the surrounding mountains spilling out into the streets, masking the broken houses and wildly painted taxis, or TapTaps as they’re called in Creole.

A few months ago, the Everywhere team organized a trip to Haiti for a first-hand look at the inner-workings of our client, Heart of Haiti, a line of home décor products made by artisans in Haiti and sold exclusively through Macy’s. A portion of the proceeds from the sales go back to the artists whose passion and creative expression go into each and every hand-made piece, allowing artisans to work in safe conditions while providing their families with food, shelter and education.

In November, we extended an invitation to our network of blogger friends and Heart of Haiti supporters to join us on a trip to Haiti to see how these artists live, work and heal post earthquake. Armed with inoculations, bug spray and reeking of anti-bacterial gel our group of five bloggers, two Everywhere staff members and one woman who functioned solely as our comic relief dubbed ourselves “Bloggers4Haiti”. Last week we ventured out with the belief and hope that through our reporting, we could make a difference.

Bloggers4Haiti” represents a cast of characters from diverse backgrounds and countries bound together by a common thread of fierce independence and need to help others less fortunate. Together we encountered reflections of ourselves in Haiti: mothers, daughters, sisters and savvy business women. The strength of Haitian women inspired us, as they endure obstacles and tragedy that we could never imagine. They fight desperately to better their lives through talent and work ethic. A feat they face with an infectious spirit of hope and resilience.

While we continue to process and document the specifics of our journey, the “Bloggers4Haiti” begin to weave the tale that brought Haiti into our Hearts. You can read about our bloggers and their stories below:

Heart of Haiti Trip Photos

Bloggers4Haiti collective photos

Heart of Haiti Tumblr

Elena Soninno/Ciao Mom:

Elena began writing Ciao Mom in October 2009 to reflect on what it really means to be a cancer survivor, have a child, go through a divorce, fight the running/non running roller coaster, and find herself in love and getting remarried. Recently, she launched Just.Be.Enough.com in the hope of inspiring women, parents, and children to believe in themselves.

http://www.ciaomom.com/taking-the-trip-of-a-lifetime-to-haiti/

http://www.ciaomom.com/building-capacity-in-haiti/

http://www.ciaomom.com/jp-hro-fosters-self-sufficiency-in-haiti/comment-page-1/#comment-25322

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75TP6qz4jhg

Jeannette Kaplun/TodoBebe:

Jeannette is an award-winning bilingual and bicultural journalist, parenting author and cofounder of Todobebé, Inc. Where she oversees all Todobebé parenting content and websites. She also co-hosts the Spanish-language network TV show “¡Viva la Familia! de Todobebé.

http://jeannettekaplun.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/me-voy-a-haiti/

http://www.todobebe.com/criando/columna-de-la-editora-2/blog-de-la-editora-haiti-pais-de-contrastes

https://plus.google.com/107469029821955226915/posts/jaSsaTN6ued

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43gv5lMU5hM&feature=youtu.be

Leticia Barr/Tech Savvy Mama:

Leticia Barr writes a weekly column about technology and education for The LeapFrog Community and was one of the 30 original City Editors for Being Savvy Washington DC. She contributes to DC Metro Moms, a Silicon Valley Moms Blog site, and writes for The Washington Times. She uses her background in technology and education as the Community Manager for PBS Teachers, where she manages an online learning community of over 58,000 teachers.

http://www.techsavvymama.com/2012/01/sustainable-income-through-art.html

http://www.techsavvymama.com/2012/01/dam-dam-haiti-bloggers4haiti-introduce.html

 

 

Nadia Jones/Justice Jonesie:

A veteran blogger and social media enthusiast, Jonesie has blogged for more than five years at her group blog, Mamalaw.com, an award-winning parenting and lifestyle blog. Jonesie and her partners created MamaLaw Media Group and founded the largest social media conference devoted to celebrating diversity in social media Blogalicious Weekend , the MyBlogalicious Community, and The b-Link Marketing Network.A veteran blogger and social media enthusiast, Jone

http://www.justicejonesie.com/blog/blog/2012/01/haiti-cherie/

http://www.justicejonesie.com/blog/blog/2012/01/the-strength-of-haitian-women/#comment-1218

http://www.justicejonesie.com/blog/blog/2012/01/haiti-little-signs-of-hope-amongst-great-poverty/

Ana Flores/Spanglish Baby:

Ana co-founded SpanglishBaby, the online community for parents raising bilingual and bicultural kids, which was recently chosen as a Must Read Mom’s Blog by Parenting Magazine and featured on CNN en Español, PBS Parents, and BabyCenter, among others. Latina Bloggers Connect, her new venture has garnered clients such as Sprint, Kellogg´s, Clorox, Pine-Sol, WGBH, JOHNSON´s, Neutrogena, Maseca, Mary Kay and McDonald´s.

http://spanglishbaby.com/2012/01/a-trip-to-haiti-with-heart-of-haiti/

http://spanglishbaby.com/2012/01/we-are-in-the-heart-of-haiti/#comment-68204

Bloggers4Haiti Supporters:

Jennifer James/Mom Bloggers For Social Good:

http://mombloggersforsocialgood.com/2012/01/24/bloggers-visit-haiti-raise-awareness/#comment-127

Remembering Haiti This Labor Day

As Labor Day approaches, I am reminded that work provides strength, prosperity and well-being to our self-worth and to our country. In a time of such economic uncertainty, I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to find sustainable income after a catastrophic disaster like Haiti’s 2010 earthquake. What’s amazing about the human spirit is that in times of crisis, people become increasingly innovative, creative, entrepreneurial and supportive. My mind turns to Haiti this Labor Day (with the announcement of the new Macy’s Heart of Haiti 2011 Fall Collection) and the spirit of the working Haitian artisans.

Since the Haiti earthquake in 2010, it has been challenging for Haitians to make a living due to lack of raw materials, secure and sanitary conditions and funding to support the relief. With continued efforts between Macy’s and Fairwinds Trading, Haitian artisans are able to sell their artwork through Macy’s and earn much needed income to feed their families and clothe their children.

If you’ve been following our blog or Facebook Page, you may already know that Everywhere has continued its partnership with Fairwinds Trading and Macy’s and we’re revving up our social media marketing efforts to support the launch of the stunning 2011 Fall Collection available at Macy’s. The collection features beautiful hand-crafted pieces by talented artisans which include, papier-mâché, recycled steel, soap stone and woodwork.

In an ongoing social media campaign for Heart of Haiti, a fair-trade initiative supported by the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Everywhere joins forces with bloggers across the country to spread the social good word.

I am proud to be working today as I write this, and more proud to be working on continuous efforts to showcase these beautiful reflections of the heart of Haiti in support of “Trade Not Aid.”

How you can help?

We connect with bloggers all the time who ask how they can help. There is so much to be done in Haiti and so many non-profits and organizations doing good. Because we’re part of the communications world, we believe you can use your voice to help. If you are a blogger interested in social good, philanthropic social media, fashion for social good or simply inspired by the initiative, lend us your voice! You can amplify efforts by sharing information about Heart of Haiti’s partnership with Macy’s and letting your readers know that when they purchase something from the Heart of Haiti collection, that the sale provides lifesaving income opportunities for the artisans. We’d love for you to join the conversation with us and help tell the story of the artisans and the resilience of Haiti. We’re always happy to send you product for review and give you details about the Heart of Haiti initiative and the difference it makes.

 

EVERYWHERE Travels to the Heart of Haiti

Konpliman! In just a few days, Danica and I will embark on the trip of a lifetime as we travel to Port au Prince, Haiti to meet the artisans behind Macy’s ‘Heart of Haiti’ initiative. Everywhere has had the honor and pleasure of being a part of the Heart of Haiti awareness campaign since it’s launch in October 2010. Formed out of a partnership between BRANDAID, Fair Winds Trading and Macy’s Inc., Heart of Haiti brings aid via a collection of Haitian artisan made, home décor products available for purchase in 25 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com.

This past November, with the support of the BlogRollers, Everywhere created an “Ambassador program” to serve as the cornerstone effort to our campaign. We reached out to influential bloggers and asked them to take on Heart of Haiti as a personal cause rather than to simply write a blog post about it. Twelve ambassadors signed on, each writing numerous blog posts, encouraging their readers to consider Heart of Haiti as a gift that gives back, telling stories about the artisans, sharing information about how the art is made, and how this initiative is making a difference. The commitment from our ambassadors more than exceeded our expectations, so much so that we decided to honor one stellar blogger by awarding them a trip to Haiti led by Willa Shalit, the amazing woman behind Heart of Haiti.

Choosing one blogger from this extraordinary bunch may have been our most daunting task. Luckily we had help from a panel of advisors including representatives from Fair Winds Trading and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Ultimately our panel selected Ananda Leeke, a blogger based in Washington DC who bills herself as an “author, poet, & innerpreneur” and we can tell you that she is all of that and more!

The trip was originally conceived to be a quick jaunt to Port Au Prince (after all, it’s just a two hour flight from Miami) with the featured Ambassador. As word spread throughout the blogosphere, new travelers signed on, agreeing to sponsor their own trips in order to be a part of this incredible opportunity. We’re honored to be joined on this journey by a diverse collective of some of the most inspiring women we know; Travel Tastemaker Johnica Reed, Cause Marketing guru Sloane Berrent, Top PR Expert Heather Whaling, Photographer/Designer Deana Jirak.

On Saturday, February 26th we’ll begin our trip with a visit to Croix-Des-Bouquets. We’ll tour the site where 40 ateliers, including renowned artist Serge Jolimeau, hand cut, hammer and shape the various works of metal art featured in the Macy’s Heart of Haiti collection. From there we’ll visit Einstein Albert’s wood studio where he and his team of artisans create a collection of sustainable guma tree wood products.

The following day will bring us to local celebrity nun and founder of “Peace Quilters,” Sister Angela and her ensemble of women quilt makers. Later that day, we’ll tour the Caribbean Crafts large papier-mache operation along with the tent camps where many of their pieces are constructed.

Our last visit will be with the AFYA Foundation where we’ll meet artisans who lost limbs as a result of the earthquake and are being rehabilitated to eventually work with Heart of Haiti.

And finally, we’ll close out the trip in Jacmel to experience the return of their annual Carnival festivities. Jacmel Carnival is perhaps best known for its handmade costumes and masks created by local artisans. We’re thrilled to be able to experience firsthand, this rise from the ashes celebration during the final leg of our visit.

Stay tuned to http://heartofhaiti.tumblr.com and the blogroll below for updates and posts from the ground in Haiti. Our HOH ambassador, Ananda Leeke will be sharing a detailed re-cap of her experience post-trip on www.anandaleeke.com.

http://www.johnicareed.com/
http://www.thecausemopolitan.com/
http://prtini.com/