Iraqi Hope By TakePride
the problem:
Generation Iraq ----- Generation Iraq is one of the few Western charities still operating in Iraq. It was founded in 2006 by a remarkable woman named Tamara Quinn. Tamara is an Iraqi-American who almost immediately after the fall of Baghdad got on a plane and traveled to Iraq for the first time in 30 years to see if she could help Iraqis recover from the war and decades of oppression under Saddam Hussein. While there, Tamara co-founded a women’s rights organization, worked with the Coalition Provisional Authority, and over time, developed a special interest in assisting Iraqi children. Upon returning to the United States in ‘04 she joined the non-profit, the Spirit of America and devoted herself full-time to the future of Iraq. In 2006, Tamara left the spirit of America and started Generation Iraq. ----- Generation Iraq provides numerous services for Iraqi children – but most importantly, it helps keep them alive, educated and loved. In a country of an estimated 4+ million orphans and a non-existent government-based social services network – Generation Iraq works with orphanages throughout the country to provide for children in need. Generation Iraq is on the front lines of the existential fight for soul of the Iraqi nation. They give children throughout Iraq reason to hope and with greater support they can bring help and hope to thousands more. ----- Iraqi Hope does not take any stance on the politics of the war. Showing that you’re not indifferent to the suffering of children affected by an American war says nothing about your politics, rather it’s simply the right thing to do. Similar to supporting American troops, supporting Iraqi children is ultimately about cheering good people who are doing their best in an incredibly difficult situation.
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0why it's important:
Iraqi Hope is a simple idea: to use art to cut through all of the complexity and emotional and political baggage that people feel about the war in Iraq and to inspire them to want to help Iraqi children in their struggle for a better life. In the simplest terms, America broke Iraq, and we have a moral responsibility, regardless of our politics, to help those whose lives have been shattered by our country’s actions.
the plan of action:
Our first step is launching a sister-line of artist edition t-shirts called "Iraqi Hope." Each of the shirts tells a unique and uplifting story inspired by the life and aspirations of an Iraqi child orphaned as a result of the violence that followed the war. The shirts not only communicate the hope of Iraqi children, but financially support the children’s pursuit of their dreams as 20 percent of shirt proceeds are donated to Generation Iraq, a charity that cares for Iraqi children. The second step is preparing for an art auction which we're going to hold in the fall. We're currently reaching out to some of this generations favorite modern artists. We're also actively seeking sponsorship to help fund the show and a well know gallery or auction house willing to support this cause and house the event. Some of our top choices for artists have already signed on to the event including Jeremey Fish, Barry McGee, Mister Cartoon, Dalek, Buff Monster, D&Face Ed Templeton. We have requests out to numerous other artists and are confident that we will increase the number of participants. The artists have all agreed to donate pieces of original art to be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Generation Iraq [http://www.generationiraq.org].
how you can get involved:
Iraqi Hope t-shirts will be exclusively available through the Iraqi Hope section of www.TakePride.com. The shirts will cost $25 and will be available in men’s sizes small through 2XL and women’s sizes small through XL. 20 percent of the profits from the sale of the shirts will be donated to Generation Iraq, one of few remaining Western charities that operate in Iraq. Through full and part-time staff located in various cities throughout Iraq, Generation Iraq provides financial support, essential services and sponsors various activities for Iraqi orphans and other children in need.