Rise Up

With cool graphic tees and hoodies and a bumping sound track, at first glance, Rise Up seems like your typical (albeit very cool) online shop. This company, built on a foundation of social awareness and community empowerment, is really anything but. Founded by social workers Jesse and Maria Roberts, Rise Up is an international organization focused on creating a better world, one community at a time. “Rise Up” is a call to those living in the developed world to become aware of the suffering of the poor, and to do something about it. It is also an encouragement to those who are struggling, to keep pressing on, and to “Rise Up” from their current conditions. Jesse and Maria’s travels have brought them to places like India, Nicaragua, and China where they have worked on projects like building schools and vocational training. They help sponsor their efforts by selling a range of gorgeous yet thought provoking tees and hoodies. The garments are of course, fair trade. Furthermore, the profits go directly to the organization and contribute towards empowering the children and families Jesse, Maria and co. care about so passionately.

Browse around the site, check out their blog and be sure to grab a tee-shirt while you’re at it!