Innovator Award: Revolution
In one sentence, tell us what you do.
Revolution is committed to providing a supportive community and supplemental income to women affected by homelessness or other barriers.
Why did you start doing the work you're doing?
Revolution was founded with the intention of loving well. By creating authentic relationships, training and income-generating opportunities for women experiencing homelessness or other barriers in life, our hope is to steadily improve the tapestry of our community. Our heart is to inspire our community to look beyond and see women as we are, which is worthy and skilled. This beauty is reflected in our hand-crafted jewelry. We build connections between the women buying our jewelry and the women making the jewelry, trusting that when we stand together, we are stronger.
What inspires you?
The women who are part of Revolution inspire us each and every week. We all show up with open hearts and minds, ready to learn something new, ready to connect with each other, ready to laugh and make beautiful jewelry. Art inspires us, creativity inspires us, using our hands to craft inspires us, our stories inspires us to show up for each other and learn from each other.
What's most special about Lancaster to you?
The community of Lancaster as a whole is incredibly giving. It is overwhelming and inspiring to see the support of Lancaster during the ExtraGive, our special events and buying our jewelry and supporting us in real, tangible ways. The creativity and art, the diversity of people and willingness to be there for others is evident in Lancaster and what our organization is all about: community.
How do you take care of yourself when you're feeling burnt out?
At each workshop, we start the day with a quote, play soothing music and write in our journals. This sets our intention for the time and space, gives us a moment to be present and also gives us a time to share with one another. Sharing and participating in supportive community also helps us stay grounded and connected and is an important aspect of self-care: to let others in, to take care of others and let others take care of you.
What's your advice to people who have big dreams and visions they want to make reality?
At one of our recent workshops, the quote we reflected on was by Harriet Tubman: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.” At Revolution, we truly believe in community and that we are stronger together and that everyone has the potential to reach for their dreams and most importantly everyone’s dream matters. Take the first step and start somewhere even if it’s not perfect, make those dreams a reality, be flexible and willing to fail and take people along for the ride.
How do you hope to change your community — and the world?
Revolution was founded on the premise of loving others well and taking pride in what we do. We believe this is done through connecting deeply, quality craftsmanship, showing up, patient endurance and that we are stronger together. By living these values we make an impact in individual lives, our community and the world as a whole. Women in our program said that being in Revolution brings hope and a feeling of empowerment. One maker used the money she earned to take classes and earn her GED, another woman was inspired to go back to school. Revolution has connected women to jobs and supported job searches and career paths in other meaningful ways. Revolution has helped women move into homes and encourages women where they are in their journeys with dignity and care. Our hope is that these small acts have a ripple effect in the community.
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
As we reflect on our history as an organization and head toward our 5th year together, we are looking forward to making more beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, adding new designs, learning new jewelry making skills, holding weekly workshops at the YWCA, holding weekly community nights at Water Street Mission, connecting as women, making an impact in women’s lives and overall making an impact in Lancaster and beyond. We hope to partner with more retail stores and excited for the markets we will attend in 2020.
