At Rising International we spread hope and dignity by selling crafts made by women living in the poorest and most dangerous places in the world; Places where hope is a radical act, and creating beauty is an act of courage and inspiration. Crafts are sold at intimate gatherings in the U.S., often referred to as home parties. Craft sales enable the artisans to find a way out of poverty by running sustainable micro-enterprises. Each craft comes with the story of the artisan, giving her a voice in our world. In addition, we train women and teens, many under-employed and un-employed, in the United States to run their own Rising Home Party businesses. They earn an income selling crafts for their global sisters. It’s a total win-win: The more our local entrepreneurs prosper, the more they change the world.

Our focus is working with women in high risk environments, such as those in refugee camps, those living with HIV/AIDS, homeless women, displaced immigrants, former slaves, or those in war-torn regions of the world. These mothers and daughters call out to us, and we must answer. By selling their handmade crafts and sharing their life stories, they reach out to the rest of the world, not for charity, but for a chance.

Crafts are purchased directly from the artisans, with the assistance of international aid agencies and NGOs. Rising has aligned with various organizations such as CARE International, The United States Peace Corps, and the UN High Commission on Refugees, in order to directly support women’s crafts groups in countries such as Afghanistan, Chad, and D.R. Congo. These crafts are then sold through Rising Fair Trade Parties which are designed after the popular and successful home party model used by companies like Avon, Pampered Chef, and Tupperware. By hosting a Rising International home party, you can help impoverished women all over the world rise out of extreme poverty.