We all try to be a better person - in theory. While some of us stand around thinking about how they can make the world a better place overnight, there’s no shame in thinking of our day to day transactions. Let’s be real: we have to care for ourselves. We all have immediate bills to pay; a roof over our heads, food to eat, and clothes to wear to keep our profession just that: professional. While we all want to be Superman, this isn’t always possible. This is when looking at organizations that give back is important. Do these organizations fall in line with your own mentality? When choosing your newest bling, let's look at what constitutes a good watch - morally and stylishly. Here are the organizations that Samuel James Watches support.
ECPAT (End Child Prostitution a Trafficking)
According to the ECPAT website, they are “a worldwide network of organizations working to end the sexual exploitation of children. [They] work at all levels, supporting shelters for survivors, training and supporting law enforcement, influencing governments and conducting a wide range of research.” In 2018, it was estimated that 50,000 children were trafficked into the US alone - with most from the Philippines and Mexico. Globally, that number stretches to 5.5 million children. While this number is abhorrent, programs such as ECPAT is trying to end this skyrocketing number. Samuel James Watches gives proceeds to such programs to try and assist in ending this issue.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
As short as 20 years ago, being gay, transgender or even bisexual was considered an atrocity. Someone you were in a common-law marriage with 20 years ago wouldn’t even be looked at as a serious significant other or even a partner. Luckily, this has been - slowly, but surely - changing. The HRC has over three million members and supporters nationwide! This organization promises to fight for equal rights for all. Their mission statement states that they will “strive to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.” And with Samuel James being not only a supporter but proudly part of the LGBTQ community - you know the funds are going to the right place.
Greenpeace Fund
We all want to be green, but what are we willing to do for our planet? The Greenpeace fund is challenging just this question! With currently half a million backers in 55 countries, Greenpeace is looking to challenge the status quo. As per their website:” Greenpeace does this by investigating, documenting and exposing abuses of power and by championing solutions. We harness the power of creativity, the authority of science and the passion of activism to disrupt the myths, narratives, and barriers that discourage innovation and deny much-needed progress.”
GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services)
While anyone can face the atrocities associated with human trafficking, the majority are women and girls. 51 percent are women, while another 20 percent are girls. Of that number, 50 percent are used for sexual exploitation. GEMS movement is to snuff that number and help those in need. What does GEM do? According to their website “For the past 20 years, Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) has served as the nation’s leading organization for empowering commercially sexually exploited and domestically trafficked girls and young women. Through cultural change, advocacy, training, and survivor leadership, GEMS is committed to shifting public perception and policy.”
The Nature Conversary
The world is dying: Bi-none. Why else are we pumping so much money into leaving the planet? I don’t know what else to say but this: Our planet is dying, and having companies such as Samuel James gives the opportunity for growth.
National Center for Missing and exploited Children
As tiring as it is to hear: Children are our future. As stated previously, women and young girls are the prime suspects to be used exploitation - both sexually and through other means. The “National Center for Missing and Exploited Children” is an attempt of combatting this monstrosity. Would it surprise you to know most child exploitation happens in the home? “The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 1.2 million children are trafficked each year.” While this is a lot, many don’t account for the people taking children in.
While people attempt to demonize monetary purchases, sometime you need to try and get a leg up in your business. While you may not need the $1,000 Rolex, shouldn’t you attempt to better your own image? If so, why not choose a watch with a cause? Not only is their quality, but you can wear it with pride.