Green Diva Meg
Here’s an image of my youngest daughter Mary sporting one of my all-time favorite T-shirts that I fell in love with last summer, when I had the wonderful privelege of being a media sponsor to the Farm Aid concert. I’ve been backstage at other shows, but this one was particularly special for many reasons – the organic, locally produced food, organic beer, biodegradable plates and utensils, and oh did I mention the extremely cool people!?!?
While lurking around the food tent, I found myself engaged in a friendly conversation about just how wonderful the whole event was with a dude in this exact same shirt. I raved about the shirt and he told me where he got it, but I don’t write it down, so . . .
Later when Dave Matthews came on stage, there came my buddy with the great T-shirt with the powerful message ‘Stop Wars’ – it was Tim Reynolds! First, I felt stupid for not recognizing him, then I was glad because while I try not to be star struck, I’m a huge fan of Mr. Reynolds (obviously knowing his music better than his face!) and who knows what idiotic thing I might have come up with.
Other than their amazing musical talent, I admire most of the musicians that day for their effort to help raise awareness about the realities and challenges facing small and family farmers. Using great music to activate a crowd is a beautiful thing.
So, it goes along these same lines that using wonderfully designed rags to shout important progressive messages is another great form of creative activism.
Clothing Of The American Mind (COTAM) is a brilliant organization who brought that Farm Aid moment together for me so beautifully.
COTAM is a non-profit organization dedicated to political activism by spreading progressive, socially conscious ideas through the use of eco-friendly T-shirts primarily. On the backs (and fronts) of supportive celebrities like Natalie Portman, Jamie Lee Curtis and of course Tim Reynolds, they’ve helped to broadcast these simple, but powerful messages. It worked for me!
Not to mention that these shirts are all made in the US, 100% organic and fair trade. AND a percentage of the proceeds go to progressive causes that support social, political and environmental justice.
I was flattered when the PR rep offered to send me one and asked me to photograph myself in it. Really, a wonderful way to promote these simple progessive messages, but I decided to use my kids instead. Here’s my oldest daughter, Carly making her statement!
Somehow my middle daughter escaped this one . . . but, she’s a budding designer, so she’ll have her day I’m sure.
As my father used to say, peace on you!
