Sevenly T-Shirts: T-Shirts with a Cause

Sevenly is an web based organization founded in 2011, that sells unique clothing that will benefit specific charities and non-profits. The designs are only available for a limited time. Previously, each t-shirt costs $22 plus tax and shipping, and from that $7 goes directly to the charity of the week, thus making it clothing with a cause. Now they offer a wider range of products and sizes, so the prizes range from $14 to $100+.

They have supported charities such as Hope International, War Child, Pencils to Peace, GEMS, NURU International, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. All of their past campaigns can be viewed on their website here.

Their mission is to fund both money and awareness to the many charities that need help. Their purpose is "to learn the issues that break God’s heart, engage with the people who are called to the issue, and create awareness & a funding movement that supports them in their efforts."

Sevenly understands that there are thousands of worth while charities around the world, but they all face similar problems: lack of funding, awareness, and following. The weekly campaigns help to address these issues for their chosen charities.

The lack of funding is seen first, by the donation of $7 for every shirt that is bought, but generally before a person buys the shirt they have the chance to research the charity and why it's important. Sevenly directs its followers to the charities' social media pages: website, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

This creates a renewable source of interest. Even if a potential supporter does not buy a shirt and directly support the organization through Sevenly, weeks later the person may scroll through their update feed and be reminded of the awesome organization and the work they do. Thus, creating a renewed interest and another chance for an individual to become involved.

There is also a continued awareness every time someone wears the shirt. They're like walking billboards, but this time instead of being a billboard for Hollister, American Eagle or Guess, the supporter is a billboard for world change.

Something that makes Sevenly different, besides their unique three point systems, is the fact that they are not a "non-profit." They address this on their website saying that for them to become a non-profit and stay a non-profit, it would become so costly will all of the specific rules and laws that their efficiency would drop.

They also focus 100% on a different non-profit charity every week, so if you work with a local non-profit doing good and would like some awareness, contact Sevenly and see if you can become partners.

There are a ton of ways that a person can become involved with Sevenly, even if you can't afford to regularly buy their t-shirts. There is the obvious support of buying the t-shirt, showing it off and explaining to people the cause and how your shirt helps, but you can also become an official Sevenly Affiliate, Sevenly Designer, or Sevenly Ambassador.

An affiliate recommends Sevenly online through advertisements, and in return for knowing that they have helped a wonderful cause, they also receive a commission. A Sevenly Ambassador is a kinda vague position, but it is an unpaid internship that is good for twelve months, that can possibly lead to employment. It is mainly an online marketing type position. If none of these opportunities sound good to you, then you could become a Sevenly Designer, and design one of their up and coming beautiful shirts. You must have an online portfolio to apply for this option.

If you are not able to participate in any of these official programs, you could always become an unofficial Sevenly educator. Weekly Sevenly puts up a new video, and social media links that coincide with the charity. Educate yourself and then educate your family and friends. Remember that one of Sevenly's goals is awareness, and regardless of if you have the ability to give monetarily to the charity, you can always give time.

Think about replacing the generic gifts that are given at birthdays and Christmas, with a meaningful gift like a Sevenly shirt. I'm sure that your father will be fine with exchanging one quirky tie with a shirt that helps to make the world a better place. The gift will help spread awareness of the cause and Sevenly. On top of the fact that you'll be chosing to put your money behind causes that matter, and not goods made in a sweat shop.