THE MISSION
The mission of The August Project is to create better do-gooders. We empower individuals, organizations and governments with the tools to engage in development work effectively. The goal is to alleviate poverty in underdeveloped communities and countries.
THE RESULTS
An example of our partnerships is our co-creation with Nike. We designed and manufactured a sneaker with Nike based on the Haitian Revolution. Having sold out in four days, we used half of the profit to fund public hand washing stations in Haiti and strengthened operations. We have hosted innovation workshops to help participants understand how "giving" technically works, gave them tips on how to responsibly donate and brainstormed potential solutions to poverty in Haiti. We have also worked with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Verizon, and the Flatbush Development Corp. We have consulted with the Haitian American Caucus and #BlackCreatives. Additionally, we have been featured in a number of publications including L'Union Suite, Her Neck of the Woods, Rare Maven Media, Ticket Mag and Le Floridien print newspaper for our successes.
Close up of the Uprising, Nike sneaker designed after the Haitian Revolution.THE PROBLEM
We are solving the problem of poverty--a pretty huge problem. In 2015, 10% of the world (734 million people) lived on less than $1.90 a day (World Bank). Given the COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionate impact on the economically vulnerable, this number will likely go up.
THE SOLUTION
The August Project consults with others on how to do good, better. We also engage in strategic partnerships to do good, creatively. Though many have goodwill, they're not equipped with the technical expertise to "do good" in a systematic and effective way. Consulting equips aspiring philanthropists with how to engage in development work properly, while strategic partnerships fund programs on the ground. By creating philanthropists who can properly support solutions while also equipping citizens on the ground with the ability to be self-sufficient, The August Project addresses poverty from two very important angles.
Inaugural Innovation Workshop
THE FOUNDER
Ruth Jean-Marie is the founder and CEO of The August Project. She was raised being able to vacation in her parents' homeland of Haiti where she got to witness firsthand the joy and beauty of the Caribbean country. This motivated her desire to reframe how poverty is treated and looked upon. In 2014, she graduated from NYU where she received her Master of Science degree in Global Affairs with a concentration in human rights and international law. Four years later, she founded The August Project after seeing the need for change in the philanthropy world.
Founder, Ruth Jean-MarieTHE TEAM
- Stephanie Baril, Volunteer Coordinator. Stephanie seeks and manages the do gooders who help with the functioning of the organization.
- Julian Harrison, Esq., Legal Consultant. Julian advises on matters related to The August Project.
The August Project has two advisors who work in public relations and in streamlining systems.
HOW TO SUPPORT US
Of course we're looking for donations to further our impact! All funding will be used to jump start the projects that were underway pre-covid. This includes our coffee table book featuring the people of Haiti which aims to humanize locals, our innovation workshops in which we educate and brainstorm solutions to the problem of poverty worldwide while creating strategists who spread humanitarianism effectively, our merchandise that features economically vulnerable populations with the goal of creating an income for them and, of course, operations costs.
You can also share our campaign via social media: @theaugustprjct or follow us to keep up to date on our progress.
Thank you for your time and your donations! We appreciate you. Pleeeeease reach out with any questions or advice. We love to engage. You can reach us at [email protected].
