I think we can all agree that 2020 has been the most extraordinary year in every living person's lives. We are simultaneously in the midst of a global pandemic and a civil rights movement, both of which have altered so much about how we move, think and interact. While this year has created so much heartbreak, sickness, and anger, it has also created positive change in perspectives and priorities. Now, the year is culminating in America's Presidential Election -- Trump Vs. Biden for the title of "Leader Of The Free World." Does anyone else feel like they are living in a futuristic thriller movie?
One key takeaway from this year is that each and every person has a voice and can create positive change through small actions. We are all responsible for spreading the good word, and we need to create a better world for future generations.
We decided to launch our VOTE tote bags as a way to participate in the conversation around voting, and to encourage people to register to vote. Our bags are available in red, white and blue as a nod to the American flag, we acknowledge and appreciate our American right to vote.
Photo: POOLSIDE
While Americans have more opportunities to vote in one year than most other countries offer their citizens in a lifetime, voter turnout in the USA is still lower than most developed countries. We decided to donate 10% of sales from our VOTE Tote bags to I Am A Voter, a nonpartisan movement that aims to create a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement by unifying around a central truth: our democracy works best when we all participate.
Photo: @GlamazonDiaries
At POOLSIDE, we sell bags. However, our mission has always been about so much more. Since day one, we have worked with female artisans in Morocco and India, helping these women achieve financial independence and to empower them through work. This mission is woven into everything we do, and therefore, our VOTE Tote bag is an extension of this core value.
Photo: Ali Markenson voting and vacationing
We created the VOTE Tote bags as a way for you to accessorize your polling look, while inspiring and encouraging others to register to vote, to cast their ballot, and to show up on November 3rd. We partnerd with Ahida Correale to include her embroidered VOTE masks in our VOTE collection, and 10% of sales from the VOTE Mask are also being donated to I Am A Voter.
Amanda Kloots with her Vote Tote Bag
Photo: Amanda Kloots rocking her vote tote bag on the way to drop off her ballot.
Since launch, the VOTE tote bag has been seen on fashionistas, influencers and celebrities including one of our dear friends, Amanda Kloots. Amanda has been extremely vocal about casting her ballot, and she's done it with such style and grace.
Photo: POOLSIDE
We can't wait to see how you rock the VOTE Tote bag, and we hope that wearing this mini tote bag inspires conversation and participation in November 3rd's important election. To quote Mahatma Gandi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." And, to quote Diana Vreeland "You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes."