In conjunction with Earth Week 2013, students in COMM 3360 Advertising Creative Strategy will be working on a service-learning project with Open Arms this spring semester. The organization, started in Austin in 2010, is based on a forward-thinking business model that helps refugees who have fled oppression in their home country and resettled in the US avoid the trap of poverty. They are paid a living wage by Open Arms to create one-of-a-kind clothing using recycled t-shirts. The unique and comfortable clothing is currently sold online and in stores, such as Whole Earth Provision Company, in 19 states. The students will be writing advertising creative briefs and designing advertising materials to be used by Open Arms to build awareness of the company and the Open Arms clothing line. Visitors to their website can find out more about Open Arms or make a purchase from their online store.
Authored by Susan Whiteside, Instructor of Communication, School of Humanities