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Create Community is an ecumenical business project that seeks to build local relationships through the arts while providing training and employment opportunities for individuals currently living in poverty. Our goal is to develop and produce well-designed and affordable handmade goods. By using recycled and inexpensive materials, and involving everyone in the production process--artists, workers and customers-- we hope to create a local fair trade network to provide jobs and dignity to people. Here is how it works: Two neighborhoods (St. Mary's and Binghamton) and one area-wide non-profit (Outreach Housing and Community) have organized into clusters. Together we are sponsoring a design competition that challenges local artists to develop creative and unique ideas for products. Several designs will be chosen and developed for sale throughout local markets, especially during the Christmas and craft fair seasons. You can help by submitting a design (the deadline is June 15) or by contributing funds to help us begin the work once the product designs are picked. If you contribute you will receive a boutonniere made from those blue plastic newspaper sleeves. The summer is full of flowers and opportunities to give them. Make this your way! Visit the Episcopal Bookshop or Caritas Village to learn more....and get a flower!