Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) is a non-profit that partners with refugee and immigrant women as they work to achieve economic stability. At RAI, artisans overcome barriers to employment through skills and micro business training while handcrafting goods from recycled materials. This innovative circular economy model champions both equity and sustainability.

Refugee Artisan Initiative creates an array of products from home goods such as napkins, tea towels, and pet toys, to accessories such as tote bags, fleece hats, and aprons. In addition to RAI label products, RAI also accepts custom orders perfect for merchandising, swag, and gifting needs, always made ethically.

The Four Pillars of RAI’s Work:

Equity
With a strength-based approach, RAI’s programs meet women where they are, celebrating their talents. The model of flexible, at-home work empowers artisans to overcome barriers to employment such as child care responsibilities, language, and lack of transportation, to earn equitable income, and to achieve economic stability.

Training
Whatever her sewing level, each artisan receives ongoing support from the team at RAI, including opportunities to practice English language skills, assistance obtaining a business license for her home sewing business, and ongoing training in specialized skills such as tailoring and mending.

Sustainability
RAI diverts thousands of pounds of textiles and other materials from landfills each year and utilizes these upcycled materials to create unique hand-crafted items. The artisans specialize in creating innovative designs to give a second life to hard-to-recycle items such as coffee bags and fire hoses.

Community
RAI is a safe space for women where each artisan can find community and build her confidence as she builds her new life. RAI also serves as a resource for all community members who want to learn about upcycling, the circular economy, and the refugee and immigrant experience.