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Join us for a meaningful Earth Day gathering with the women of Why Not Now Missions, an organization that supports Congolese refugee women living in Milwaukee. During this special Cloud 9 workshop, families will spend time connecting with the women artisans as they demonstrate their beautiful basket-weaving technique using repurposed plastic bags. This gathering celebrates creativity, sustainability, and the power of community.
Following this time of connection, families will participate in hands-on service activities that support both the artisans and mothers staying at the Milwaukee Women’s Center. Together, we will prepare thoughtful Mother’s Day baskets and learn about how everyday materials can be transformed into meaningful works of art.
Activities
Volunteers will begin with a short welcome where Congolese artisans will share about their culture and basket-making tradition they use to create sustainable products from recycled plastic bags. After this time of connection, families will rotate through several activity stations.
Congolese Hospitality Station
Families will enjoy tea and beignets while connecting with the artisans and learning about this traditional Congolese way of sharing community.
Plastic Bag Prep Station
Younger children will help flatten donated plastic bags, while older kids and caregivers will cut them into strips that can later be used in the basket-making process.
Mother’s Day Card Station
Families will create handmade Mother’s Day cards using colorful scraps from plastic bag handles to design flower decorations. These cards will be included in gift baskets for mothers staying at the Milwaukee Women’s Center. If time allows, volunteers may also create a card to take home.
Mother’s Day Basket Packing Station
Volunteers will help assemble gift baskets for mothers living at the Milwaukee Women’s Center. Baskets may include items such as chocolates, lotion, a kitchen towel, and a handmade bracelet.
Impact
This project supports the Congolese women artisans of Why Not Now Missions by celebrating their culture and highlighting their sustainable craft. The baskets used in the project also support their artisan work. The Mother’s Day baskets will be delivered to mothers living at the Milwaukee Women’s Center, offering encouragement and small comforts during a challenging time.
Kids and families will gain the opportunity to learn from refugee women in our community, experience a different culture, practice environmental stewardship by repurposing plastic bags, and create gifts that show care and compassion for local mothers.
When & Where
Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day)
4:30-6:00 pm
Cloud 9 Workshop
5205 W North Ave.
Milwaukee WI 53208
Registration Information
Participant Cap: 35 volunteers
Age: All ages
Cost: Families are invited to participate for free.
Optional: Sponsor a basket and the included gifts for $28. Click Here to Donate. (Check the box to “Direct my donation to Mother’s Day Baskets”)
OR Contribute items to add to the gift basket from our Amazon Wishlist. Your donation will celebrate the moms staying at the Milwaukee Women’s Center in addition to supporting Congolese women artisans.
Materials: Please bring clean plastic bags to donate for the basket-weaving project. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for crafting activities.
Questions:Email lynn@kicmke.org with any specific questions.
Cancellations: We count on our registered volunteers to make these projects come to life. However, we understand illness and emergencies do come up, so if you can no longer participate, please email lynn@kicmke.org ASAP so we can fill your spot.
Our Partners
Cloud 9 Workshop
Cloud 9 Workshop is a Milwaukee-based eco-art studio that creates hands-on creative experiences for kids, families, and community members. Through workshops and collaborative projects, participants explore art using both traditional and repurposed materials while learning to think creatively and sustainably. The studio’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to create together, build connections, and discover the joy of making something meaningful with their hands. Learn more on their website.
Why Not Now Missions
Why Not Now Missions is a program that empowers Congolese refugee women through community support, cultural storytelling, and artisan work. The women transform repurposed plastic bags into beautiful hand-woven baskets, creating sustainable products while sharing their culture and building economic opportunity.
Through workshops, storytelling, and artisan sales, the program helps refugee women build connections within the Milwaukee community while celebrating their skills and traditions. Learn more on their website.