We would like to send a note of love and gratitude as we stand in solidarity with everyone from around the world. Our deepest appreciation goes out to every healthcare professional and those who are working tirelessly to keep the essentials available during this time of quarantine. We are all experiencing this together, and it is through this togetherness that we can see how humanity has the power to change the world. While our lives have been forced into changes that we were not expecting or prepared for, we wanted to take the opportunity to focus on some of the silver linings. 

• Humanity feels more unified, as everyone is experiencing this together
• Many have been allowed the time to be creative or restful, which is a rarity in this fast-paced culture
• Ecosystems in many regions seem to be bouncing back, with fish and other sea life reemerging into places they were previously absent from
• People are helping each other and working together as a community 
• There are signs the atmosphere is grateful for this respite, as a decrease in carbon emissions has left clear skies in major cities across the world
• Many of us have had a moment to reflect and internalize what truly matters in this life experience 

Here at Akomplice, we are using this unusual time to meditate and reimagine a civilization that we would be proud to be a part of, a society that embodies the understanding that we are all one and that nurtures art, intellect, science, and environmental custodianship. 

In the spirit of “we instead of I”, we have researched and are sharing some USA aid programs to help anyone in need. Chances are you or someone you know could benefit from one of the below, so please forward this program list to your community.

Much love, Akomplice

AID PROGRAMS

STIMULUS CHECKS FOR TAXPAYERS$1,200 checks for certain taxpayers.Click here to learn more 

SMALL BUSINESS PAYROLL & RENT RELIEF (2 MONTHS)The new CARES Act has added $350 Billion in small business relief, which will help them cover immediate expenses like Payroll expenses, Paid sick leave, and Mortgage or lease. Sole proprietors are also eligible for this grant.Click here to learn more 

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR / SOLE PROPRIETOR RELIEFThe Paycheck protection Program will help cover rent, utilities, and potentially lost wages for two months.Click here to learn more 

BANK & CREDIT CARD ASSISTANCEInterest free late payments and other aid.Click here to learn more

STUDENT LOAN RELIEFFederal Student Loans will NOT charge interest, and will NOT require monthly payments until after September 30th, 2020.Click here to learn more

MORTGAGE / RENT RELIEFThe CARES bill now halts evictions and foreclosures on Federally- backed mortgages.Click here to learn more 

SCHOOL LUNCHESSchools offering a “drive-up” style serving of lunch during school lunch hours.Click here to learn more 

PAID SICK LEAVEIf you find yourself out of work without access to paid sick leave, there is help.Click here to learn more 

UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMSThe Coronavirus Response Act passed, allowing more people to qualify for COVID-19 related unemployment. The New

CARES Bill has passed, giving extra funds for Unemployment.Click here to learn more 

TAX RELIEFPostponement of tax payments owed on April 15th for 90 daysClick here to learn more 

UTILITIES, INTERNET AND PHONESMany companies stepping up and offering to DELAY cutting people off for non-payment.Click here to learn more

FOOD ASSISTANCELots of extra funding for government food assistance programs.Click here to learn more 

SMALL BUSINESS LOANSSmall business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.Click here to learn more

HERE AT AKOMPLICE

In an effort to support our Akomplice family, we have decided to keep our team employed during the pandemic. All of us are working from home, aside from Mellissa, who handles shipping all of your online orders from our warehouse. Many Akomplice retailers are temporarily closed, so instead we will be focusing on designing upcoming collections and releasing new styles through our online shop. With that, our webstore just released the final installment of collection 28.

100% OF PROFITS WILL BE DONATED TO AID AUSTRALIA AND FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

UNITE FOR AUSTRALIA

Australia and our planet need help. The Australia bushfires have already killed an estimated 1 billion animals and burned 25 million acres. It is believed that many plant and animal species unique to Australia are now extinct. Experts agree that the Australian bushfire season is particularly catastrophic this year because of human-caused climate change. We need to come together to fight the Climate Crisis that is facing all of us, everywhere. If we do not, we risk both our natural world and humanity as a whole. Let’s unite for Australia and our planet. 

All shirts are made in the USA using 100% organic cotton and are carbon neutral. All profits from this collection will be donated directly to four aid organizations: WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue Organization, WWF World Wide Fund for Nature, CFA (Country Fire Authority), and 350 Organization.

AKOMPLICE COLLECTION: CAPITALISM’S UNINTENTIONAL ENVIORNMENTAL GENOCIDE

Inspired in part by the United Nation’s latest climate report, which gives humans an 11-year ultimatum to deal with the earth’s climate crisis, Akomplice is back with a provocative drop. Shot by Shawn McCarney, younger brother of Akomplice co-founders Patrick and Mike McCarney, the collection and accompanying visuals paint a striking picture of capitalism’s effect on the environment. Akomplice’s co-founders were inspired by the uncovering that fashion is one of the largest contributors to the global pollution crisis. With this fact in mind, Akomplice has taken a stand against fast and disposable fashion by limiting their release schedule to one collection per year. Additionally, all short and long-sleeved tees were knitted, dyed, cut, sewn, printed and finished in the USA using organic cotton, making Akomplice a pioneer in sustainable production.

Intentionally shot at a coal mine in Akomplice’s backyard of Colorado, each garment graphic and lookbook image illustrates the Akomplice ethos of standing up for what you believe in. From worshipping at the church of capitalism, to bleeding the earth’s resources dry, every image contains a message. One of the collection’s prevailing messages is Earth Rights, which is emblazoned on tees and represents giving people legal authority to enforce laws that protect nature and our ecosystems. Other collection standouts include a plea for peace, which is cleverly designed within the American flag.

Every garment in the collection comes complete with a three-foot hangtag detailing the perils of the climate crisis and what we as individuals can do to help. Select styles available now at Shoe Gallery Miami, Politics New Orleans, Leaders 1354 Chicago, as well as in many other fine boutiques worldwide. The collection in its entirety is available on the Akomplice Webstore.

During the week of September 23, The Climate Group combined efforts with New York City and the U.N. to host an event series called “NYC Climate Week.” The week kicked off with the U.N.’s Climate Summit, which set the stage for Greta Thunberg’s very courageous and heartfelt speech. Akomplice, in partnership with Sheng Zhen Meditation, was fortunate to be included on the roster of events. We hosted a meditation workshop followed by an art show, which took place at Lifestyle Clothing Collective’s space in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. Akomplice exhibited many pieces at the art show that pointed commentary towards the Climate Crisis that we face today. Stay tuned for more dates for this show.