When Texas native Jonathan Chen moved to New York City to attend college, he was struck by how many homeless people filled the streets and subways — and even more so by the significant number of people who tuned into their headphones on their commutes instead of paying attention to these people in need. He wondered if there was a way for people to stop using music as a barrier and start using it as a way to help those asking for assistance right next to them. Then, he decided to create one.
As a freshman at New York University, Chen founded One Reason Recordings in 2012. The national 501(c)3 organization makes albums out of songs donated by independent music artists, then sells them to raise money to address social justice issues.
Each year, ORR focuses on a different issue. So far, the team has addressed water scarcity, homelessness and medical miracles. ORR announced this month that it will address food insecurity in its 2015 campaign.
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As the organization grows — it is now run by 30 students and professionals on a volunteer basis — it is expanding its product offering in hopes of reaching an even bigger audience. ORR has already begun selling T-shirts designed by a collection of independent artists and has partnered with Epic, a watch company that donates water filters to Haiti after every sale.
To listen to One Reason Recording’s albums online for free — or donate to charity by downloading them — click here.
To take action on pressing poverty issues, check out the Global Citizen’s widget below.
