Thursday, September 19th @ 2 pm US Eastern Time
Fair Trade is defined as a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, consumers, advocates, and organizations putting people and planet first. This program will feature 3 WARP members who work in Fair Trade. Join us for this panel discussion to learn about the impact of Fair Trade in the lives of textile artisans, and to learn how to shop consciously when purchasing gifts and textile goods. This program is free & open to all.
Linda Temple will discuss PAMBE Ghana’s Global Market. This is a seasonal fair trade shop, typically open in November and December, with occasional pop-ups throughout the year. Items in the shop are purchased from all over the world. Most are from developing countries. Merchandise comes directly from artisans and producers, or is purchased through members of the Fair Trade Federation. Artisans and producers are paid a fair price for their product when it leaves their hands. The Global Market is staffed by volunteers. All proceeds go to PAMBE Ghana, a nonprofit organization that provides excellent, culturally appropriate primary education for the children at La’Angum Learning Center in northern Ghana.
Lindsay Woodruff is a board member for the Fair Trade Federation, and also the founder of Maraluna, a fair trade neighborhood shop in Oakwood, Ohio. Maraluna is dedicated to connecting global communities through ethical and sustainable goods that nourish the soul. Maraluna consciously curates handcrafted goods for the home and self, with the belief that what they source is as important as how they source. They are part of a maker-led movement, building a circular economy by transforming trade into a force for good. They are committed to making ethical and sustainable goods more accessible, and recognize that challenging global inequities requires addressing systems that harm people and the planet.
Lauren Vaske is the Executive Director of Friends of Sharing the Dream in Guatemala, a fair trade non-profit organization. They promote sustainable fair trade and create opportunities for their Guatemalan partners. Sharing the Dream operates a brick and mortar retail boutiqus in South Dakota and an online store. They also do pop-up shops around the country and run a wholesale project. Through the sales of their products, they provide work and support to partner artisans, and help to fund projects in Guatemala, including an elder center, a scholarship program, and skill training workshops for their artisans. Product offerings for both retail and wholesale include handmade home textiles, baskets, wooden items, purses, scarves, jewelry and other personal accessories. Sharing the Dream also offers tours to Guatemala to meet the artisans, learn about their techniques, and see the beautiful country.
