Our History
The Market began early in the millennium, selling items provided by our members at various RPCVSF events. It evolved and today primarily carries items purchased from Fair Trade organizations. In addition to in-house events, we also have a booth at local farmers’ markets. The Fair Trade Market supports the third goal of the Peace Corps–promoting a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
100% of our profits (close to $17,000 as of Dec, 2013) is donated to programs benefitting underserved populations. Over the years we have contributed to WINGS, a women’s health initiative in Guatemala; The Colombia Project, a micro-loan program; Redlands Christian Migrant Association’s Reading is Fundamental program; and HELP (Haitian Education and Leadership Program) which identifies and fosters promising Haitian students into university and mentors them in a variety of ways once enrolled.
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Faces of Fair Trade
Mamas’ motto is “Love your product. Know your producer. Change her life.” Meet “Mama” Due to the difficult nature of weaving Zulu Wire Baskets, the weavers are usually men. This work allows them to stay at home Meet Angela Monteiro, an Escama Artist. The co-operatives Escama works with offer
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Aid Through Trade's Roll-On Bracelet |
Fair Trade Principles
Often the workers are members of cooperatives which take part of the proceeds and pour it back into the community in the form of a health clinic, library–something that benefits everyone!
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How you can help!
2) Let us know of Fair Trade groups producing good quality items you come across in your travels
3) Provide/suggest a venue for sales...after service at your church, at the conclusion of a meeting, host a Fair Trade Party Contact: Linda Whitmyre, RPCV Malaysia lindawhitmyre@gmail.com 305-757-3197
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Our Vendors
Aid Through Trade: beaded jewelry from Nepal; Aid Through Trade was founded by Damian Jones,
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Nepal.www.aidthroughtrade.com
Baskets of Africa: a variety of baskets from various African countries. The Fair Trade Market carries the Zulu Wire Baskets from South Africa and Bolga baskets from Ghana. www.basketsofafrica.com*
Equal Exchange: coffee, chocolate, tea from suppliers throughout the world. Many RPCVs are on the staff at Equal Exchange. www.equalexchange.com*
Escama Studio: trendy “flip-top” bags and jewelry from Brazil. www.escamastudio.com*
Global Mamas: batiked items, bags made from recycled drink containers, jewelry from recycled glass ... made in Ghana. Global Mamas was founded by Kristin Johnson and Renae Adam, RPCVs Ghana. www.globalmamas.org*
MayaWorks: textile and jewelry items from Guatemala www.mayaworks.org*
Women of the Cloud Forest: seed jewelry from Costa Rica, ceramic pendants from Nicaragua. www.womenofthecloudforest.com*
* has online retail store
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Grace Koufie! Her pa
ontheir tribal lands instead of moving to the cities to find work, thus preserving the family unit and their traditional lifestyle.
“women and men in the community a means to earn a living wage through handicrafts and provide a setting where friends are made and self-esteem is regained.”