Shopping that Makes a World of Difference

During a trip to Puerto Rico in 1946, a volunteer with the Mennonite Central Committee, Edna Ruth Byler, was inspired to become a compassionate, revolutionary social entrepreneur. Overwhelmed by the extreme poverty she encountered while visiting a sewing class on the island, Byler vowed to provide sustainable economic opportunities for these talented and enterprising yet impoverished artisans by establishing a viable market for their products in North America. Upon her return home to Akron, Pennsylvania, Byler ardently shared the incredible stories of the impoverished artisans, vigorously promoting their handcrafted wares among family and friends, literally selling the handiwork items out of the trunk of her car. What began as a robust grassroots campaign evolved into an international non-profit organization, which ultimately became known as Ten Thousand Villages, igniting a global movement to eradicate poverty through market-based solutions. In addition to the founding of Ten Thousand Villages more than 60 years ago through Byler's drive and visionary work, she developed the skills and savvy to become a pioneering businesswoman, ultimately spawning the birth of the global fair trade movement. Today, the mission and operations of the non-profit Byler founded remains based on the fundamental belief that one day all enterprising artisans in developing countries can and will earn a fair wage and be treated with the dignity and respect all human beings inherently deserve, while their craft and skill creates an enhanced quality life for themselves and their families.

After witnessing the depths of despair and poverty in Puerto Rico, Byler spent the next 30 years marketing the unique handicrafts of artisans from around the world, vociferously sharing not only their products, but their unique stories as well to weave a global community long before the internet, let alone social media, was available. Byler worked laboriously to network with North American businesses, individually marketing entrepreneurs in developing countries. By the 1970s, the project that originally operated out of Byler's basement became know as Selfhelp Crafts, a Mennonite Central Committee program. Thanks to thousands of loyal customers and countless volunteers who were inspired by Byler, the traditionally crafted gifts and the global cause, the "business" evolved into a solid alternative trading organization, which was officially renamed Ten Thousand Villages in 1996. From extraordinarily humble beginnings, Ten Thousand Villages has now become a global network of social entrepreneurs working to empower others, providing economic opportunities for artisans and craftsman who would otherwise be trapped in cyclic poverty. By giving these artisans a market, they earn the means to provide food, housing, health care and education for themselves and their families. Today, the non-profit creates livelihoods while bringing hope and opportunity to enhance the quality life of artisans in 38 countries, spanning three continents. Ten Thousand Villages has also become an incomparable source for exceptional handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor, art and sculpture, textiles, serveware and personal accessories, all representative of diverse cultures and craftsmanship of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Currently, the non-profit organization markets these distinctive items through multiple channels. It has built an impressive network, serving as a wholesaler to more than 150 retail outlets in the U.S. and 50 in Canada that sell these exceptional products crafted amid splendid cultures rich with traditions. Opportunities for the artisans are further expanded through a comprehensive e-commerce website. And as in the early days of Byler's entrepreneurship, local church and college groups as well as community centers around the country still host "Festival Sales," which was initially the social enterprises' original and sole distribution channel.

Shoppers not only procure beautiful one-of-a-kind items and treasures, they also benefit from the good feeling knowing that their purchase enhances the lives of otherwise disenfranchised people around the globe. Ten Thousand Villages strongly encourages all of their artisan partners to craft responsibly, utilizing environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources and recycled materials. So you can buy authentic handmade pieces that not only look good, but actually do good on so many levels.

As if the social, economic and sustainable impact of this enduring social enterprise weren't an impressive enough achievement, tomorrow's post will look closer at how Byler's passion generated a dynamic global fair trade movement.

Photo Credit: www.tenthousandvillages.com