Rebuild Communities by Playing Fair & Getting Involved
Recently, two grand natural disasters impacted our small globe: a typhoon in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and a fierce earthquake in China, both claiming tens of thousands of lives. As I read and see the news reports, my heart sinks with the lives lost and the thousands left behind to rebuild, suffering lack of shelter, clean water and food.
As global citizens and/or people of faith, what is our responsibility to help the suffering? Easy and simple: pray, give, go, heal the sick, clothe the naked, give food to the hungry, and help the widows and orphans. In addition, thinking short and long term, we need to help them rebuild economically through fair trade and just trading practices. It is not enough to drop off aid and wave our hands when goods are delivered. We must take a stand, get involved, and fight for the needs of the poor through ethical and socially responsible trading practices.
Unfortunately, oppressive government regimes, like Myanmar, refuse outside help though the inhabitants are in desperate need. It is heart wrenching to see the suffering amid great horror, with no relief in sight because of the controlling dictatorship. Although our US government has its problems, I am grateful to live in a country where help is available in time of need.
Freedom is a gift.
China and the devastating earthquake
Get involved in helping the suffering in China by giving to the following organizations:
American Red Cross
P.O. Box 4002018
Des Moines, IA 50340-2018
(800) HELP-NOW
AmeriCares
88 Hamilton Ave.
Stamford, CT 06902
(800) 486-4357
Direct Relief International
27 South La Patera Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
(805) 964-4767
Mercy Corps
Dept. W
P.O. Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
(888) 256-1900
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and the deadly typhoon
The military dictatorship in Myanmar refuses outside help as their greed for power and selfish insecurities takes precedence over the needs of the majority. It is a disgusting reminder of the filth of corruption, greed and sinfulness of man. Read the NY Times article and see the video for more information.
Consider helping the Myanmar people by financially giving to the following humanitarian relief agencies:
Care International
151 Ellis Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30303-2440
USA
Tel: 1-404-681-2552, 1-800-521-CARE
Fax: 1-404-577-5977
Direct Relief
Direct Relief International
27 S. La Patera Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone: 805-964-4767
Fax: 805-681-4838
Save the Children
2000 L Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
202-640-6600
Fair Trade & Equality for All
I finally got around to adding the Fair Trade Federation member logo on this site, after applying, getting approved and paying my annual dues. I've been so busy with my new day job (as a director for an educational company), that I've not had time to blog or update my websites.
Globally Minded can now be found on the Fair Trade Federation directory. Being a part of a growing movement of socially conscious buyers and consumers is very gratifying because I know fair trade works, improving and empowering artisans and families we support.
Globally Minded fair trade and handcrafted jewelry is available for wholesale and retail. We really prefer to market our jewelry in retail brick and mortar stores. Sales of our products benefits Globally Minded Works, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit, supporting women and children in Guatemala.
Although we live in a world of injustice and inequality, fair trade and equality for all are worthy causes to support. Join our efforts to make life better for all; commit to buying fair trade handcrafts, gifts and products.
Our Partnership with Globally Minded Works
Globally Minded gives 15% of its profits to Globally Minded Works to help children learn in the Highlands Guatemala. We believe that helping a child to read, write and think opens up new possibilities and opportunities, while alleviating the affects of poverty. We market and sell our fair trade, handcrafted, eco-friendly jewelry via Amazon and when you buy $25.00 or more, your purchases are eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping. Buy our jewelry for you or your loved one today and make a difference in the lives of those struggling in poverty.
To give you an idea of the splendor of Lake Atitlan, here is a clip:
Fair Trade: Equitable Empowerment for the Poor
Immigration, or border crossing, into the US is becoming a hot political issue. Republicans are intent upon closing the borders and enforcing immigration law, while democrats discuss guest worker programs and citizenship for illegal immigrants. Mexico and Central America account for 3/4 of the 12 million undocumented people in the US. To the shame of Mexico and other Central American countries, they fail to create enough jobs for the population. As a result, its citizens cross borders to work in the US to send money home to their families. Although both sides of the border must work on the issue of migration, Mexico and Central America must build a better economic situation so people don't feel the need to migrate the US.
Paul Rice, the founder and president of Transfair (the only fair trade certifying organization in the US), promotes fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, rice, flowers, and other agricultural products from Mexico and other developing nations. Rice states that Transfair's goal is to to "give people the tools and market access to lift themselves out of poverty."
Globalization has increased trade and economic growth, but often the poor receive no benefit. A viable means for economic development in impoverished nations is fair trade, the equitable empowerment for the poor. Fair trade helps to make free trade more just for farmers and artisans living in poverty. When you buy fair trade products, including handcrafts, you can rest assured that the farmers and/or artisans are receiving a livable wage for their work.
With Valentine's Day coming, buy Globally Minded fair trade jewelry on Amazon and fair trade flowers for your loved ones!
Views of Poverty
When you think of poverty, what comes to your mind? Homelessness? Living paycheck to paycheck? Subsidized housing? The extended large family living in a 2 bedroom apartment? The National Geographic images of those starving in Darfur, Sudan or some other African nation? Indeed, poverty brings up different mental images, depending upon one's experience. However, nothing compares to seeing, smelling and experiencing poverty in the developing world. Nothing. You will be transformed somehow when your life touches that of another human being living in dire conditions.
I know of many Guatemalan Mayan families living in the most distressing conditions, including: cornstalk homes, aluminum and cardboard shacks, dirt floors, and no running water and/or bathrooms. The first time I saw such poverty, injustice and righteous indignation filled my being. How could we allow this? How could we let people suffer and not do anything? My experiences in Guatemala changed me from a mere adventure traveler to an advocate for the plight of the poor in Guatemala.
We are all responsible for making life better for the poor, the suffering, the sick and the needy. What will it take for us to recognize that it is only the grace of God separating us from those living in poverty? It has nothing to do with karma; the poor do not deserve a life of poverty, nor do the wealthy deserve their life of privilege. It is the duty of the rich to give to the poor, to improve the lives of others, making the world a better place for all.
Do you agree?
Be globally minded and make life better for all.
Do the Rich Have a Responsibility to Care for the Poor?
Sometimes when I tell people about my business or passion to help the poor in Guatemala, I get blank stares or, worse, detached or angry questions or comments. Why help them? Do you really think you are going to make a difference? Who cares? We have enough to worry about in the US. Why give up your comfort to go to a place like that? I am continuously amazed with the ignorance of some... and then I remember when I neglected to think about the needs of the poor.
Do the rich have a responsibility to care for the poor? Yes, we do. When you see poverty, especially in the developing world, it is overwhelming: lack of clean water, housing, food, education and so much more grip one's heart like no other. Being around the Guatemalan poor reminds me of the grace I walk in. I did not choose to be born in my country, nor my socioeconomic level, nor did the poor choose their plight. When I look into the faces of the Guatemalan poor, I see myself. Indeed, you don't need to be financially rich to care for the poor. Instead, and even more importantly, one needs a heart of compassion, true riches, and a drive to improve the lives of others. Caring for the poor in the developing world can take on many forms: volunteering, giving money, donating needed items, sponsoring a child, building a school or library, buying fair trade and socially responsible products and gifts, and on and on. Everyone can get involved, helping the poor, one person at a time.
What do you think?
Be globally minded and make life better for all.
Fair Trade = Globally Minded Ethical Sourcing
It was not until 1997 that I understood the difference between "free trade" and "fair trade". Don't confuse the two; they are radically different. When I first came to Guatemala and saw the gorgeous textiles and quality handcrafts, my capitalistic and opportunistic mentality kicked in. The low prices combined with my "gringa" bargaining power were intoxicating: I saw huge margins and profits. Taking care of the economic rights of the poor were shamefully far from me. However, soon the narcissistic infatuation with bargaining dissipated as I became more aware of the plight of the Guatemalan poor and the gross injustices committed against the Guatemalan artisans. Like many artisans in emerging markets, Guatemalan artisans are continuously oppressed by the incessant price negotiation and pushiness of greedy, capitalistic buyers. There is often no concern for the poor as self-absorbed buyers demand a cheaper and cheaper price.
Free trade promotes economic growth, often at the expense of the poor. Fair trade, on the other hand, promotes economic growth, empowering the poor through transparent and just trading relationships. Supporting and buying fair trade products really does improve the lives of artisans and farmers. Fair trade is the only ethical form of sourcing for globally minded, socially conscious buyers and consumers.
Globally Minded works with artisans in Guatemala to design and produce beautiful, fair trade, eco-friendly, handmade necklaces, bracelets and brooches. Buy our fair trade jewelry on Amazon for your loved one and save 10% until the end of 2007. Free Super Saver Shipping also available. We support artisans and children with every purchase. We give a portion of our profits to Globally Minded Works, to support education in Guatemala.
Start shopping for fair trade jewelry now and remember: buy fair and be globally minded all the time.
Human Rights Day: Dignity and Justice for All of Us
December 10th marks the start of a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. The 2008 Human Rights theme is "Dignity and justice for all of us." All countries have accepted the UDHR as a standard for human equality and value. However, it is critical for individuals and communities to accept and act on these principles. We have come a long way with human rights but we are far from a world free of discrimination. A contract does not change the behavior of people. Change begins with a heart decision and manifests itself in a change of behavior.
My faith tells me that each life is of value: born and unborn, rich and poor, male and female, educated and non-educated, literate and non-literate, strong and weak, young and old, and on and on.
Yes, it is good to promote Human Rights Day, and, more so, to act upon it and make life fair, just and balanced for all. Let's begin within and seek to encourage all people around us of their value, dignity and importance in this world.
What are your plans to be globally minded, promote dignity and justice, and make life better for all?
Maya Life: Tortillas and Joy
Espiritu de Santos (Holy Spirit in English) is my friend from San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a place I call my second home. Corn tortillas are a main staple for the Mayan people and they are eaten at every meal. Most of the men in the village work in the fields harvesting the corn, green onions and other vegetables to provide for their families and sell in the open market. These farmers work long days, leaving at sunrise with machetes and shovels to work the fields. On average, they make about $2.50 a day. Mayan women are responsible for making the tortillas (a lengthy process), backstrap weaving, washing clothes, raising the children, going to the market, and cleaning the house. Many homes have open fires for cooking and many have dirt floors and no bathrooms. Water must be hauled in from the lake for washing and purchased for drinking. Life is so very different amongst the poor, yet as you can see by Espiritu de Santos' lovely countenance, there is a purity and a joy that she wears that comes from peace and gratitude within. Her smile is not uncommon on the faces of many living in poverty. Joy from within, flowing out to all.
Globalization and Fair Trade
As a result of living and working in remote villages in Guatemala, I became keenly aware of the need for ethical sourcing, also known as empowering the poor through fair trade. We all know that globalization is making the world smaller, providing the opportunity for the developing world to more actively participate in global trade. What some don't know is that many products imported into the US are unethically sourced. What does unethical sourcing mean? In short, it is the concept of profits over people. Too often in the trade transaction we see businesses (large and small) demand lower and lower prices for a product, at the expense of the producers, farmers and communities where the product is sourced. Another way to look at it, in practical terms, is making money at the expense of human dignity: the utilization of child labor, poorly ventilated and lit facilities, use of known toxic chemicals, withholding pay or paying late, long working hours without breaks, and so forth.
Globally minded people care about those at "the bottom of the pyramid" and advocate for justice for the oppressed. It is the act of being a global citizen, knowing that we are all a part of the whole. We must take responsibility to ensure that people everywhere, in the US and the world, are treated with dignity and respect. Certainly, our world is far from utopia, however, we can and should make the world better by caring for the poor through ethical trading. Globally Minded is concerned for the rights of artisans in Guatemala; we care for the artisans and communities we support and abide by fair trade principles. Globalization and fair trade must go hand in hand to promote justice for all.
Support fair trade. Help the poor. Make a difference. Be globally minded.
Rebuilding Guatemala after Hurricane Stan
During my last trip to Guatemala, I took a tour of the refugee camp just above Santiago Atitlan. The Mayans now living there were left homeless after Hurricane Stan (Oct 2005) washed their village, Panabaj, under a several feet of mud. The damage was monumental and catastrophic. Thousands of loved ones were buried alive in the middle of the night as the soil on the nearby volcano gave way and quickly covered the town of Panabaj. People lost their homes, belongings and livelihoods.
The Mennonite Central Committee gave $45,000 to build cement block homes for the displaced. When I took a tour of the region, I was informed that the government had ruled the land uninhabitable because it was "too near the foot of the volcano and susceptible to another mudslide". So the refugees continue to live in aluminum sided spaces with dirt floors until another area of land is designated safe. The refugee camp is a difficult sight to see because it is unsanitary, degrading and depressing. In response to their plight, USAID and other agencies are stepping in to provide the Mayans with food, clothing and blankets. In addition, various cooperatives, including a few we work with, have helped to rebuild homes and lives.
Globally Minded jewelry is handcrafted by some of the very women who lost everything in the Hurricane, providing food, clothing and resources for entire families. Our producer groups work in clean and pleasant facilities, learn new skills, and make money with their craft. Every purchase of Globally Minded handcrafts, supports those struggling in poverty, many the victims of a dreadful hurricane. We are thankful to make a difference.
Going Green Around the World
The first time I went to a third world country, I was blown away by the amount of refuse that littered streets, fields, and rivers - plastic bags, candy wrappers, plastic furniture, and everything else you can imagine. Forget the idea of public dumps in the developing world - one either burns their garbage (including plastics) or dumps the refuse "under the coffee trees". To top this off, toilet paper doesn't get flushed so this too gets burned.
I lived in a remote village in Guatemala, on the shores of lovely Lake Atitlan. Every Thursday we would burn our garbage; I dreaded those mornings as the smell was awful, I coughed repeatedly, and my eyes would sting from the smoke. Recycling has been virtually non-existent amongst the Mayan people. I don't blame them for the garbage problem, really. I blame the corporations for not being socially responsible as they market their products in the developing world. The Maya lived off the land for centuries and then our western world introduced them to the "wonderful" world of plastics; this was one of the worst mistakes ever made. The poor don't have the technology and resources to set up sophisticated recycling programs. Many of rural poor in Guatemala are illiterate and those who are educated may only have a third grade education.
The good news is that there are "gringos" living around the Lake who are very interested in the environment and teaching them about recycling. One of the projects around the Lake is making a tremendous impact: Pura Vida. They take old plastic shopping bags, batteries, candy wrappers and other refuse and place them into old plastic drinking bottles. They use these plastic bottles as insulation when they build homes, walls and buildings! This is a very novel way to help green the planet, while teaching the locals how to care for their environment.
By the way, if you venture down to San Marcos La Laguna, stay at one of the most eco-friendly hotels around the lake: Hotel Acculaax, owned and built by a German guy named Nicholas. The honeymoon suite is awesome with exquisite sunrises and sunsets, and views of the volcanoes and Lake Atitlan. Yes, make it a plan.
Going Green Around the World
The first time I went to a third world country, I was blown away by the amount of refuse that littered streets, fields, and rivers - plastic bags, candy wrappers, plastic furniture, and everything else you can imagine. Forget the idea of public dumps in the developing world - one either burns their garbage (including plastics) or dumps the refuse "under the coffee trees". To top this off, toilet paper doesn't get flushed so this too gets burned.
I lived in a remote village in Guatemala, on the shores of lovely Lake Atitlan. Every Thursday we would burn our garbage; I dreaded those mornings as the smell was awful, I coughed repeatedly, and my eyes would sting from the smoke. Recycling has been virtually non-existent amongst the Mayan people. I don't blame them for the garbage problem, really. I blame the corporations for not being socially responsible as they market their products in the developing world. The Maya lived off the land for centuries and then our western world introduced them to the "wonderful" world of plastics; this was one of the worst mistakes ever made. The poor don't have the technology and resources to set up sophisticated recycling programs. Many of rural poor in Guatemala are illiterate and those who are educated may only have a third grade education.
The good news is that there are "gringos" living around the Lake who are very interested in the environment and teaching them about recycling. One of the projects around the Lake is making a tremendous impact: Pura Vida. They take old plastic shopping bags, batteries, candy wrappers and other refuse and place them into old plastic drinking bottles. They use these plastic bottles as insulation when they build homes, walls and buildings! This is a very novel way to help green the planet, while teaching the locals how to care for their environment.
By the way, if you venture down to San Marcos La Laguna, stay at one of the most eco-friendly hotels around the lake: Hotel Acculaax, owned and built by a German guy named Nicholas. The honeymoon suite is awesome with exquisite sunrises and sunsets, and views of the volcanoes and Lake Atitlan. Yes, make it a plan.