‘Pairing volunteer designers with our partnerships abroad is a pilot program of Global Goods Partners that began about six months ago. This pilot program is progressing just one aspect of GGP’s objective to provide additional technical support to our community based organizations (CBO) around the world. Through this program, GGP strives to expand the impact of these artisans with limited resources by providing the support needed, i.e. lack of fashion trends in the States.

Alessandra participates in this program and works with El Hombre Sobre La Tierra in Mexico. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey to this involvement and what she has learned so far.’  Click here to read more!

From the top, Fair Trade Winds in Maine, Green Nest in Virginia and Worldwide Market Square in Massachusetts — To view a complete list of stores where you can find Via Nativa jewelry click here.

Boston, Massachusetts will host the largest Fair Trade conference in North American history this September!  I’ll be going to the conference with other NYC Fair Trade Coalition volunteers.  We’ll have the chance to meet producers and artisans, listen to speakers of the Fair Trade movement and even debates!  Click here for the conference schedule.  Visit the Fair Trade Futures website for more information.

The Fair Trade Federation has launched a new tool to explain the Fair Trade business model and inspire others to adopt trading practices that distribute power, risks, and rewards more equitably.

From July 24th to the 27th the Beckman’s Handmade Show at the Chicago Gift Show will partner with the Fair Trade Federation and twenty participating Fair Trade Federation members.  Global Goods Partners, a fashion forward, fair trade, non profit has been generous enough to feature a small variety of Via Nativa jewelry! Look for Global Goods Partners and Via Nativa jewelry at Booth #8099!

Ecouterre, “a website devoted to the future of sustainable fashion design,”  wrote an excellent article, “Via Nativa’s Fair-Trade, Sustainable Wood Jewelry Are Natural Treasures”. “Chockfull of organic curves, smooth finishes, and inviting woodgrain, each Via Nativa piece carries with it the story of an honest living and the natural splendor that surrounds us.” And best of all, “Via Nativa’s hand-carved wooden jewelry is way better than any homemade daisy chain and far less ephemeral.” — That’s just the thing about Via Nativa: while our designs are fresh and bold, they are always classic, for any time of the year!

Vote for Fair & Square, a new fair trade bar in NYC.

Take a look & vote! http://pitch.co/entry/53268

Fair & Square has a simple vision. To be New York City’s first Fair Trade bar serving wine, beer & artisanal liquors. To be a vibrant business that cares for people & planet. To change the way you think about responsible purchasing. Our daytime coffee shop will compliment our bar, providing a comfortable, stylish, welcoming space that allows you to support clear ethical values.

Fair & Square, drink for a change!

Fair & Square has a simple vision. To be New York City’s first Fair Trade bar serving wine, beer & artisanal liquors.  Along with a fellow volunteer at the NYC Fair Trade Coalition, we have decided to add our business idea to Pitch.co — Maybe they can help us get it off the ground, but only you can help us get it started by voting for us at pitcho.co!

If you like to have a couple drinks with friends, why not do it with a conscience?  If you’re sure you want to help alleviate poverty, a drink at Fair & Square is one small way…

Vote for us by clicking on the link above or by clicking on the image below!

Fair & Square, drink for a change!

Ben & Jerry’s will be visiting NYC this weekend to promote their 2013 transition to all Fair Trade products (where possible) with their “What’s Inside?” tour.

Fri, June 4th @ 48th & 6th Ave (Noon – 2:30pm)

Sat, June 5th @ Union Square (Noon – 2:30pm)
Corner of 14th & University Place in front of Diesel

Sun, June 6th @ Prospect Park (Noon-2:30pm)
Park entrance – corner of Washington Ave & Eastern Parkway

We’re looking for volunteers to talk about Fair Trade & the Fair Trade Coalition.

Mmmmm…Tell me who wouldn’t like to be there? RSVP to fairtradenyc@gmail.com