Local Fair Trade Activists to Speak About the Work of Ten Thousand Villages Organization At June 14th Meeting

The inspiration for the name—Ten Thousand Villages—came from a Mahatma Gandhi quote: “…India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages…we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with.” To those involved with the organization, each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people…offering extraordinary products born of their rich cultures and traditions.

Joining us to discuss the work of Ten Thousand Villages will be Wheaton College professors and husband and wife team Norm and Sharon Ewert. Norm and Sharon are involved with the Ten Thousand Villages store in Glen Ellyn and have traveled abroad to meet with the local artisans involved with the network. They will have a special slide presentation of their travels on behalf of Ten Thousand Villages. 

As usual, our meeting will start at 7:30 PM with a time for socializing and refreshment and will be held at the Lombard Commons, 433 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. Presentations by our guest will start promptly at 8 PM.

Since 1946 Ten Thousand Villages has supported the work of literally tens of thousands of artisans in over 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, making them one the largest fair trade organizations in North America. Working with more than 100 artisan groups, they purchase fine pieces from craftspeople with whom they have longstanding, nurturing relationships…helping to bring dignity to their lives.

Ten Thousand Villages is a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association, an organization that includes over 200 members in 55 countries, including many artisan groups in developing countries. They are part of a worldwide movement that is striving to improve the livelihood of disadvantaged people in developing countries through the expansion of fair trade.

Ten Thousand Villages markets quality products from diverse cultures around the world made by people that they know and care enough about to do business in a manner that together they consider mutually fair. They strive to operate as a business with a compassionate mission so that they can provide vital, fair income to artisans. The dream of the Ten Thousand Villages network is to one day see that all artisans in developing countries will earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live a life of quality.

Ten Thousand Villages was a big idea that started out small – from the trunk of Edna Ruth Byler’s car, in fact. But years of dedication and giving have grown the organization to the point where the retail operation spans North America with over 160 outlets where fine, eclectic village wares can be purchased. You’ll find everything from folk art and heirloom-quality home décor, to ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry and musical instruments in the stores and at local festival sales.

The logo represents the values that they hope to invest in the name Ten Thousand Villages. The continuous line of rooftops reminds us that all people are linked together as we live on this earth. The light in the doors and windows reminds the patrons and organization members of homes of people with whom they work in many villages. The warm red color and hand-etched edge represent the materials and methods used to make the quality handicrafts that are sold in their stores. Multiply the village idea by ten thousand and it represents the world we should all strive to build.

Please join us for this interesting program on June 14^th.

All DuPage Democratic Club meetings are open to the general public. We welcome and encourage attendance by individuals of all political views and affiliations.

DuPage County Democratic Home Page

Other issues of the DuPage Democrat