My name is Caryn Maxim. I live in NJ but spend 2 weeks of each month in Cajola, a Maya Mam community in the western highlands of Guatemala. (The Mam people are one of the 22 Maya ethnic groups in Guatemala.) I have been helping a group of women start a weaving cooperative, MayaMam Weavers, over the past years. I would like to share with you some of their work, some of their stories, some of their wisdom, as well as why fair trade -- or trading fairly -- matters.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
MayaMam Weavers Proud Members of the Fair Trade Association
We are so pleased to have been accepted by the Fair Trade Association! Although we firmly believe in their principles and believe we have been practicing them since the very beginning, it is very satisfying to have passed their somewhat rigorous review process. So we can say confidently to all of your that yes, we are practicing the Principles of Fair Trade. As the Fair Trade Federation website explains: "Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system. Fair trade supports farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized. These producers lack economic opportunity and often face steep hurdles in finding markets and customers for their goods. Fair trade is much more than just trade. At the core of the fair trade model is a direct, cooperative, and in-depth relationship between buyers and sellers that keeps all of the principles of fair trade at the forefront." And if you want to delve further, visit their website, particularly the page on fair trade principles: http://www.fairtradefederation.org/fair-trade-federation-principles We are honored to be recognized for our commitment, too.
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