Example: Global Gifts

Global Gifts, a group of fair trade retail stores in Central Indiana, has taken significant steps to promote Fair Trade in their local community and around North America.

In February 2010, they edited and co-published Think Fair Trade First to explain to children what Fair Trade is, why it’s important, and how they can make a difference. The book also provides teachers with a way to show their students can make the world a better place.

Each November, Global Gifts’ Helping Hands Festival showcases the work of producers for a broad cross-section of the Indianapolis community.  By involving local churches, service organizations, schools, and other groups, they greatly increased community awareness of both the store and Fair Trade.

Working with Indiana University, Global Gifts provides opportunities for students to become more engaged in the business of fair trade. They offer the IU Merchandising Club hands-on experience working on the displays of their Bloomington store and partner with the Kelley School of Business to sponsor a case competition. The competition evaluates the work of multiple student teams who make recommendations about Global Gift’s marketing efforts. In addition, they offer three internships each year to students from the university.

To learn more about their work in Principle 4 and all the Principles, visit GlobalGiftsIndy.com