Mission
The mission of Ten Thousand Villages is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term, fair trade relationships.
What is fair trade?
"Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.”
-The World Fair Trade Organization
Our mission would mean nothing without the volunteers who help us live it out every day!
We work with hundreds of Volunteers each year from grade school students to some of Austin's finest retirees! We've proudly partnered with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired since 2011.
KUT was there when Ten Thousand Villages set a world record in 2014. Listen here
Take a Journey through our store!
Ask any of our staff or volunteers and we’ll take you on a tour around the world to experience our artisan partners and the crafts they create.
Bring your furry friend!
If there is anything we love more than fair trade, it’s our four legged friends. Our store is proud to be pet friendly and we are home to many dog friendly events hosted throughout the year! In June we partnered with Austin Pets Alive for our Adopt and Shop event where we were able to find Einstein (below), a new home with one of our customers!
Stay connected!
Be one of the first to know about our events, sales, and new products by following us on social media!
Facebook: Ten Thousand Villages of Austin
Twitter: @AustinVillages
Instagram: @ttv_austin
Welcome to Ten Thousand Villages of Austin!
As one of the world’s oldest and largest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages has spent more than 60 years cultivating trading relationships in which artisans receive a fair price for their work and consumers have access to distinctive handcrafted items. We seek to establish long-term buying relationships in places where skilled artisans are under- or unemployed, and in which they lack other opportunities for income. A founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), Ten Thousand Villages sees fair trade as an alternative approach to conventional international trade.
We rely on a core group of volunteers to help us maintain our dedication to the fair trade movement! Are you a current volunteer? Check out the shift schedules below.
Volunteer Schedule
Mission
Our Volunteer Program Mission is twofold:
- To support the operational and sales goals of Ten Thousand Villages of Austin by providing excellent customer service and fulfilling operational tasks
- To advocate fair trade through education and outreach in store, in our communities, and at events
Volunteer Program Vision
A vibrant and informed volunteer community that helps the store reach or exceed goals, allowing us to grow our fair trade relationships and ensure sustainable incomes for more artisans.
Interested in finding out more? Please email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers.austin@tenthousandvillages.com to RSVP.
Expression of Interest
