80 YEARS OF IMPACT
CELEBRATING FAIR TRADE MONTH
From a single trunk of a car in 1946 to a global fair-trade movement, Ten Thousand Villages has spent eight decades building equitable partnerships with marginalized artisans across the globe. Founded on Edna Ruth Byler’s belief that dignity is earned through opportunity rather than charity, our 80-year journey reflects an unwavering commitment to safe working conditions, fair upfront wages, and sustainable practices. As we celebrate Fair Trade Month this October, every purchase honors the generations of artisan families whose timeless craftsmanship, culture, and resilience continue to shape a more just world, one handcrafted piece at a time.
OUR MISSION
Ten Thousand Villages collaborates with artisans in under-resourced communities to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term, fair trading relationships.
80 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
We know it works because we’ve seen the impact firsthand. Our artisan partnerships last an average of 20 years. That’s long enough to watch children grow into adulthood and witness significant generational change in their communities.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE WORLD FAIR TRADE ORGANIZATION
As a co-founder and associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization, our nonprofit business practices are based on Fair Trade principles that drive progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals.
