Ten Thousand Villages presents a world of difference with exquisite home decor, personal accessories and gift items handcrafted by artisans around the world. Artisans whose work isn't just their livelihood, but an expression of their culture. Ten Thousand Villages invites you to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of colors, textures, aromas, flavors and sounds.
Ten Thousand Villages in Oak Park is a non-profit, fair trade retailer offering handicrafts by artisans in more than 35 developing countries. Products include jewelry and personal accessories, home and garden decor, musical instruments, toys, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
About Ten Thousand Villages in Oak Park, IL
Ten Thousand Villages in Oak Park, IL, is a fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from across the globe. Featuring products from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries, we are part of a network of over 390 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products.
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.
Our store opened on September 7, 2007. We hope you will stop by to explore the wonderful variety of items we offer, to find things for yourself as well as gifts for the holidays and throughout the year.
Customer Service Volunteers & Board Members Needed!
Customer Service Volunteers are our front line of our work with customers and their work helps our artisans through
all the work they do.
Our board is looking to grow. They are seeking professional experience in: accounting/finance, law, operations,
retail or non-profit. Do you fit the bill? Consider joining our board.
The Value of Volunteers
Volunteers are absolutely critical to our success as a non-profit fair trade store. By keeping operating costs low,
we can purchase more products that help our artisan groups improve their economic situation. Volunteers are trained
to bring the artisans' stories and crafts to life, as well as provide excellent customer service. Make a difference
and join our team!
Qualifications:
Dependable, attentive, and able to interact easily with people
Computer and internet capable
Stand for a 2-3 hour shift, lift product, and use stairs easily
Minimum age 16
Benefits to Volunteers:
Friendly customers and great co-workers
Fabulous fair trade merchandise environment
A generous discount
Interested?
Contact us right away! If you prefer, you may apply online HERE!
