In case our closing has made you wonder whether fair and sustainable business practice can thrive in today’s world, we wanted to share about some of the impact we have seen these last years and give you a list of non-profits and businesses who are doing it well, on all different scales. For many of these, the profit margin to conduct business is definitely smaller and the areas where work is offered are particularly vulnerable to a variety of challenges (government infrastructures, natural disasters, threat of gangs, human trafficking, just to name a few).
The stories of impact have a way of moving us from asking if this can work to how. How can we be a part of a world where “ethically made, fairly traded, and people first” are the norm, not the exception?
Thanks to fair employment, we have seen and been apart of stories where families could stay together. Whether in Haiti, Bangladesh, or beyond — we have seen the shift that a good job offer can make to a mom struggling to make it happen and questioning how to care for her children.
I think of Petite Palm, Papillon, and Pebble.
Thanks to fair employment, women who survived the horrors of human trafficking or other painful realities whether in the USA, China, India, or beyond were given a place to heal and thrive. A new skill and a trauma-informed workspace allowed for stories of redemption.
I think of Starfish Project, Hon’s Honey, Swahlee, New Creation, Prodigal Pottery, and Paper Baristas.
Thanks to fair employment, we have seen families move out of a life trapped in poverty. Whether in Honduras, Guatemala, Kenya, the Philippines, or beyond we have seen amazing stories of moms paying for their kids’ education, families being able to purchase their first homes, or even budding entrepreneurs stepping out in starting their own businesses, looking for ways to support others in their community with good jobs.
I think of Everhope Collective, Fair and Simple, and Elizabeth’s Voice.
Thanks to fair employment, we have seen international development done in a way that truly cares for people, where people are not treated as if they are projects to be fixed. Instead, good jobs offer dignified ways to care for their own families and communities. Whether in India, Haiti,
I think of Haiti Design Co, Imani Collective, Second Story Goods, Lazarus Artisan Goods, and Ten Thousand Villages.
Thanks to fair employment, more kids can go to school. From India and Thailand to Kenya and Bangladesh, we have seen the impact that fair employment has in providing education for children and parents, as well. With parents able to receive a fair wage in decent hours, kids are able to be kids.
I think of Pebble, Venture Imports, Grain of Rice Project, Haiti Marketplace, and Palam Rural Centre.
Thanks to fair employment, we have seen people in vulnerable places receive support and opportunity. From those coming to the USA as refugees and women getting out of prison to brothers and sisters impacted by HIV/Aids, we have seen the beauty that can come through meeting people where they are with fair pay, support, and good work.
I think of the Women's Bean Project, Hands Producing Hope, Mwayiwathu Women's Group, and Snail Mail Cards.
Thanks to fair employment, we have witnessed stories of garment factory work done in a dignified way that is kinder to the environment, through using better materials and being intentional about every step of the supply chain.
I think of Go Exchange, Known Supply, ABLE, and Pact.
These are just a few of the good stories. There are so many more. So, here's to still showing up. Here is to still choosing people over stuff. And, here's to the good stories.
You have a business or social enterprise you want to share about? We would love to know!