Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit organization in the United States, operating as a fair trade retailer. It was founded by Edna Ruth Byler in 1946 after she witnessed extreme poverty during a trip to Puerto Rico. Initially, Byler began selling handcrafted products from the boot of her car, eventually expanding to a storefront called Self Help Crafts in 1958. The organization's original philosophy was inspired by Mennonite values, including compassion, service, mutual aid, and peacemaking.

History

In the 1970s, the small project evolved into SELFHELP Crafts of the World, an official program of the Mennonite Central Committee. Over time, the organization grew and changed its name to Ten Thousand Villages in 1996, inspired by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: "India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages." This name change symbolized the organization's focus on supporting artisans in rural and under-resourced communities.

In 1994, Ten Thousand Villages became a member of the Fair Trade Federation, aligning its practices with the standards of fair trade. The organization is also a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization.

By 2008, Ten Thousand Villages had achieved significant sales, with one-third of its revenues paid directly to artisans, while the remaining two-thirds covered operational costs. In 2012, a partnership agreement was established with the Mennonite Central Committee, allowing Ten Thousand Villages to operate independently.

In recent years, the organization has continued to evolve. In 2019, Gordon Zook became the CEO, and in May 2022, Dan Alonso took over as the new CEO. As of January 2025, Ten Thousand Villages announced it would close its company-owned retail locations in the U.S., focusing instead on e-commerce and wholesaling to fair-trade affiliates.

Mission and Impact

Ten Thousand Villages is committed to creating economic opportunities for artisans in developing countries. The organization connects skilled makers from more than 25 countries to markets in the global North. By selling handcrafted products, Ten Thousand Villages helps artisans earn a fair income and gain access to basic rights and opportunities. The organization prioritizes environmental sustainability and social justice, ensuring that artisans work in safe conditions and receive fair wages.

Ten Thousand Villages offers a variety of products, including home decor, jewelry, personal accessories, and unique artisanal items. Through its operations, the organization addresses economic injustice and empowers women and marginalized communities. It also supports humanitarian and environmental causes, aligning with its commitment to people and the planet.

Values

• Fair Trade Practices: Ensuring artisans receive fair compensation for their work and operate in safe working conditions.
• Environmental Sustainability: Minimizing environmental impact through sustainable practices.
• Social Justice: Empowering marginalized communities and promoting economic equity.
• Cultural Preservation: Celebrating diverse craft traditions and cultural heritage.