GLOBAL GALLERY, a local Columbus Ohio organization, with four retail locations that is known for its Fair Trade goods for sale is just part of what this organization does in Central Ohio. They offer monthly workshops entitled WOMEN CRAFTING CHANGE (WCC) that invites immigrant women to come together and creatively express themselves through the development of making unique, marketable crafts from sustainable and reclaimed materials. This year a group of ten women who are ready to move beyond basic techniques will be able learn entrepreneural skills. This subgroup of WCC will have the opportunity to work on the development and the manufacturing of artisan products such as candles, body scrubs and plush toys.
WCC by design main purpose is to integrate newly arrived immigrants into the fabric of our town, it makes for an introduction and gives a platform on which issues affecting immigrants in Columbus – such as poverty, economics, Fair Trade, women’s issues – can be discussed and in doing so becomes a building block for peace, social justice, understanding and change. By inviting women from different socioeconomic communities and backgrounds, Global Gallery is also breaking down the ethnic barrier of isolationism that new members of our community often face. These monthly meeting encourage social interaction and the “crossing of borders”. The program also offers food security and meals are prepared and served. In addition, as Global Gallery has a Fair Trade store on the campus of The Ohio State University, it has attracted student interns who are afforded the opportunity to interact with women from different cultures and who may be experiencing economic hardship. This is a model for collaborative partnerships that teaches respect and humility.
