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. Did you know that they offer monthly workshops entitled WOMEN CRAFTING CHANGE that invite immigrant women to come together and creatively express themselves through the development of making unique, marketable crafts from sustainable and reclaimed materials? Imagine this program, by design, integrates newly-arrived immigrants into the fabric of our town. Through this work, they are introduced to the community and it allows them to have an outlet to discuss issues affecting immigrants in Columbus such as poverty, economics, Fair Trade, and women’s concerns. Having a place to discuss issues that may not have been part of the cultural dialog in their respective home countries gives them a sense of America and how communication between all people is a building block for peace, social justice, understanding and creates 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. It also allows students to have hands-on experience with the day-today work of Fair Trade practices both locally and internationally. This is a model for collaborative partnerships that teaches respect and humility.
