In researching charities, I also came across some other interesting organizations, such as 10000 villages, that I don't know if they really classify as charties or not. Is 10000 villages a charity? What is it's main purpose? Is it effective?
Ten Thousand Villages is one of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. Ten Thousand Villages accomplishes this by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America, and building long term buying relationships in places where skilled artisan partners lack opportunities for stable income. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. (http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/php/about.us/index.php) Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. They can be recognised by the WFTO logo. Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first. (http://www.wfto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1331&Itemid=293)
With this research, I would not call Ten Thousand Villages a charity, but an even more effective type of organization. It is a partnership that benefits artisans in countries, but does not necessarily just give them aid...they have to earn it.
This week in class:
This was one of my favorite weeks of ethics class ever. Learning about Egypt's riots as a relevent current event was interesting and allowed me to understand the world better. The research we did in class allowed me to understand all of the articles I had been reading. It was interesting to study how other world events affected Egypt, and the magnitude of these events on the rest of the world. We also used games to reflect on almost a "survivial of the fittest" vs. teamwork approach at partnership, and I surprised myself a little bit.
I think that the U.S. should stop giving military aid to countries unless there is a war and we are in alliance with them. Every single time a country is a threat to the nation, it seems that the US has given them weapons. This is just another case that could end badly for us. With the Muslim Brotherhood spearing the revolt, I wonder if their attitude toward Israel will change. If it does, will the United States back up Israel and get into conflict with a decades old ally?
In the teamwork and partnership games, I surprised myself with being more competitive and "survival of the fittest"-esque than I thought I was, though I do think some of that had to do with my partner. It was interesting to see that duringn one of the games, where we were playing "chicken," my partner and I both didn't swerve and suffered the consequences over the chance of winning.
Question for next week:
What's the new status on Egypt? Where does the U.S stand?
Sources:
Shop for Home Decor, Accessories, Handmade Jewelry, Woven Baskets & More at a Fair Trade Organization || Ten Thousand Villages." Ten Thousand Villages. A Fair Trade Retailer. || Learn about Fair Trade, Find Special Gift Ideas & Shop for Unique Handicrafts from around the World. Web. 08 Feb. 2011. http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/php/about.us/index.php.
"WFTO - What Is Fair Trade?" WFTO - Home. Web. 08 Feb. 2011. <http://www.wfto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1331&Itemid=293>.
"World News - International Headlines, Stories and Video from CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Web. 08 Feb. 2011. <http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/>.
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