One Fair World (formerly known as Ten Thousand Villages) began eight years ago as a dream by a group of resourceful people who had no retail experience but were excited by the idea of bringing a fair-trade store to Salem, Oregon. The store is committed to its mission of alleviating poverty in developing countries. Other than the store manager, the store is run entirely by volunteers who bring dedication, creativity and skill to their tasks.
Today, our Volunteer Spotlight shines on Ellen Chambers, volunteer coordinator for One Fair Trade.
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Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs.
One Fair World is a non-profit, Fair Trade store in Salem, Oregon. We are a marketplace for handcrafted items from over thirty countries and our mission is to reduce poverty in developing countries. The store is staffed mostly by volunteers with just one paid manager. Volunteers work as sales associates and day managers in the store and also do window displays, paint fixtures, unpack orders, and more. We also have special events and off-site sales.Volunteers pack, transport, set up displays, make presentations and work at the events.
How did you get started as a volunteer leader?
I have volunteered for a long time. My involvement with One Fair World began 10 years ago when a group of people joined together to bring a fair trade store to Salem. My current role is volunteer scheduler and board chair.What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders?
Never underestimate the talents and skills of volunteers! Our dedicated volunteers bring AMAZING abilities to a variety of tasks.Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
I used VolunteerSpot through another organization. When I saw the wonderful service it provided, I signed up. We had been using a paper calendar in the store, but often people forgot their appointment books or needed to check at home before signing up. Now, they can sign up at home when all their information is available. I especially like being able to administer the sign-up calendar from home since I'm not in the store everyday. The automatic reminder notices for volunteers are also a great help!Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
Fair Trade ensures that disadvantaged artisans and farmers receive fair payment for their products and gives them dignity and a path out of poverty. Where you shop does make a difference! Look for Fair Trade stores in your area.
You can find Once Fair World here:
4 Court St NE, Salem OR 97301
Open Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 6:00
Sat: 10:00 - 5:00; Sun: Closed
503.585.1636
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We salute Ellen and all the volunteer heroes out there in our communities. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing, and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at VS@volunteerspot.com.
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