Ten Thousand Villages of Austin

Our Vision:
One day all artisans in the developing countries will earn a fair wage, be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live a life of quality.

Our Mission:
Ten Thousand Villages provides vital, fair income to Third World people by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing.

Description:
Ten Thousand Villages of Austin is a non-profit store dedicated to providing vital, fair income to artisans by providing a marketplace to sell their handicrafts. We feature products from over 130 artisan groups in 38 countries, and we are part of a network of 156 retail outlets nationwide.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of our store, located in the heart of SoCo! There are many opportunities in which people can assist. No previous experience is necessary (just a friendly attitude and a desire to help!), and we can be flexible with your schedule. Contact us for more information or to get involved with any of the following opportunities:
• Helping customers
• Unpacking & checking in orders
• Working a booth at off-site events
• Marketing & PR assistance

History:
We have been open in Austin since 2004. There are only three paid staff members, so we rely on volunteers to assist with everything from greeting customers to serving on the board of directors.

Ten Thousand Villages has been in existence since 1946, and is a nonprofit program of the Mennonite Central Committee. Please see our website for a detailed history of the organization.

Contact people:

Polly Monear, Volunteer Coordinator, (512) 440-0440, (email) Kitty Bird, General Manager, (email)

Address:

1317 S. Congress Austin, TX 78704 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.villagesofaustin.com

Last updated on September 1, 2009