Ten Thousand Villages in Seattle, WA, is a fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from across the globe. Featuring products from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries, they are part of a network of over 390 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products.

As one of the world’s oldest and largest fair trade organizations, Ten Thousand Villages has spent more than 60 years cultivating trading relationships in which artisans receive a fair price for their work and consumers have access to distinctive handcrafted items. They seek to establish long-term buying relationships in places where skilled artisans are under- or unemployed, and in which they lack other opportunities for income. A founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), Ten Thousand Villages sees fair trade as an alternative approach to conventional international trade.

Ten Thousand Villages—Seattle is run in large part by volunteers including their volunteer board of directors. They are a vibrant part of the community. You are invited to the dozens of events they host in the store and at locations throughout Washington State. They are motivated and inspired by their mission.

The mission of Ten Thousand Villages - Seattle is to develop strong fair trade economic markets through their practices and educational outreach, in order to support artisans and craftspeople in struggling communities around the world.

As a nonprofit organization, they are run primarily by a diverse and dynamic team of volunteers. If you are interested in being a part of the fair trade movement and have a passion for their people-driven mission and the products that they sell, join them! They welcome highly motivated people, with a friendly attitude and a desire to help. Many of their positions require no previous experience, and with extended store hours, they have opportunities that fit any schedule.