In its fifth year, Global Threads continues to help struggling artisans in rural areas across the world to gain market accessibility and to establish more sustainable businesses, while raising awareness for fair trade. Each year, the project has improved and found more ways to establish a sustainable connection between artisans and businesses, through showcasing and selling the artisans’ work. This year, we have formed partnerships with 5 fair trade organizations - Global Goods Partners, Global Sistergoods, Mercado Global, Ten Thousand Villages, and Partners for Just Trade. Our goals for the year is to educate individuals about the importance of fair trade, and to encourage them to make future purchases through these fair trade organizations, who will give the money back to the underprivileged artisans.  

On February 2, 2010, Global Threads held an International Silent Auction, which features the artisans’ goods, provided by our fair trade partners. This annual auction has grown considerably over 5 years, with higher attendances and more fair trade partners. The auction is opened to all Carnegie Mellon’s students and faculty members, as well as the entire Pittsburgh community. We have successfully raised over $2,000 through our silent auction, fundraisers, and other fair trade awareness events thus far. All the proceeds will be going to our 5 fair trade partners who will give the money back to the artisans. 

Furthermore, Global Threads has developed a blog (http://www.cmusife.org/globalthreads/wp/), which serves as a sustainable outlet intended for anyone interested in learning about worldwide artisans, fair trade organizations, and how to support fair trade. More upcoming showcases of goods and fundraisers will be held for the rest of the school year. We look forward to continue to make an impact on the lives of others and to educate our community about fair trade principles.