Global Goods Partners and Etsy Labs Partner for Craft for a Cause

New York, NY, July 18, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Global Goods Partners (GGP), an NYC-based Fair Trade organization, is teaming up with the Etsy.com handmade-craft community for a fun and innovative workshop to support artisans in the developing world.

“The power of handmade is enormous,” said Julia Bereslavskiy of Global Goods Partners, “and we’d love to see the DIY enthusiasts in our local community recognize the power of handmade in other parts of the world as well.” Craft for a Cause will connect local artisans with their global counterparts and allow participants to experience a traditional African art form while learning about the importance of being socially conscious consumers.

The event will function both as a fundraiser for GGP's partners and an educational craft class. Participants will learn the art of African friendship bracelet weaving from skilled craftswoman Linda LaBelle of the Brooklyn shop The Yarn Tree. Linda will also share experiences from her recent trip to Rwanda where she visited some of GGP's partner organizations and taught natural dye-weaving to women widowed by the genocide. In addition, GGP will give a presentation on their partnership with Fair Trade cooperatives in the developing world. All proceeds from the event will support education, gender equality, and income-generation programs for marginalized communities in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

“Craft for a Cause” will take place at 7pm on July 22nd at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn at 325 Gold St. All materials will be provided by GGP. Please RSVP to llefty@globalgoodspartners.org. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

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