Books about Guatemala and the Maya
17 July 2007 10:52 PM Filed in: Guatemala
By Kat Vaughan
Ready to dig in and learn more about Guatemala? We highly recommend the following books:
Ready to dig in and learn more about Guatemala? We highly recommend the following books:
- Silence on the Mountain
- Searching for Everado
- Blindfold's Eyes: My Journey From Torture To Truth
- I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala
- Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala
- To Save Her Life: Disappearance, Deliverance, and the United States in Guatemala
- Guatemala: Blood In The Cornfields
- A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya
- The Ancient Maya
- Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition Of The Mayan Book Of The Dawn Of Life And The Glories Of Gods and Kings
- The Code of Kings: The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs
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Fair Trade: Treating Artisans with Dignity
16 July 2007 12:00 PM Filed in: Fair Trade
By Kat Vaughan
Have you ever wondered where your bracelets, necklaces, accessories, gifts, household items and other products were made? Better yet, have you ever wondered who made them? Globalization has resulted in the outsourcing of production of goods and services to such countries as China, Thailand, India, Guatemala, Mexico and beyond - so that companies can seek a greater financial return. The love of money has sadly seduced many companies to cut their costs at the expense of human dignity. The treatment of artisans, workers, and employees anywhere must be monitored, evaluated and improved so that dignity, respect and value are nurtured. Have you ever considered that although cutting costs at the expense of human dignity may result in a short term financial increase, the long haul may be more costly? How you ask? Higher absenteeism, lower productivity, greater turnover, gossip. Indeed, the translation of financial losses goes on and on when there is an absence of value for people.
Let's be honest. Think of your own responses when you were treated unjustly versus when you were valued, appreciated and rewarded in the workplace. Feel the difference? We all like credit - monetary or other rewards - that validate our work and human-ness. So why do we treat employees, workers, and artisans overseas with such little concern or regard? Sadly, because many are short-sighted, valuing profit over people. The exciting news is that although globalization is making the world smaller and more competitive, more and more companies are embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR is a growing movement, radically challenging the course of old business methods, while championing for better stewardship of our environment and the ethical treatment of all workers - globally.
We've all heard of one of Jesus' saying to "treat others as you would have others treat you". This is true in every relationship, including business relationships. Globally Minded seeks to make the world a better place by treating its artisans through fair trade, or dignity and value. We only partner with organizations and cooperatives that value the treatment of its producers through fair trade business practices. Although we make sure that our producers are paid a fair wage, many of our producer groups are small and have not yet gone through the lengthy certification process. However, when you buy from Globally Minded you can have peace of mind because we honor our artisans with fair rewards. Indeed, we exist to improve lives, build more equitable communities through business and education, and to promote beauty and goodness through each purchase.
Have you ever wondered where your bracelets, necklaces, accessories, gifts, household items and other products were made? Better yet, have you ever wondered who made them? Globalization has resulted in the outsourcing of production of goods and services to such countries as China, Thailand, India, Guatemala, Mexico and beyond - so that companies can seek a greater financial return. The love of money has sadly seduced many companies to cut their costs at the expense of human dignity. The treatment of artisans, workers, and employees anywhere must be monitored, evaluated and improved so that dignity, respect and value are nurtured. Have you ever considered that although cutting costs at the expense of human dignity may result in a short term financial increase, the long haul may be more costly? How you ask? Higher absenteeism, lower productivity, greater turnover, gossip. Indeed, the translation of financial losses goes on and on when there is an absence of value for people.
Let's be honest. Think of your own responses when you were treated unjustly versus when you were valued, appreciated and rewarded in the workplace. Feel the difference? We all like credit - monetary or other rewards - that validate our work and human-ness. So why do we treat employees, workers, and artisans overseas with such little concern or regard? Sadly, because many are short-sighted, valuing profit over people. The exciting news is that although globalization is making the world smaller and more competitive, more and more companies are embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR is a growing movement, radically challenging the course of old business methods, while championing for better stewardship of our environment and the ethical treatment of all workers - globally.
We've all heard of one of Jesus' saying to "treat others as you would have others treat you". This is true in every relationship, including business relationships. Globally Minded seeks to make the world a better place by treating its artisans through fair trade, or dignity and value. We only partner with organizations and cooperatives that value the treatment of its producers through fair trade business practices. Although we make sure that our producers are paid a fair wage, many of our producer groups are small and have not yet gone through the lengthy certification process. However, when you buy from Globally Minded you can have peace of mind because we honor our artisans with fair rewards. Indeed, we exist to improve lives, build more equitable communities through business and education, and to promote beauty and goodness through each purchase.